Priced at $65,000, this custom-built home from the late 1940s offers a distinctive opportunity for buyers interested in a classic residence with generous interior space and a traditional layout. Built in 1948, the property features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large main floor, and a partially finished basement that was previously used as a recreation room.
The home is described as a modern classic from the 1950s era, reflecting the style and character of its original design. The main floor includes approximately 2,861 square feet of living space, with a living room, dining room, den, and a kitchen with a separate breakfast area and plenty of cabinets. The basement adds approximately 832 square feet, bringing the combined area described in the listing to roughly 3,693 square feet.
With its custom-built history, multiple living spaces, and a half-acre lot, this property offers room for a buyer to explore its potential. The listing includes both a present-day photograph and a historical photograph taken shortly after the home’s completion in 1949, providing a glimpse of the property’s original appearance.
Property Overview
- Asking price: $65,000
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 3 total
- Full bathrooms: 2
- Half bathrooms: 1
- Main-floor living area: Approximately 2,861 square feet
- Basement: Approximately 832 square feet, partially finished
- Approximate combined area: 3,693 square feet, based on the areas provided in the listing
- Year built: 1948
- Lot size: Approximately 0.5 acres
- Heating: Gas, forced air
- Cooling: Listed as other; specific system not identified
- Foundation: Masonry
- Roof: Shake or shingle
- Exterior materials: Stone, wood, and brick
- Parking: Three spaces listed, with off-street parking
A Custom-Built Home with Historic Character
Constructed in 1948, this home dates to a period when many residences featured distinct rooms, traditional materials, and layouts designed around separate household activities. Its custom-built origins distinguish it from a standard, mass-produced design.
The listing describes the property as a modern classic associated with the 1950s era. Although its construction year is listed as 1948, the description emphasizes the home’s classic mid-century character and its original design.
The availability of a historical photograph from shortly after completion offers an interesting connection to the home’s past. Comparing the earlier image with the present-day photograph may help buyers appreciate how the property has changed over time, although the current condition of individual features should be assessed in person.
Spacious Main-Floor Living Area
The main floor contains approximately 2,861 square feet of living space. Its size allows for several separate rooms, including the living room, dining room, den, kitchen, and breakfast area.
This traditional arrangement can provide flexibility for buyers who prefer distinct spaces rather than one large open-plan room. The living room can serve as a central gathering area, while the dining room offers a dedicated place for meals and entertaining.
The den provides another interior space that could potentially be used for reading, relaxing, hobbies, or working from home, depending on its layout and condition. Together, these rooms offer a variety of possibilities for organizing everyday activities.
Living Room for Relaxation and Gathering
The living room is one of the main spaces identified in the listing. In a home of this size, a separate living room can offer an area for seating, conversation, and spending time with family or guests.
Buyers can evaluate the room’s dimensions, natural light, flooring, and general condition during a viewing. The listing identifies tile, carpet, hardwood, and linoleum or vinyl among the flooring types found in the home, but it does not specify which material is installed in each individual room.
The existing finishes may offer an opportunity to preserve some of the home’s traditional character while updating other areas to suit a new owner’s preferences.
Separate Dining Room
The home includes a dedicated dining room, providing a distinct space for family meals, holiday gatherings, or entertaining visitors.
A separate dining room may appeal to buyers who enjoy a traditional layout where meals can take place away from the main living area. Its arrangement also gives future owners the opportunity to choose furniture and decorative details that complement the home’s age and architectural character.
The room’s current condition and the amount of space available for a dining table should be confirmed during an in-person inspection.
Den with Additional Uses
The den adds another room to the main-floor layout. Depending on its dimensions and condition, it could potentially serve as a reading room, home office, hobby space, or a quieter alternative to the main living room.
Having a separate den can be useful for households that need a little more flexibility in how the home is arranged. Buyers should assess its lighting, electrical outlets, flooring, and general condition before deciding how best to use the space.
Kitchen with Plenty of Cabinets
The kitchen is described as having plenty of cabinets, offering storage for cookware, dishes, pantry items, and other everyday essentials.
