On The Market: Renovated W. Germantown Victorian for $399K
Karen and Claudio Rufino were driving around West Germantown one evening in the fall of 2006 when they found their home. They bought it in December.
"We loved the architectural details," Karen Rufino said.
It wasn't just the curb appeal. They were also drawn to the fact that the home was a detached single, which can be a rare find in the city.
The home dates to 1896. While the interior wasn't quite that old, the couple knew they had a lot of work to do.
"Complete renovation," Rufino said. "Took down all plaster walls, saved all the original woodwork and trim."
In the end, they had saved original chair rails, baseboards and window trim, which were re-mounted after installing new wiring, plumbing and ductwork as well as air and heating systems. The couple also replaced all the windows in the home. Original, random-width plank flooring remains.
Rufino says her favorite part of the home is still the "architectural detail on the brickwork and inside the house."
The Victorian home includes five bedrooms as well as two full baths and a powder room spread over nearly 3,000 square feet of living space. The first floor includes a new granite kitchen as well as a mudroom with washer and dryer. The living room features a wood-burning stove fireplace. Upstairs, the main bathroom includes a whirlpool bath.
The focal point of the home remains a massive entryway staircase with original trim.
"It's truly a unique house with plenty of light," Rufino said. "Plenty of interior and exterior space."
The property lies on a corner lot, which the Rufinos were also careful to renovate after buying the home, leveling and fencing in the back yard and pouring a concrete driveway.
In spite of their love for the famously diverse neighborhood, the Rufinos have decided now is the time to sell their home.
The property is currently listed by BHHS Fox & Roach's Robert Lamb for $399,000.