An Artist Had to Gut-Reno a 1960s House After Discovering Termites and Faulty Wiring
Artist Morgan Purdy, who is from the Virgin Islands but has lived in Asheville, North Carolina, for 30 years, was actually planning on turning this house into a long-term rental after doing just a few “light renovations” when she purchased it three years ago.
“But after contractors found termites and faulty wiring, I knew I had to put a lot more money into this to make it right,” she explains. It turns out the 800-square-foot house, originally built in 1962, would need a full gut renovation, and Morgan had to take out another loan, eventially spending $120K.
“The house was the previous owner’s ‘mountain cabin’ but unfortunately wasn’t well-cared-for. It had minimal furniture and things just felt drab and unloved,” she describes of the house before she bought it.
“After finding termites in the floor and electrical fires under the drywall, I had to gut everything! But that allowed me to have a blank canvas … I took down a few walls and got the original ’60s carpet out to reveal gorgeous hardwood floors,” she describes of the reno.
Because of all the work Morgan put into the space, she knew she was never going to get her investment back by renting it out. “So I decided I’d rent out my other place and live here for a year or so. Well that was three years ago, and I know I’ll never leave this house — it fits me so perfectly.”
This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.
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