• EDIT LEADERBOARD HERE

    • Oct 28, 2009

    by Layla

    House Tour – Union Springs, AL

    Earlier this month, we took a trip to Union Springs, Alabama.
    It’s a small, laid-back town located about an hour and a half southeast of where we live. Century-old Victorian homes line many of the streets around town, and the ones that are for sale are priced incredibly low because of the towns proximity to the nearest large city (it’s a 30 minute drive) and because they are in need of lots and lots of love.

    Fun Facts about Union Springs:

    Population: 2,989
    Elevation: 522 feet
    Antique houses: Tons
    Number of seconds it took for us to fall head over heels in love with the house in the video you’re about to see:     One!

    Isn’t she beautiful? I swear to you, I’ve had two dreams about her since our visit!

    Here’s how the ad for the house reads:

    “Victorian House with lots of extras!
    Columned porch with porch swing, columned entrance open to extra wide foyer, 5 mantles and hardwood floors throughout. Extra tall pocket doors and original wainscoting in the Dining Room. Large butlers pantry with built-in china cabinet, clawfoot tub in bathroom, irrigation system, magnolia and fruit trees.

    Just needs a little TLC!
    Sold “AS IS” but owner is willing to renovate more with price adjustment.
    Fantastic Opportunity!”

    $55,000

    ——————————————————————————————

    Here are some photos we took while strolling around the house…

    What do you think? “The Lettered Cottage B&B”?
    After all, the ad does say it “just needs is a little     T(he) L(ettered) C(ottage)!”


    ——————————————————————————————————–

    Join us on Twitter or Facebook!



    Photobucket

    ————————————————————————————-

    Need help arranging your furniture?

    Need design help?

    Check out my e-book!

    Pin It!
    Shoot Fly Shoot
    • COMMENT
    • VIEW COMMENTS
    • TWEET
    • LIKE
    This entry was posted in Guest My Nest, House Tours.

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

    37 Responses to House Tour – Union Springs, AL

    1. Ange says:
      Dec 16, 2010 at 7:20 pm

      It’s a little hard for me to type with all this drool on my keyboard! Wow! That would be an awesome B&B, which btw, is one of my dreams!!!! My hubs and I would love to one day own and operate a B&B.

      Reply
    2. lj says:
      Dec 31, 2010 at 5:55 pm

      uh oh, gut punched – she’s absolutely – BEAAAAUUUUTIFULLLLL! ah, to give her a little TLC, would be such a pleasure!

      thanks for taking us on your journey!
      lj

      Reply
    3. Patsy says:
      Jan 1, 2011 at 7:25 pm

      Wow, How I would love to go down and choose a house and get going on it. Thanks for taking us there.
      I’m new to your site. (hopefullly i added myself correctly.

      I am working on a website maybe soon.

      Reply
    4. Michelle says:
      Jan 14, 2011 at 3:16 pm

      I’m glad I didn’t tour it in person because I would have been crying my eyes out as I left! I agree, complete diamond in the rough. Thanks so much for sharing. Minus the kitchen cabinets, lol, I loved everything about her!

      Reply
    5. Coastal39564 says:
      Jan 27, 2011 at 11:47 pm

      Goosebumps…I spent many days staying with my great-grandmother as a child and I was always intrigued with the older homes. The wallpaper, the many coats of varnish/stain and paint. Layers of “life” I wish I could unravel. The nostalgia is overwhelming me.

      Reply
    6. Ella's Mum says:
      Feb 25, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      It’s got TLC written all over it. :) I would love to stay here after it’s been Laylafied.

      Reply
    7. sandra says:
      Apr 10, 2011 at 1:18 am

      OMG Layla, You and Kevin must have been in heaven in this house!!!! I can totally picture the two of you sweeties working on that beauty!!! It would be gorgeous! $55,000 is unbelievable, where I live the average house is over $500,000.00!!!! (which is why we rent), please show us some more “old treasures” like that one.
      Cheers!
      Sandra

      Reply
    8. Rachel Carey says:
      May 20, 2011 at 9:59 am

      GREAT House….but I’m seeing about $50k off the bat. Still, I think I’ll fly down and snap it up, lol.

      I saw a family on tv fully renovate a large victorian properly….cost them $200k. Anyone have $150k to loan me?

