by Amanda Davis (photo by Teemu08)
Today I thought we’d travel to Rockford, Illinois to dream about fixing up this Victorian Gothic beauty selling for just $32,500! Don’t you just love that woodwork at the front gable? And that tower? The home sits on a corner lot in the Haight Village Historic District, which means it’s surrounded by lots of other great old houses. Trust me, I checked!
This particular Rockford peach (had to sneak in an A League of Their Own reference) comes with over 3,700 square feet, and was built in 1883 for Judge William Brown. And just who was Judge Brown? Well, the National Register report (available HERE as a PDF) recognizes him and his family as “perhaps the best examples of the leaders of industry, commerce and government that chose to build homes in Haight Village during the period from 1880 to 1895”. He held several positions in public office and served as mayor in 1857. By the time he had this large, expensive house built, he was a circuit court judge. This house certainly has deep roots in Rockford history.
Actually, his two sons also built homes just a few doors down at 312 and 320 South Third Street. Bonus: those homes are still around! I love learning about those kinds of family connections.
There aren’t too many photos of the inside of the house, but I love some of the details shown here. I’ll never turn down a beautiful built-in like the one above, that’s for sure.
I wish there was a close-up of that stained glass window. It looks amazing! And the arched bay window and historic moldings add great character to this room, too.
I’m not sure what this room was designed for, but it really does look stately with that paneling.
I’m hoping that someone comes along and fixes up this house. If it’s charming me in its current condition, I just know it could be a stunning part of this historic district with the right vision from a loving homeowner!
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Click through HERE to see the full listing!
AUTHOR AMANDA DAVIS
Amanda is an historic preservationist living in New York City with a particular fondness for fixer-uppers. She can be spotted checking out quirky historic details here, there, and everywhere in her handmade dresses. Every time Amanda sees a cozy room with large windows and beautiful built-ins she can’t help but imagine her very own sewing nook with oldies music playing in the background.
