Once again, we find ourselves drawn to another restoration project, and this one is tugging at our heartstrings in a big way. Nestled just a block away from Louisville, GA‘s famed commercial hub, sits a charming 5,200 square foot Gothic Revival-style home, patiently waiting for its next chapter. Priced at a mere $15,000, it’s a steal for anyone craving a hefty dose of old-house charm. With its striking pitched roof and whimsical details, like vergeboards that resemble delicate lace, this home seems to stand as a testament to the lack of imagination in contemporary architecture. It’s the kind of place that stops passersby in their tracks, inviting them to take a second look and get lost in its timeless allure.
“When you drive by, the house simply demands your attention,” remarks Ben Sutton from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the overseeing organization handling the sale. “It’s grand, it’s one-of-a-kind, and it commands the corner, even in its current state. Stepping inside, that sense of grandeur persists, from the expansive entryway to the towering first-floor windows and lofty ceilings.”
Those floor-to-ceiling windows lead out to a complete wrap-around porch. Inside, you’ll find 15-foot ceilings, a striking central staircase boasting its original curved handrail, and etched glass transoms gracing every interior door. Original hardware abounds, and several original mantels remain intact.
As for what lies concealed above those drop ceilings—well, let’s just say our minds are racing with possibilities.
Falling in love with a home as beautiful as this one is easy, but potential buyers should proceed with caution — this project is not for the faint-hearted. Sutton emphasizes that the home is like a “damsel in distress,” in need of a complete roof overhaul, significant repairs due to water damage, and upgrades or replacements for all systems. Despite being empty for at least 30 years, it’s almost miraculous that the house is still standing — a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship that went into building it in 1876 for a prominent and wealthy Louisville merchant.
“The incredible craftsmanship and intricate details of the house immediately catch your eye,” Sutton remarks. “They speak volumes about the meticulous care that went into building it, and they give us a glimpse into the extensive work needed to restore it to its former glory.”
Potential buyers of the home must be prepared to commit to a Rehabilitation Agreement, showing their genuine intentions and a realistic plan for protecting the structure. Additionally, to ensure its long-term preservation, the Georgia Trust will impose a conservation easement on the property. “The Trust currently oversees about 50 properties statewide with this level of protection, conducting yearly check-ins,” Sutton explains. For more information, interested parties can visit the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation website or contact Ben Sutton, Historic Properties Coordinator, at (404) 885-7819.
