Greg Rapp with Salisbury Real Estate LLC has listed this historic Victorian Vernacular house in Spencer, North Carolina for sale. You've seen us talk 'old-houses' before. . . but this one is in the BEST location ~ overlooking the scenic park in the heart of the Town of Spencer's Historic District.
This house's history is vague, but some things we know. The National Register of Historic Places states that the home shows on the Sanborn maps in 1913 (the town of Spencer was founded in 1897). AND . . . because Greg is an old-house enthusiast ~ and owns a very similar circa 1882 Victorian house in Salisbury ~ he can recognize architectural details that narrow the time frame on this fantastic home.
Although Rowan County records show the home built in 1925, this 2,760 square-foot house is likely a circa 1890s home, retaining many details that are replicated in Greg's 1882 house, including arched windowed doors. Likely originally a 2-room-over-2-room home, the house ~ as many of this era experience ~ has seen expansions and modifications through the decades.
There is no sugar-coating it ~ this home is a major renovation and restoration project waiting to happen. This historic house is just a shell today...BUT...this house is built with the quality of materials and workmanship of a bygone era, and stands testimony to the reason we save these historic homes! The current owners started the restoration, so most of the hard structural and framing work is completed. A Victorian Vernacular in style, the house has wonderful space and a great floor plan. It is framed as a 4-bedroom /3.5 bath home with an owner's suite on the main floor.
The house features a large entry foyer where you'll find the staircase with its beautiful original newel post. To the right is the front parlor. As you travel through the house, the dining room is next with a primary 1st floor bedroom to its right. In the rear, clearly an addition, is the kitchen.
Many original features remain, such as the curved staircase landing, fabulous newel posts, original front doors, mantels, and wainscoting. There is a large foyer with a fireplace. The dining room has a large bay window with a high, diamond-pattern window.
The home's description in the National Register describes the house, saying, "Replacement two-story portico supported by square wood columns; balcony over entry with square balustrade." Indeed, the upper story's 'crow's nest' porch is a special feature, and one that is found on Greg's ca. 1882 house!
The home needs extensive restoration before it is in livable condition, including electricity, plumbing, HVAC, flooring, kitchen, and bathrooms.
The interior needs extensive rehabilitation and restoration. All surfaces need to be restored: some original flooring is in place, while other flooring requires replacement. Obviously (see photos), walls will need to be replaced, although most of the framing is intact. (The original walls were once plaster, supported by the lathe you now see.)
306 S. Carolina Avenue is located in perhaps THE most desirable location in town, overlooking the highly desirable Library Park. It is just a few blocks from the coming (under construction) Spencer Downtown Park. The sounds of steam engine whistles often fill the air with nostalgia, with the North Carolina Transportation Museum nearby.
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves to find the glory in this vintage house? Call Greg Rapp, Salisbury Real Estate LLC, at 704.213.6846 to make it happen!
306 S. Carolina Avenue
Spencer, NC 28159
MLS#4251894
$135,000
Greg Rapp
Salisbury Real Estate LLC
704 213 6846 Mobile
GregRappRealtor@gmail.com
www.realestatesalisbury.net
