Kitsch Sought, Kitsch Found!

Jamie and David wanted an absolutely untouched mid-century ranch, with all the trimmings. They weren’t interested in granite counter-tops, Hardy plank siding, or Pergo flooring. THEY WANTED ORIGINAL. Having specialized in mid-century kitsch since 2005, I was elated!

Finding un-remodeled gems becomes harder as the years pass. Families think a Home-depot slapshod cosmetic remodel will bring greater value to Grandma’s house, but it won’t. Sure, everyone wants an efficient furnace, a tankless water heater, in a dry rot free house – these are items to spend your equity on. Some people, my people, want kitchens and baths made of real wood cabinets, pastel colored appliances and fixtures, Formica counter tops, and Marmoleum or VCT flooring. They yearn for living rooms with unpainted brick fireplaces and plate glass windows. They don’t want to pay you for your vinyl windows with faux mullions. Bleck.

Jamie and David were adamant. We didn’t even look at places that had been remodeled after 1970. We focused on vintage, and it was FUN. We saw the 40’s era bar and stools from the Eldorado Restaurant in one house, found a secret garden, nay, personal campground in another, came across a directional rosette inlaid in a marmoleum floored basement, sat by a rectangular pool with original diving board, and finally found the dream house.

It was Mr. Woodfill’s home. He and his wife built it in 1965. He was a piano tuner and very precise. Everything in the house was pristine. All the original aqua appliances had their manuals. The half acre lot was idyllic. Fruit trees and grape vines abound. The lawns are fluffy and green. The hedge row looks like a caterpillar. We fell in love.

The day they got their keys, David found a treasure trove of vintage cleaning supplies. A dream find because Jamie is a graphic designer, and in awe of vintage ad art. I don’t think this house could be a more perfect fit for the two of them. Congrats guys!!