The kitchen also includes a breakfast area, giving the room a space for casual meals or a morning coffee. This feature can be useful for households that prefer an informal dining option in addition to a separate dining room.
The listing does not provide a detailed inventory of kitchen appliances or confirm whether the cabinetry and counters have been recently updated. Buyers should verify which fixtures and appliances remain with the property and determine whether the kitchen meets their needs in its current condition.
Breakfast Area for Everyday Meals
The breakfast area offers an additional dining option within the kitchen. It could be arranged for everyday breakfasts, quick meals, or a small seating area, depending on the available space.
Combined with the separate dining room, this arrangement gives the home two distinct places for eating. That flexibility may be attractive to buyers who enjoy having a formal dining space as well as a more casual area for daily routines.
Three Bedrooms
The property includes three bedrooms, providing space for household members, guests, or other permitted uses. The listing does not provide individual bedroom dimensions or identify the precise location of each bedroom.
Buyers should examine each bedroom to assess its size, storage, lighting, flooring, and overall condition. These details can help determine how well the rooms will suit the needs of the intended occupants.
Given the home’s age, it may also be worthwhile to review the condition of the windows, electrical outlets, and visible finishes as part of the overall inspection.
Three Bathrooms in Total
The home is listed with three bathrooms, consisting of two full bathrooms and one half bathroom. This arrangement offers additional convenience for a three-bedroom household and may help accommodate guests.
The half bathroom is located in the basement, according to the property description. Buyers should confirm the condition and functionality of all three bathrooms, including their plumbing, fixtures, ventilation, and finishes.
The listing does not specify whether the bathrooms have been renovated, so their current condition should be assessed before budgeting for any improvements.
Full Basement with Additional Space
The property includes a basement measuring approximately 832 square feet. It is described as partially finished and was previously used as a recreation room.
This lower-level space adds practical flexibility to the property. Depending on its present condition, it could potentially be used for recreation, storage, hobbies, or other household activities.
The basement also includes a half bathroom, making it more versatile than a basic storage-only area. However, buyers should inspect the space carefully for moisture, drainage issues, foundation concerns, and the condition of its electrical and plumbing systems.
Previously Used as a Recreation Room
The listing notes that the basement was once used as a recreation room. This suggests that the space has previously served a purpose beyond basic storage, although its current level of finish and functionality should be verified.
A buyer may wish to restore or reorganize the area as a recreation space, hobby room, or multipurpose room, depending on the existing layout. Any planned changes should take account of ceiling height, ventilation, moisture control, and applicable safety requirements.
Traditional Flooring Options
The listed flooring materials include tile, carpet, hardwood, and linoleum or vinyl. These materials reflect a mixture of finishes that may have been installed in different rooms or at different times.
Hardwood flooring can contribute to a traditional interior appearance, while tile and resilient flooring may offer practical options for certain areas of the home. Carpet can provide a softer surface in rooms where it is present.
The condition of each flooring type should be checked during an inspection. Depending on the buyer’s preferences, some areas may be suitable for preservation, while others may benefit from repair or replacement.
Exterior Materials and Masonry Foundation
The property listing identifies stone, wood, and brick among the exterior materials, along with a masonry foundation. These materials contribute to the home’s traditional construction character.
Because the home dates to 1948, a thorough inspection is particularly important. Buyers should look for signs of deterioration, moisture intrusion, movement, or other issues affecting the foundation and exterior walls.
The listing does not provide detailed information about recent structural work, so the condition of the foundation and exterior should be established by a qualified inspector rather than assumed from the home’s appearance.
Shake or Shingle Roof
The roof is described as shake or shingle. The listing does not specify the roof’s installation date, remaining service life, or recent repair history.
Buyers should arrange an inspection to assess the roof covering, flashing, drainage, and any visible signs of water entry. The condition of the roof can be an important factor when evaluating an older home and planning future maintenance costs.
