July 09, 2026

Attractive 1923 Bungalow ~ Attractive Fulton Heights ~ Attractive Price!

Whether you're purchasing your first home or simplifying your next chapter, this charming 1923 bungalow offers the perfect balance of character, comfort, and manageable living. With just over 1,600 square feet, yet 3-4 bedrooms and 3 baths (1-full/2-half), it's just the right size—room to live, entertain, and enjoy without the upkeep of a larger home.  Ready to have a look?  

Welcome to 205 Elm Street, a charming 1923 Craftsman Bungalow in the desirable Fulton Heights Neighborhood of Salisbury, North Carolina ~ listed with Greg Rapp with Salisbury Real Estate LLC!


The lovely neighborhood of Fulton Heights came into existence in 1902 when the Southern Development Company bought nearly 100 acres in south Salisbury and subdivided it for sale ~ Salisbury's first 'subdivision'! It was then a highly desirable residential community on the outskirts of Salisbury, connected to Salisbury by the electric trolley line, with all the modern amenities – waterworks, sewer, electricity and long-distance telephone service by Southern Bell! Today, this neighborhood remains a highly desirable area boasting shaded streets in a walkable grid and its own park! Fulton Heights was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 to assist in the preservation of the neighborhood's many architectural examples that range from 1906 through the 1940s. It consists of over 500 significant structures that include residential architectural styles from late Victorian Queen Anne houses to Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Tudor Revival, Prairie School, and Craftsman residences - ranging in size from modest cottages and bungalows to more stately homes. 205 Elm Street is one of these vintage bungalows and is designated as a 'Contributing Structure' in the National Register!


Mature trees shade and cool this inviting home that features a welcoming, freshly painted rocking-chair front porch (approximately 16' x 10').  






From here, step inside this 4-bedroom home to a spacious living room, where the hardwood floors have been newly refinished, and the circa 1923 fireplace (N.F.) hosts its beautiful original mantelpiece. 







Through a large cased pass-through, you enter the dining room, where more newly finished hardwood floors gleam and handsome crown molding surrounds the ceiling.




The kitchen features new linoleum flooring, new countertops, and new appliances. Pretty white cupboards abound!  Off the kitchen, you'll find the laundry room, with its pretty wainscoting. This room may have originally been a sweet little side porch that is now enclosed.








The flexible floor plan offers up to four bedrooms or the option to dedicate one room as a home office, hobby space, or guest room. Two of the bedrooms offer brand-new carpet! The Primary Bedroom features original warm knotty pine walls, more beautiful wood floors, and French doors that lead to a rear deck (approximately 15' x 8') that overlooks the deep, semi-private backyard.  One of the home's two half-baths adjoins this bedroom.





Energy-efficient (newer vinyl) windows that sport their original Arts & Crafts interior trim offer comfort and value. 






205 Elm Street
updates include fresh interior paint throughout, new appliances, new countertops, newly refinished hardwood floors, and new linoleum floors in the kitchen and bathrooms.  The foundation has been freshly painted.  With its large 1,097-square-foot basement, accessible from both the interior and exterior, with abundant storage, workshop potential, or future possibilities, this well-maintained, low-maintenance home is ready for its next owners. 

The Fulton Heights Neighborhood is supported by a strong neighborhood association that plans fun neighborhood events (such as the areas arguably most popular Halloween Trick-or-Treat event and a Winter Holiday House Tour), and keeps lines of communication open for its residents and neighbors. This sweet bungalow home within this community is conveniently located near downtown Salisbury shopping, restaurants, breweries, theaters, and the city's beautiful Bell Tower Green Park.  Interstate 85 is just a stone's throw from 205 Elm Street, providing you with easy access to everything the area has to offer.  


If you are looking for less space without sacrificing your home's personality, it's time to call Greg Rapp at Salisbury Real Estate!   This 1923 gem delivers timeless character, thoughtful living spaces, and over 1,600 square feet of easy-to-maintain comfort — ideal for first-time buyers and those ready to downsize alike. Large enough to live comfortably, yet tidy enough to spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying life, 205 Elm Street is perfect for anyone seeking a charmingly more simplified way to live.  Call Greg today:  704.213.6846 



205 Elm Street
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
MLS#4398689
$209,900







Greg Rapp 

Salisbury Real Estate LLC 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
GregRappRealtor@gmail.com 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 









May 21, 2026

3-Bedroom Home for Sale ~ $125,000 ~ with Salisbury Real Estate LLC

Just starting out on the journey of home ownership? Looking to downsize?




