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Buying Here: Freedom
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This three-bedroom home in Freedom has an outdoor deck just off the kitchen. -
The home is one the market for $79,000. -
The entryway features the original woodwork on the staircase, windows, baseboards and door frames. -
The kitchen has oak cabinets, solid-surface countertops and a wood laminate floor. -
The dining room has a gas fireplace with a large carved oak mantelpiece and mosaic ceramic tile surround. -
The dining room features a bay window with window seat.
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The bedroom is used as a combination guest room and sewing room. -
The living room and dining room can be separated by oak pocket doors. -
Also included with the house is a two-storey detached garage that is located a few doors away from the house.
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Some houses just get under your skin. So many of your stories and history are tied to it.
Scott Vogan and his wife, Cindy, have lived at 510 5th Ave. in Freedom for 23 years. Now, as they are making their dream of living in Florida a reality, they are realizing how hard it is to leave some things behind.
"If we could put a strap around this house and fly it to Florida, we would do it. We just love this house," he said.
The three-bedroom, one-bath home (MLS No. 914951) is now on the market for $79,000 with Eugenia Donatelli Werner of Northwood Realty (724-776-9705 or www.northwood.com). An open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The home is 112 years old and originally stood on what was known as High Street. Mr. Vogan said a neighbor who researched the area found that this property and others was purchased in 1876 by J. McKee, a wagon manufacturer, and a Mr. McCaskey, a ship's carpenter. In the late 1800s, the two men subdivided the property for development.
As old houses go, this one was fortunate to have a series of owners who left intact period details like high baseboards, ornate wood staircases and windows with original wood trim. Any work that was done respected and even enhanced the home's simple, natural beauty.
The interior has a nice flow that begins with an oak staircase in the entryway and a stained-glass window. The 13- by 12-foot living room on the right is carpeted. A pair of wide oak pocket doors provide access to the similarly sized dining room, which has a large bay window. Although it looks original, it was designed and built by Mr. Vogan and a friend.
Just opposite the window is a fireplace with a large carved oak mantelpiece and mosaic ceramic tile surround. A door provides easy access to the pantry and the kitchen, making entertaining easier. A round table seating four is a nice fit.
The 15- by 9-foot kitchen was remodeled by Mr. Vogan, an HVAC specialist and welder by trade. He removed a window for a better work flow and installed oak cabinets with a cathedral arch on the door and solid-surface countertops. The floors are easy-to-clean wood laminate and the appliance package includes a dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave oven. A door provides access to the backyard.
Upstairs, three bedrooms range in size from 13 by 12 feet to 8 by 8 feet. All have cream carpeting and original wood trim. The third floor has a possible fourth bedroom and features buttercup yellow walls.
The full bath is relatively large and has a tub/shower combo, vanity and toilet. The basement has a "Pittsburgh toilet" and shower stall and includes a laundry area.
The home also has forced-air heat with a new 95 percent energy-efficient furnace, central air conditioning and the original slate roof with copper box gutters.
"They are so strong, you can actually walk on them," Mr. Vogan said, noting that he has the roof checked yearly for loose tiles.
The house has white vinyl siding that has been recently painted. There is a large front porch and a rear deck measuring 12 by 15 feet. Mr. Vogan took off the old back porch and left the existing roof for shade. Over the steeply sloped yard he built a retaining wall and added an extra patio area. A side lot is not deeded to the property but has been used by the family for years.
Years ago, a previous owner purchased property down the street to build a garage. That parcel is deeded with the home. It houses one car and has two levels.
The property has an assessed value of $25,300 (www.beavercountypa.gov/assessment-tax-claim-office-property-search). Over the last three years, 16 properties have sold on 5th Avenue for prices ranging from $15,000 in March 2010 to $114,000 in April 2010 (www.realstats.net).
| BEAVER | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 68 | 59 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $135,022 | $146,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $385,000 | $325,000 |
| BEAVER FALLS | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 111 | 102 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $20,200 | $25,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $127,400 | $99,000 |
| BRIDGEWATER | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 13 | 14 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $95,000 | $61,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $214,000 | $160,000 |
| EAST ROCHESTER | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 5 | 3 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $24,000 | $15,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $86,000 | $87,000 |
| FREEDOM | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 24 | 16 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $25,000 | $35,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $59,000 | $102,000 |
| MONACA | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 57 | 71 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $73,000 | $68,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $189,500 | $197,064 |
| NEW BRIGHTON | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 63 | 69 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $29,000 | $38,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $115,000 | $185,500 |
| NEW SEWICKLEY | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 72 | 72 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $180,000 | $239,900 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $445,749 | $446,249 |
| PATTERSON | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 26 | 44 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $64,900 | $79,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $500,000 | $427,500 |
| ROCHESTER TOWNSHIP | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 32 | 25 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $85,000 | $55,000 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $186,500 | $335,418 |
| SOUTH HEIGHTS | ||
| 2011 | 2012 | |
| SALES | 8 | 10 |
| MEDIAN PRICE | $20,000 | $29,900 |
| HIGHEST PRICE | $134,000 | $130,000 |
First Published October 6, 2012 12:00 am
