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We'd Like to Remodel an old Farmhouse

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Education & Training with Glasswork Media Arts

We'd Like to Remodel an old Farmhouse

Often times here in Gettysburg Pa, I have people call and want to see old farmhouses, Gettysburg Pa has many, many old farmhouses covering it's rolling hills countryside. It has become very popular for history buffs as well as country living folks to purchase an old farmhouse and make it thier charming country home.

1355 HIlltown Rd Gettysburg Pa
Note the two front doors

While these homes are not in a specific neighborhood it is something that clients want that is very specific to the Gettysburg, Adams County Pa area. When these folks call and want to set up showings they make it very clear that they are not interested in anything built after say 1910, for some reason that seems to be the cut off year. Usually these farmhouses come with anywhere from 2 to 10 acres of land, most of the clients that I have assisted in purchasing one these charming old homes  is not all that interested in the land, it is all about the structure. There are three main exterior building materials that you will see, brick, stone or german siding. Most are two story with an additional attic space, and almost all have two front doors. I have asked many people from locals  that grew up in these homes, and even local historians, and all have given me different answers for the two front doors. I have heard everything from air flow, to one door for the family and another  for important guests such as clergy, out of town guests etc.

1155 Irishtown Rd New Oxford Pa
This home was modifies to eliminate one of the front doors

Nine times out of ten these structures are very well built, and have stood up to the years very well. Most have very large support timbers, timbers a size that is much bigger than what is available today. It is amazing how well the majority of these structures have held up. These old farmhoues are truley a gem and the buyers that are looking for them have some very specific critieria that they want met. It can take a bit longer for them to find just the right house, but I can say from experience that once they find "the one" they are ready to move on it. They tend to be very well educated in what they are purchasing, they know the home is not going to be perfect, floors might not be perfectly level, but that is the whole point of the charm that is living in an old farmhouse.

 

If you or a friend or family member is thinking about buying or selling a home, please feel free to contact GettyburgGerry for assistance.

Comments (5)

Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Hi Gerry!  I actually remodeled a 100 yr old farmhouse here in Texas.  What an experience.  There were times I wanted to torch the place but in the end it was fabulous.  Even got featured in Better Homes and Gardens in the Feb. 2000 issue. 

Mar 30, 2010 03:23 AM
Leslie Prest
Leslie Prest, Prest Realty, Sales and Rentals in Payson, AZ - Payson, AZ
Owner, Assoc. Broker, Prest Realty, Payson,

I would love to be able to do something like that. reminds me of my granparents' house.

Mar 30, 2010 05:51 AM
Al & Peggy Cunningham, Brokers
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage - Brampton, ON
Our Family Wants To Help Your Family!

Great post on farmhouses Gerry. Always wondered about those two front doors. Wonder if they were actually two families living inside.  Thanks for the answer! 

Mar 30, 2010 02:26 PM
Anonymous
craig

Many old house had multiple front doors. It been said either there were separate entrances for the gentlemen and the ladies or for residents and the servants.

Jan 08, 2011 12:14 AM
#4
Anonymous
craig

I recently bought a 130 year old farmhouse. Every room needs to be restored. I have just begun to chronicle my progress on a new website. Please check it out. I could use advice!

www.quiettimes.webs.com

Aug 27, 2011 11:25 AM
#5