Welcome to 409 Messner Street, in Salisbury, North Carolina!  This adorable, circa 1954 home has just hit the market with Realtor® Greg Rapp with Salisbury Real Estate LLC.  After a history as a long-term rental property, this solid little home has been freshly spruced up with a newly repainted interior and floors re-varnished to a gleaming finish





This 3-bedroom/1-bath
 home, 994 square feet, offers a sweet covered front entryway with a small porch for your rocking chair and flowers.  A very nice living room has its original brick fireplace, a picture window, pretty wood flooring, and a ceiling fan light fixture. 




The dining room features a pretty ceiling fixture and more beautiful hardwood floors.  





The kitchen offers rustic cabinetry and a linoleum tile floor (that still needs a little TLC). 





At the rear of the home, a utility/mudroom/laundry room opens to a deep and shady, fenced-in back yard. This room is passively heated as the door has been removed.




The front bedroom is a cozy space (approximately 9' x 8') that does not have a closet.




The fenced backyard creates a nice area with plenty of space for outdoor activities and hobbies.

Some mechanical details:
  • 100-amp electrical service
  • Electric baseboard heat
  • Electric water heater
  • No central AC
  • Bathroom could benefit from a new tub surround
  • Vinyl siding
  • The roof is approximately 5-6 years old 
  • Termite treatment recently completed by Peeler Environmental


409 Messner Street is located near city amenities such as gyms and parks, the main branch of Salisbury's YMCA, bicycle-friendly roads, with loads of shopping, services, groceries, and restaurants nearby. 




This sweet home is move-in ready and, with a little additional sprucing up, could become a truly charming residence or a turnkey income-producing rental property. Priced thoughtfully to reflect any updates it may need, the home is being offered AS IS. 




Call Greg Rapp today at 704.213.6846 to schedule your private showing and come see the charm and potential of this delightful petite home for yourself!

994 s.f. 3 BR/ 1 BA
409 Messner Street
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
MLS#4383902
$125,000









Greg Rapp 

Salisbury Real Estate LLC 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
GregRappRealtor@gmail.com 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 









March 25, 2026

Circa 1923 Unique 'Airplane Bungalow' in Salisbury, North Carolina ~ SOLD by Greg Rapp | Salisbury Real Estate LLC

UPDATE:  We were right in the middle of writing this article when this beautiful home went under contract and was SOLD!  Contact Realtor Greg Rapp for your next real estate transaction:  704.213.6846!

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One of America's favorites, with a twist! Welcome to 130 Wiley Avenue in the desirable Fulton Heights neighborhood and National Historic District of Salisbury, North Carolina!


Let's talk about the architecture of this unique 3-bedroom, circa 1923 home!  The Airplane Bungalow is a subset of the popular Prairie-style Arts & Crafts homes of the early 1900s, identified by unique low-pitched hipped-roof forms and multiple projecting gables. Thought to be one of only three of this style of architecture in Salisbury, this home is listed as the J.C. Ketchie House in the National Register of Historic Places.


This impressive 2,822 square-foot home is set on an oversized corner lot in the Fulton Heights historic district. A prominent chimney features ornately decorated brickwork, a design repeated in the veranda's balustrade. The exterior has undergone a recent full new painting.

A large portico with a vaulted beadboard ceiling leads to the statement, wrap-around veranda with its giant brick-and-granite balustrade. The immense granite balustrade caps are 3.5' square! 

Massive pyramidal columns frame the oversized front door and twin front picture windows. The veranda is easily the most notable feature of the house, with exposed rafters and brackets, providing extended outdoor living and entertaining space. 


Enter the front door to an open and airy formal living room that features French doors and built-in glass-front bookcases that flank the original 1920s brick fireplace. The two front rooms feature chair rail and paneled wainscoting, and the large picture windows that stream natural daylight.


The handsome dining room features the home's original bracketed plate rail. The dining room leads to a very spacious eat-in kitchen that has been recently remodeled. Gorgeous refinished hardwood floors lead you throughout the living room, front den, dining room, and hall to the desirable first-floor owners' suite at the rear of the home.  This main floor bedroom has dual closets and a walk-in shower. 

A handsome staircase with original box newel post and ornate wood balusters leads to an upper small center hall, two bedrooms, and a half bath. 