Gas Forced-Air Heating
The home is listed with gas forced-air heating. This type of system uses heated air distributed through the house to provide warmth during colder weather.
The listing does not identify the age or current condition of the heating equipment. Buyers should verify that the system is operational, appropriately maintained, and suitable for the home’s size.
A professional evaluation can help identify any necessary servicing or repairs and provide a clearer understanding of future heating expenses.
Cooling System Details Should Be Verified
The cooling information is listed as “Other,” without identifying a specific system. Buyers should confirm whether a cooling system is installed and, if so, determine its type, condition, and coverage.
This is an important point to clarify before purchase, particularly for buyers who want consistent indoor cooling during warmer weather. Any installation or replacement costs should be considered as part of the overall property budget.
Half-Acre Lot
The home sits on approximately 0.5 acres, providing outdoor space around the residence. The lot offers room for landscaping, gardening, outdoor seating, or other uses that suit the property and local requirements.
The actual amount of usable outdoor space will depend on the parcel’s layout, the position of the house, and any existing site features. Buyers should review the property boundaries and assess the yard in person to determine how well it fits their plans.
Off-Street Parking
The listing reports three parking spaces and identifies off-street parking. This can provide convenient space for household vehicles and visitors.
The exact parking arrangement and surface condition should be confirmed during a visit. Buyers should also determine whether the existing access and parking area meet their practical needs.
Property Size and Listed Value
The listing gives the asking price as $65,000 and reports a price of approximately $23 per square foot. It lists a tax-assessed value of $55,580 and annual property taxes of $1,297.
These figures provide a starting point for evaluating the asking price, but they do not establish the property’s market value or its current condition. Buyers should consider the age of the home, the state of its systems, the condition of the basement, and the potential cost of repairs before deciding whether the property represents a suitable investment.
Important Considerations Before Buying
- Inspect the structure: Have the foundation, exterior walls, and other structural components evaluated.
- Review the roof: Confirm its current condition and estimate any near-term maintenance needs.
- Check the heating system: Verify the operation and condition of the gas forced-air equipment.
- Clarify cooling: Determine what cooling equipment, if any, is currently installed.
- Inspect the basement: Check for moisture, foundation concerns, and the condition of the partially finished recreation area.
- Assess all bathrooms: Verify the condition of the two full bathrooms and the basement half bath.
- Review the kitchen: Confirm the condition of the cabinets, breakfast area, fixtures, and any included appliances.
- Check electrical and plumbing systems: Older properties may require additional assessment of these essential systems.
- Confirm parking: Verify the layout and usability of the reported three off-street parking spaces.
- Plan for maintenance: Establish a realistic budget for repairs, updates, and ongoing ownership costs.
What Makes This Home Stand Out?
- $65,000 asking price
- Three bedrooms
- Three bathrooms, including one half bath
- Approximately 2,861 square feet on the main floor
- Approximately 832-square-foot basement
- Partially finished basement previously used as a recreation room
- Separate living room, dining room, and den
- Kitchen with a breakfast area and plenty of cabinets
- Custom-built home dating to 1948
- Stone, wood, and brick exterior materials listed
- Masonry foundation
- Gas forced-air heating
- Approximately half-acre lot
- Three off-street parking spaces reported
- Historical photograph showing the home shortly after completion
Final Thoughts
Listed for $65,000, this custom-built home offers a traditional layout, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a spacious main floor, and a partially finished basement with a history of use as a recreation room. Its separate living room, dining room, den, and kitchen breakfast area provide several distinct spaces for everyday living.
The property’s age and the limited details about the condition of its major systems mean that buyers should arrange a thorough inspection before making a decision. The roof, masonry foundation, heating equipment, cooling arrangements, electrical and plumbing systems, and basement should receive particular attention.
For buyers who appreciate older homes and are prepared to assess their maintenance and renovation needs, this property offers a substantial amount of interior space at a relatively low asking price. Its historical photographs and custom-built origins add interest, while the half-acre lot and off-street parking provide additional practical features.