Hot Homes: Victorian wife aesthetic, anyone?

While many might be in their mob wife era, we’re proclaiming a preference for the late 1800s aesthetic.

The facade of a brick home with arch-shaped windows, a stoop, surrounded by trees.

Nope, definitely not haunted. | Photo courtesy of Bluegrass Sotheby’s

Don your bonnets and top hats — we’re taking you on a tour of a 19th century home that melds Victorian era details with modern-day comfort.

The home

Located at 474 W. 3rd St., the home shares as much history in its facade as it does with the downtown neighborhood it calls home. From the minute you walk onto the property, you’re likely to zero in on its eye-catching turret (small tower) that even Rapunzel wouldn’t mind spending her days in.

A kitchen featuring a stainless steel fridge on the right, a blue island with stools and a gas stove top in the center, white tile backsplash, a sink, and a microwave-oven combo.

We could see ourselves reading our favorite Charles Dickens novel at this island. | Photo courtesy of Bluegrass Sotheby’s

Boasting over 4,000 sqft, the remodeled home features all the accommodations you could need, plus the bells and whistles of an aristocratic family. Just a few of the spectacular specs include:

  • Four bedrooms + three bathrooms
  • Kitchen with gas stovetop and walk-in pantry
  • A spiral staircase
  • A gas fireplace, walk-in closet + sun porch overlooking the backyard in primary bedroom
  • Private, fully-equipped guest suite with a wet bar
  • Unfinished basement
  • Fenced-in yard
  • Detached two-car garage
An attic with brick walls, a wet bar, and pointed ceiling.

A wet bar in the guest suite — what more could you ask for? | Photo courtesy of Bluegrass Sotheby’s

History

The Romanesque home was presumed to be built in 1880 by Fannie L. Huffman. It would later change hands nearly 10 times and undergo several upgrades in that time.

Early maps show that the home once had a full-width front porch that was built in the 1920s, but later removed in ~1960 due to structural issues and replaced with a more sound stoop.

Despite its evolution, the $1.3 million home hasn’t forgotten its past as can be seen in the brick remnants of old pillars, bronze accents, 1940s windows, pointed ceilings, and wood carvings of its interior staircase.

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