The partially finished basement is an enormous and highly functional space! Here you'll find 4-5 separate rooms, including workrooms, storage, laundry, a half-bath, and a sprawling carpeted entertainment room. At one point, previous owners used this large room as a movie-viewing theatre!

Located approximately one mile south of the city of Salisbury's central business district, the Fulton Heights residential neighborhood is a pleasant grid of early 1900s homes, bordered by the historic Chestnut Hill Cemetery to the east and the prestigious West Square Historic District to the south. The physical character of the neighborhood is formed by a grid of early twentieth-century houses oriented toward the main avenues with a network of alleyways, an original feature of the neighborhood development that remains today, servicing the rear of many of the houses, giving access to numerous period garages. In the early 1900s, the City's electric streetcar or trolley line ran from the Fulton Heights neighborhood to what is now the North Carolina Transportation Museum, transporting workers via public transit to their work at what was once the Spencer Shops railroad car repair site. The streetcar line was the catalyst that led to the development of the Fulton Heights neighborhood: Salisbury's first subdivision!  Rumor has it that the tracks still exist beneath the pavement, and remnants of tracks can be seen emerging through the pavement layers on Caldwell Street to the south.  Sidewalks line many of the streets, and an active neighborhood association not only hosts seasonal events (Salisbury's most POPULAR Trick-or-Treating neighborhood), but was also instrumental in installing a pleasant neighborhood park!

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The circa 1923 J.C. Ketchie House airplane bungalow is SOLD ~ but if you love the character and quality of older homes, Greg Rapp of Salisbury Real Estate LLC can show you the abundance of available inventory in Salisbury and Rowan County, North Carolina ~ an area rich with history and gorgeous turn-of-the-century (the 19th to 20th!) homes!  Call today:  704.213.6846!




SOLD by Greg Rapp / Salisbury Real Estate LLC
130 Wiley Avenue
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
List $: $270,000
MLS#: 4325307








Greg Rapp 

Salisbury Real Estate LLC 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
GregRappRealtor@gmail.com 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 









March 19, 2026

Circa 1922 Stately Brick Home at the Gateway to Historic West Square, Salisbury NC ~ FOR SALE!

Update May 13, 2026:  Fresh new price to reflect today's market:  $549,000

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The McCanless-Busby-Thompson House, circa 1922, stands at the gateway to the desirable West Square Historic District, just blocks from vibrant downtown Salisbury. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this stunning all-brick 3,545 square-foot residence, on a 1/2 acre lot, blends Arts & Crafts, Mission, Mediterranean Revival, and Colonial Revival architectural influences, highlighted by elaborate decorative brickwork, ceramic tile roof, and a voluminous showcase - open-air, wrap-around, quarry-tiled veranda. This stately home is one of the West Square's jewels!

Welcome to 128 W. Thomas Street in Salisbury, North Carolina!







Approaching this expansive, 2-story house from the front walkway, the striking brick pattern along the front facade will surely catch your eye.



But upon your arrival at the top of the entry stairs ~ the vast front veranda with its terracotta quarry-tile flooring will stop you in your tracks. 



A welcoming and elegant outdoor entertaining space, large, open, uncovered verandas such as this were a defining feature of 1920s architecture, particularly in Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival styles, which were designed to promote indoor-outdoor living. These spaces often served as extensions of the living area. The veranda sweeps and ells around the house to the left, where it becomes a more secluded covered porch.


A unique Arts & Crafts entry vestibule welcomes you beneath large rafter tails under a Palladian eyebrow-arched roofline, through a beveled-glass, arched door flanked by eight-paned beveled sidelights. A curved drive through a covered porte-cochere echoes a bygone era of elegance. Earth-toned brick, green trim, and the original green ceramic tile roof create a tranquil, period-correct exterior.


Inside, the foyer opens to a jaw-dropping, elegant entertaining parlor with soaring coffered ceilings, gleaming oak herringbone parquet floors, 8-over-1 windows, and high wainscoting. The grand, curved staircase, modeled after the Hambley-Wallace Mansion on nearby Fulton Street, is a sweeping focal point.  As you take the stairs upward, be sure to turn around at the upper landing for the bird-eye view of the sweeping parlor and its massive original fireplace, featuring original Rookwood tile surround and the impressively deep mantelpiece. Even the staircase landings have the herringbone-patterned wood flooring.  You'll note beautiful period-correct light fixtures here and throughout the home.  








