So, you want to buy a beautiful Victorian in Allentown, but you don’t have the skills and steel nerves necessary to take on the scope of renovation needed for the St. Johns Place fixer-upper we featured last week. No worry, just two doors west is this gorgeous move-in ready mini mansion at 52 St. Johns.
The 1888 vintage beauty underwent an amazing transformation over the last year as it was unwrapped from its dull cocoon of asphalt siding. With each piece of siding removed the owner found long hidden details and other architectural futures such as two spectacular long-lost porches. Perhaps the most stunning new feature of the house is the restored front porch, framed by a massing arched entry. Another long-lost second floor Juliette porch was uncovered as well. There is another stunning third floor porch with spectacular views of the city.
The house went through some rough times but much of its original charm is intact. It has a rare asymmetrical panelized front door, a pair of fire places, an elegant front stair and original trim work throughout. The house also has a collection of original stained glass windows with unusual light-colored glass that capture the sun beautifully. We will have another story later in the week showing the renovation in progress.
The house in its former ragtag condition cost $130K to purchase, before Sutton Development put $260K into the renovations (equating to a $390K total investment). Ready to buy? It is now for sale for $459K, which the seller says is a very fair price considering the amount of work that went into it, not to mention the charming neighborhood where it located.
It will likely sell quickly for that sum based on recent demand in the city for high quality Victorians in desirable neighborhoods.
Here is the seller’s pitch:
This stunningly restored single family estate features 3+ bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and is located in the historic Allentown neighborhood. Completely renovated with a new roof, exterior paint, driveway, plumbing, electrical, furnace and hot water tank, this home is maintenance free for many years to come. With 3,900 sq ft of living space, the owners will enjoy a brand new custom eat-in kitchen, attached dining room with tons of natural light, formal living room with fireplace, and spacious family room. The elegant master bedroom features a fireplace, stained glass window, and on-suite bath. The second bedroom also features stained glass with access to the charming front balcony. A third bedroom, bathed in natural light, has access to a bonus room. The third floor attic storage space is totally finished, with a stained glass window and balcony with gorgeous sunset views. Beautiful stained glass windows, four unique porches, and detailed woodwork throughout, make this home a work of art.
Get connected: Haley Hartmans 716-510-8328
Photos: Courtesy of Avery Hartmans/Sutton Development