If you're feeling bad for leaving that bathroom renovation on your to-do list for a few years, don't be.
This farmhouse was centuries old, and hadn't seen a serious makeover for decades when a new owner bought it in 1999.
But she could see past the wear and tear to appreciate what the home could be.
"It spoke to me, and I envisioned the potential," she told Home Beautiful, "although it had to be uncovered."
Perfectly imperfect
The property in New Scotland, New York is wasn't pretty, but it was brimming with history.
The farmhouse was built in the 1780s using wood from the property itself. The most exotic building materials were the bricks for fireplace - they were originally ballasts on dutch ships.
The Saltbox home's wooden frame had an uneven slant, which is a pretty good metaphor for the house: you have to look past its unique quirks to truly appreciate it.
As the owner said, "if you were this old, you'd have chips, nooks and crannies, too!"
Besides, with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 3,000 square feet of space, anyone would feel at home here after a little TLC.
The worst part about the home was that it had been updated, but the renovated sections were stuck in the ugliest part of the 1960s.
After tossing out the Formica, linoleum, and floral wallpaper, the new owner was able to let the house shine with a no-nonsense makeover.
A modern, antique update
The homeowner scraped out the property's scummy pond and put a fresh coat of paint on the farmhouse, barn, and outbuildings.
Even she admits the home was "pretty rough" before renovations began, but you can't argue with her results.
The best part of this update is that the home's personality finally shines through.
The wood surfaces in every room make the house feel nice and cozy, and so do the antiques farm tools sprinkled through the home.
The fireplace was moved to the opposite wall brick-by-brick, but with the subtle improvement of scratching off the unnatural red paint.
Every new addition and project was made using salvaged or reclaimed materials, so nothing feels out of place and the home has a consistent mood from one room to the next.
In the kitchen, you'll notice an original Chambers stove from 1931, which still works (because they don't make 'em like they used to).
It's hard to believe that this beautiful home hit the market for just $369,000 last year, considering the prices some rundown houses have been selling for.
The location is not exactly prime real estate, but as the owner says this home is great "for those who value the simple things in life: nature, family, friends, peace and quiet."
That's me! What about you, is this your dream home, or do you prefer something more modern?
Enjoy these other home renovations:
- The famous Grey Gardens mansion looks good as new.
- This wood-paneled basement was brought into the 21st century, with style.
- And this vintage trailer became the perfect tiny home.
[H/T: Home Beautiful]