Two pairs of beveled glass French doors flank the formal parlor, leading to a handsome sunroom on the right and to an informal parlor, often referred to as the 'gentlemen's parlor' in days of yore, or den to the left.





The sunroom features TEN 6-over-6 windows and neutral-colored tile flooring.






The smaller parlor offers handsome oak flooring, more 8-over-1 windows, and handsome architectural wainscoting. Another grand fireplace is here, with fluted columns at the mantel and surround. 

A bygone touch (often seen in grand vintage homes like the Biltmore in Asheville) is the center-floor outlet ~ so that you can plug in lamps near your fireplace seating without trailing cords across the floor to the wall outlets!  This room accesses the covered portion of the wrap-around veranda and the porte-cochere via another set of handsome multi-paned French Doors.






Pocket doors in the parlor lead to a bright and spacious formal dining room with high architectural wainscoting topped with a plate rail. Natural light streams through large, 10-over-1 windows. More period-correct light fixtures finish this beautiful room.  A large cased passageway opens graciously into the gleaming NEW kitchen. 





The kitchen features solid-surface countertops, a gorgeous hammered copper sink, and a pot filler over the gas stove, along with ample pantry and storage space.  A center island provides more workspace and a pleasant seating area or breakfast bar.  The upper glass-front cabinets above the stove are lit from within.







Off the kitchen to the rear is a cozy breakfast nook or garden room that leads downward to a backyard doorway, and further downward to the basement. Exposed brick walls along the back entry and basement staircase add a handsome rustic touch.






Off the kitchen, towards the interior, is a small hall bedecked with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Here, the first-floor full bathroom is tucked privately away. Three full bathrooms, one on the main floor and two more upstairs, showcase new subway tile, gorgeous basket-weave tile flooring, and sparkling walk-in showers. One bath has a tub.





As you climb the sweeping staircase, you reach a large mezzanine landing that overlooks the front parlor.  Even this space includes deep architectural moldings and trim.


From there, the staircase turns to arrive at a large upper hall from which the home's four large bedrooms and the laundry room are accessed. One of the front bedrooms, used by the current owner as an office, includes the home's 3 fireplaces.  The upstairs baths are arranged as Jack-and-Jill pass-throughs between the bedrooms.  Each bathroom features beautiful custom tile floors, including a basket-weave in one, hexagonal tiles with a creative inlaid border in another.  The bathrooms offer a beautifully tiled walk-in shower in one, and a traditional bathtub in the other.













The McCanless-Busby-Thompson House lay vacant for a period of time, damaged by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.  Colloquially known as the 'Hidden House'.

In 2017, Realtor Greg Rapp worked with a potential buyer to save the house from demolition. The home underwent a permitted restoration and renovation from 2017–2022, including a new electrical system, new plumbing, new HVAC systems, and carefully sourced period light fixtures. The new bathrooms and kitchen were added during this phase.

Additional features include a full unfinished basement, the original green ceramic tile roof, repaired where needed with extra tiles stored on site, and a garden shed in the rear yard.







The professionally landscaped yard is planted with zoysia grass - a warm-weather turf that turns golden during its winter dormancy and starts to green up again in mid-April for the hot summer months. (The photos showing green turf lawn have been digitally enhanced to show their appearance from April to November.)






128 W. Thomas Street is located at the gateway to one of Salisbury's more prominent historic districts, just blocks from the vibrant city center and downtown amenities. Salisbury, North Carolina is located equidistant, approximately an hour drive, between the metro areas of Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro, with a 2-hour drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Asheville area, and a 4-hour drive to Atlantic Ocean beaches.  The McCanless-Busby-Thompson House is located in the West Square Historic District and, therefore, is under the purview of the City of Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission for exterior changes. 128 W. Thomas Street also has a Historic Salisbury Foundation Deeded Preservation Agreement in place to preserve this historic home for future generations.




Are you ready to be the next steward of this fantastic circa 1922 home? Call Greg Rapp with Salisbury Real Estate for your private showing, then pack your bags . . . because The McCanless-Busby-Thompson House is calling you home!




128 W. Thomas Street
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
MLS#4355129
$575,000
$549,000








Greg Rapp 

Salisbury Real Estate LLC 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
GregRappRealtor@gmail.com 
www.realestatesalisbury.net