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Summit Avenue Historic Home, Saint Paul - #30

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Kirby Fine Homes

This weeks Historic Home is 265 Summit Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Built in 1885 for $10,000, the home was designed by C.W. Mould for John Robertson. Designed as a simple Queen Anne Victorian, it has a brick exterior and limestone foundation. You cannot see it from my photo, but there is a tower on the right side of the home. The top of the tower is closed in, but at one time was an open balcony with spectacular views of Summit Avenue and the surrounding homes.

With about 5500 square feet, the home has three stories, and if you know anything about the third stories of these historic homes, then you know they have amazing ceiling heights. The home has only had about five owners during its long life, and the last owners have been stewards for over 40 years. There are original Tiffany light fixtures in the home, as well as the original woodwork and trim. The best room in the home is probably the oval dining room with curved built in buffets. Take a look at the "Fire, Wind, Water" stain glassed windows located at the grand staircase.

I had to opportunity to view the home for a client a few months ago when the home was listed for sale. It is a very beautiful home, in need of many updates and remodeling. I am sure the new owners will have a wonderful time restoring the home to its former splendor. The home had been on the market for over 500 days, with numerous price reductions. It eventually sold December 2007 for $800,000.

Geordie Romer
Windermere Real Estate / NCW - Leavenworth, WA
Serving Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee, and Plain
That stained glass is truly amazing. I have seen some neat glass in homes, but that art is really quite remarkable.
Apr 30, 2008 06:46 PM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Geordie - the photo does not do the windows justice. There is nothing like them in any other home on Summit Avenue.
May 01, 2008 01:14 AM
Charlottesville Solutions
Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

Just amazing and that stained Glass! WOW!!!

Your Friend in Charlottesville Virginia!

May 01, 2008 01:58 AM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Thanks for stopping by Charles! You should see the dining room, it is shaped like an oval and the built-in cabinets curve with the walls.
May 01, 2008 02:22 AM
Brenda Carus
Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate - Monroe, WI

Wow, that is truly a beautiful home!  The stained glass in stunning.

I adore old brick homes.   

May 01, 2008 05:32 AM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Brenda - there are many beautiful works of art via stain glass windows, but I have never seen one so detailed.
May 01, 2008 05:43 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Jennifer - yet another wonderful home. When/if you run out of homes, you could do a series on Third Floor Spaces and the various ways owners are using them. Is there a reason you stopped posting your homes to Dings: Architecture group? The last one I saw there was #28.
May 04, 2008 02:30 AM
Jennifer Kirby
Kirby Fine Homes - Minneapolis, MN
The Luxury Agent
Sharon - thank you for reminding me about the Architecture Group. You have a great idea about the third level spaces. Most are converted to apartments or condos. I have so many historic homes to highlight that I don't know when I will run out!
May 04, 2008 04:16 PM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Jennifer - you're welcome, and thanks for adding them to the group. It's easier to be sure we get them all - some days I don't get through my Subscribed list.
May 05, 2008 06:01 AM
Anonymous
Lucy La Valle

Hi Jennifer,

 

My Grandparents William & Ida La Valle owned the mansion when I was a young girl.  We had large family

gatherings and meals in that beautiful round room.  Looking at the pictures now makes me feel nostalgic.

It is now up for sale, and if I did not live in San Diego already owning a home, I would love to bring it

back to the La Valle family again.   The stain glass windows I remember... how colorful.  Although I did

not have the wisdom and age to see "fire, wind & water" in the glass, I still loved the beautiful colors climbing

up the stairs.   My beloved grandmother passed away in the upstairs bedroom of Cancer... it will always

hold a special place for me in my heart.   

 

Thanks,  Lucy

Feb 26, 2012 09:54 AM
#10