Pages

28 August 2013

Risteheim

This is Risteheim--home of the Risty family. It was known as the Gould house, built in 1903.  He was the banker in town.  More lately, known by the second owners...or by the kids in school, the mansion in Estelline.  It was once the biggest house in town, I suppose, and all sorts of fancy.  It is not the biggest any longer, but it is probably still in the top two or three.  I finally got the mansion that I always wanted when I played MASH. I hope to register it on the National Register of Historic Places once/if I can find enough information on it.  I think it qualifies. 


Corner view, taken by me after purchase


Front view, taken by realtor months (year?) before purchase
Our home.  It sure looks purdy, don't it?  It really can be, depending how critically you look at it.  Since the realtor's pictures and our purchase, the home sat empty for a long time (I have heard from a few months to over a year, so your guess is as good as mine).  Some before pictures make the place look okay yet, but upon viewing, the reality is no longer what it once was.  Very sad.  The former (second) owner has seen the place.  Once, during the open house (whenever that was) and once on the main floor after we moved in.  She wants to cry; I really cannot blame her. 

We did not get to work on this place before we moved nor move in as I would have liked (slowly and orderly).  We have been struggling ever since.  We bought it in March 2012 after months and months and months of trying.  Seriously.  For it being cash payment (no, not rich, just a loan from someone) on a foreclosure (yay for us), it was ridiculous.  That is the government for you.  We first looked at it right after Thanksgiving 2011.  It "sold" the minute Eric heard the kids running around in it (for one who's not really sentimental or the like...*shakes head and smiles*).

We moved our junk in on Father's Day weekend 2012.  So, we've been here well over a year.  The house is probably in worse condition than it was when we moved.  I am hoping the adage of things need to get worse before they can get better is true.  We knew it would be a lot of work, but Uff da!!  One thing after another happens.  But lately, we've been making progress with some projects. 

Little by little, we will make her at least as close to as beautiful as she once was.  We are hoping for better.  It'll take much time and money (Come on, lottery!  Oh wait, I have to buy a ticket first?  Ha!)  Come along for the journey, will you?

No comments:

Post a Comment