On The Market: A Starter Home Full of Projects in Cheltenham Village
At more than 1,700 square feet, the fully renovated home includes one full bath and a powder room as well as a large, unfinished basement.
On the Market profiles homes for sale in the Philadelphia region.
In 2005, Michael Mays was looking for a home to build on and a project to work through.
"Even though I was in a relationship at the time, it was more for me, and an investment for the future," Mays said.
He was drawn to a five bedroom Victorian twin in Cheltenham Village because of its central location. He knew the neighborhood because he grew up a few blocks away.
"It's that perfect mix of suburban and city life," Mays said. "It's quick to get to shopping, restaurants, downtown and close to a regional rail."
At more than 1,700 square feet, the home includes one full bath and a powder room as well as a large, unfinished basement. Originally, Mays said he was planning only on cosmetic updates to the home. After moving in, he decided to refinish several of the rooms.
By 2006, he was single and doing renovations. First up was the living room, where he replaced the walls, ceiling and floor.
"I wanted to give it a more modern feel and have it be more of a showcase for the house," Mays said.
He installed a projector screen for movies on the long wall, turning the living room into more of an entertaining space.
The next room for renovation was the kitchen. While previous owners had relocated laundry facilities there, Mays decided to move the washer and dryer back to the basement in order to make room for additional cabinets and cooking space.
Renovations continued out back, where Mays also put in a block patio at the front of a deep yard.
"The yard has been great," he said. "I immediately went out and rescued a dog to welcome to the family." He said friends and family were able to spread out for barbeques on holidays each year.
In 2012, Mays met his now-fiancee.
"She is a city kind of girl," he said. "Even though I loved my time here and so did my dog, it's time to move on to the next chapter."
The home is currently listed for $179,900 by Nodari Tetruashvily at Weichert.
"It's time to open the house up for its new owners to enjoy it as much as I have," he said.