Mom & step Dad are dumping the ole homestead. I just heard about it this afternoon.
I know every square inch of this place. Lived there near about 7 years myself. It was built in 1892. The listing shows it just shy of 4000 sq. ft. but I would beg to differ on that. I'd say it goes more 8-10k sq. ft.
I have been trying to tell them it needs to stay in the family. Mom has been asking for years what I want from there. She already gave me her Beethoven collection (which I still have). They sold off the Porsche a long time ago. The grandfather clock (cost was about $4K back in 72) is already spoken for. Only other thing I could think of was the complete Shakespeare works which she has.
So, about a year ago or so I thought "I'll take the house". They have no problem giving me the house except for they know I'll have to come up with all the utilities and taxes and stuff involved (like I didn't already know).
And here is irony... my brother's son (other side of my family) just graduated from SIU Carbondale and his girlfriend as well. He got a job in Springfield and her in Mt. Zion. They are looking to live in T'ville (of all places) for a place to live so as to split the drives. They are about right with that.
My point is, if they won't let me have it I want it to go to a good owner. There is a ton of history behind this place. I know most of it.
I swear I'm not trying to sell the place. If I could I'd write them a check right now. Acutally, they would probably give it to me.
To hear they are selling is breaking my heart.
Thanks for letting me bend you'alls ear..
That house has "Bed 'n' Breakfast" written all over it. Net $200 per night.
> That house has "Bed 'n' Breakfast" written all over it. Net $200 per night.
You might be right about that, except for there is nothing exciting to do around there. I haven't been there in about 20 years or more so I couldn't really say.
The fancy dining room itself is about 500sq ft. and the table seats about 15 or so. I could handle the cooking with help. But, the cleaning up part. I'm damm sure wanting help on.
The picture doesn't do it justice. The front yard is easily a full acre. The house footprint is probably near about a quarter acre. It's probably about 100' on each side from that photographer took the shot.
Wow, 250.
250 here will get you a ho hum 50s ranch or a one bedroom condo in the bay area.
I could buy it if I had a reason to be in Illinois.
There was an article in the paper a few years ago about a teacher who retired, did research and chose a small town in the upper midwest, bought a beautiful Craftsman for not very much and moved there. I could go for that. She didn't want to move to the typical retirement places like Florida.
Wow!!! I just checked out all the pics.
Pic #19, right between the columns on the upper deck... that was my bedroom.
The big window to the right was my sister's bedroom. Her bedroom was huge.
Golly mercy I can describe every single one of these pics. It really, really pains me they are letting it go. I've been telling them for years it should be kept in the family.
That table you see in the dining room with about 8 chairs has 2 more leaves making it about 15' long. I think they paid near about $10k for that. The china cabinet to the right is enormous and probably cost 2 or 3 times as much. Last time I was there, we ate off the plates in the cabinet and they are all trimmed in gold.
Mom didn't say is the furniture comes with it.
Not to get weird, but the house is scary. It used to be funeral home as well. The embalmings were done in the basement where I had my giant train layout. Being a night owl I was always down there in the wee hours and was pretty much terrified the entire time. I figured the best way to overcome my fear - face it. Nothing strange ever happened but I could feel "presence" all around me.
I have not lived there since the mid-late-70s so I can not speak to the town any more. I just loved the house and want it kept in the family.
That is the right kind of buyer. Someone who is thrilled that they can get so much value for such a reasonable price. I'm serious about the B&B thing. People are crazy anymore. Many people refuse to stay at chain motels and such. They want to spend their nights at a rustic "home" instead of a McMotel. They are willing to pay as much or more than the priciest motel in the area. My daughter knows one lady who owns nine B&B's in one town and she is rolling in the bucks.
It's beautiful. I can see why you would want to keep it in the family. Don' blame ya one bit!! :-$
Well, it's obvious the house has a ton of sentimental value,E. I feel your pain too, I wish I could buy my Mom's property in Northern Illinois as well.
But, I looked on zillow, and it shows it around 140K, and I think the most expensive property in the area. Might be a tough sell. I hope it works out for everyone.
