There's a home in our neighborhood that we had considered buying several years ago. At that time, the home was owned by a single guy who maintained it in immaculate condition. He had done some upgrades in the bathrooms and kitchen - but nothing extreme. Everything he had done inside was in keeping with the architecture and period of the home. This guy also maintained the yard meticulously. The entire setting was like a wonderful oasis within easy walking distance of downtown.
The home has been for sale twice since our initial look/see about five years ago. Since we drive by the house just about every day, we were curious what the new owner was doing to the home.
In the name of updating, renovating and remodeling, the new owner has completely destroyed the charm and architectural integrity of the place. Beautiful period fireplaces and mantles have been replaced with stock, manufactured cheap stuff. The original hardwood floors have been replaced with weird, dark manufactured planking with ripples in it. Original moldings and door casings have been torn out. The new moldings look more like something meant for a mountain lodge rather than a 1920 city house. In the one room where the original hardwood floor had been retained, the owner cut out about a 6 x 6 section in the center of the flooring and laid carpeting. Only the original leaded glass windows remain. Some of those were broken. The yard has been neglected as well.
I realize that there may be buyers out there who think what's been done to the house is terrific. You know, all modern and fancy.. But my husband and I are sick about it. The house has been forever changed and not necessarily for the better. Well, at least in our opinion.
I know, we should have bought it when we had the chance.
4 comments:
In cases like that, it would be less painful if they had just torn the old house down and rebuilt.
Ouch.
Al - The only problem with tearing down this particular house, it is a solidly built brick home and not one of those barely standing kind of things. Tearing it down would have been even more painful. At least, we can still drive by and appreciate the exterior. That is unless, the owner gets really crazy and decides the outside needs an update.
Only in America! It is sad that Utah's 150 year history, isn't being preserved as well as thousands of years of history in other parts of the world.
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