by Elizabeth Finkelstein
This house. THIS HOUSE! It’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Reputed to date back all the way back to 1780, this eclectic historical home must have been a beauty in her heyday. Just LOOK at that turret. But wait, it gets better: The house sits on over 132 acres! And get this: It has been in the same family since 1837. I’m sure that family has some stories to tell. Today’s featured fixer-upper comes complete for some historic photos of the house, so you can begin to picture what life must have been life way back then.
Brian Cirelli of Cirelli Real Estate, YOU ARE MY HERO. I’ve mentioned this only — ooooh, I don’t know — TWELVE THOUSAND TIMES since starting CIRCA. Realtors, do your best to dig up some old photos of the house you’re trying to sell, especially (but not only) if it’s a fixer-upper. People like me go gaga for things like this! I’m sure there’s a history buff in your town who would be more than happy to help you out.
Unfortunately we don’t get to see much of the inside. But it does, according to the listing, lack plumbing, making it uninhabitable. Still, I’d love to see a bit more of what survives in there.
Below are some photos of those 132+ acres. The listing describes the setting as “acres of hilltop hayfield with beautiful southwesterly views. Two large fields, pasture & large wooded portion sloping toward the Prince River to the west.” Ahhhhh, I can just picture my new life…
Ready to roll up your sleeves? No. 257 Walnut Hill Road is on the market for $440,000. Check out the full listing HERE.
AUTHOR ELIZABETH FINKELSTEIN
Elizabeth is the founder of CIRCA and a practicing writer, architectural historian and preservation consultant living in Brooklyn, NY. Elizabeth has loved historic houses for as long as she can remember, having grown up in an 1850’s Greek Revival gem that was lovingly restored by her parents. Elizabeth, her husband Ethan and their beagle Banjo remain on a relentless hunt for their perfect “Thanksgiving house.”
