Some houses are snapped up in days. Others take years. The sellers should be commended for their patience.
Old houses take a long time to sell, but they're patient. Old houses are usually massively renovated eventually, like this one. The tricky part is trying to maintain some of the original character; otherwise, someone would've knocked it down and built a new one. This house is in its nineties. It was built in 1920. Now, it is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,840 square foot house that has lots of modern touches, but still has some visible history. For $698,000 you get a view of Lake Union, a smoke-stained mantel and a claw foot tub.
But is that tub original? Have you ever tried moving an authentic claw foot tub? Prepare yourself for back support, stretching, and maybe some medication. Don't drop it on your foot. That's reason enough to keep a tub where it was; but, it could've been a more recent addition. Pity the poor movers.
A 1920 fireplace mantel with that much noticeable soot must have seen a lot of trees come in the front and go up the chimney. In 1920, a fireplace was for more than ambience. Considering Seattle's storms and power outages, a real fireplace can be a handy thing.
The view has probably changed. A forest probably came first, then was cut down to make houses, and now a variety of transplants have taken a bit of the view. Lake Union may not have changed much, but the traffic you get to watch has. Float planes are a lot more common now, and the lake has a lot more people living around it. Fishing and cargo boats have been replaced by pleasure craft.
About that view. Views that good are usually from lots with slopes. Look at the little bridge that leads to the patio. It might be a good idea to check for landslides. Of course, the house has been there since 1920, so it's probably good and stable. Right?
· 807 Newton St, Seattle [CBB]
· Seattle Landslides [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath
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