      Reply
    9. Sherri Langford-Farrell says:
      May 20, 2011 at 9:59 am

      The porch, the doors, the transoms, Oh, My!!!! The doubled columns inside were fantastic!!!! I could imagine playing between them as a child!!!! How beautiful it must have been in its time and how beautiful it could be again!!! Thanks for taking us along!

      Reply
    10. Tenacwalker says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:03 am

      We bought a house that was built in 1878 in rural Alabama and brought it back to life- one of the single most rewarding things I have ever done. We lived there for 9 glorious years, one of my children was even born there. Selling it and leaving it behind was heartbreaking- no matter where I live that house will always be “home”. The older homes really get to be a part of you- best of luck in your endeavor!!!

      Reply
    11. Olivia says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Oh my gosh. You had me at the description. Wonder if my husband is up for a move? :)

      Reply
    12. Donna Atkinson says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:07 am

      Hi Layla,
      That house certainly has ALL of the features that I know you both appreciate so much. A lovely old beauty! It would take A LOT of restraint not to let it get under your skin. I have been in this position myself. Submit all thinking with an open hand and pure hearts. Lifting you up for wisdom!
      My best,
      Donna

      Reply
    13. Laurie says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:07 am

      I am surprised you were even able to fall asleep to dream! I would be awake all night trying to figure out a way to make that dream happen! The house is just amazing, so much potential. I love everything about it. Thanks for taking us along.
      Laurie

      Reply
    14. Kristina says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:08 am

      MASSIVE potential!! How beautiful it would be if your creative hands got a hold of this place!

      Reply
    15. Kim says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Oh wow…absolutely stunning! I’m in love, too…

      Reply
    16. Dara Barwick says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Those columns take my breath away! I think it’s perfect for you and Kevin, Layla!

      Reply
    17. Dara Barwick says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:18 am

      AND that wainscoting!!

      Reply
    18. Monica Cook says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:18 am

      She’s got soul! wow the doors, columns, floors, trim, porch and only $55,000 incredible! I was already furnishing it as you were doing the walk thru. Will definitely visit the B&B once it’s open for business!

      Reply
    19. Gloria says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:21 am

      Oh my gosh…that is so gorgeous and has so much potential. Love, love, love the dining room fireplace/mantle/mirror. Just gorgeous and all the transom windows and the doors, and the porch, and the…. I could go on forever! And just $55,000!

      And it just needs “a little TLC” – that’s you guys!!!

      Reply
    20. Kacey says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:24 am

      Seriously gorgeous. I can’t believe that PRICE! It should be yours!

      Reply
    21. Becky Steg says:
      May 20, 2011 at 10:32 am

      I am a stain glass artist and while watching your video and looking at your pictures I was seeing beautiful colors of glass in those transoms………….awww my heart was beating so fast from the excitment of thinking about the possiblities.
      I hope you bought the house and good luck to you both. My hubby and I love remolding old homes and right now we live in a house built in 1936. We have managed to remoldel every room except the bedrooms that will be coming soon…………

      Reply
    22. Erin says:
      May 20, 2011 at 11:14 am

      I agree she’s gorgeous! We got sucked into old houses and are moving into our 1904 Victorian this weekend. We ended up having to gut and start over, so beware old houses will suck you dry! But they are worth it in the end (we also paid a lot more than $55,000…so the price alone makes it worth it).

      Reply
    23. teres says:
      May 20, 2011 at 1:03 pm

      why or why aren’t there houses like that up here in winnipeg, manitoba canada?! :o ( they are building brand new ones with all those old style features now but they just don’t have the same character and soul. beautiful!

      Reply
    24. eileensideways says:
      May 20, 2011 at 2:05 pm

      $55,000!! what a steal. in boston, that would cost $550,000 even with renovations to be done. quick, sign on the dotted line.

      Reply
    25. Debbie from the Wichita Mtns. says:
      May 20, 2011 at 6:27 pm

      Let us know when you are ready for guests but keep us posted on the remodel in the mean time. Great find.

      Reply
    26. Blue Isalnd Girl says:
      Jun 24, 2011 at 10:42 am

      Buy It! 55k wouldn’t even buy me a 1/4 acre in MA.Seriously if you don’t I might really conside moving to US Alababma

      Reply
      • Layla says:
        Jun 24, 2011 at 10:43 am

        LOL! It actually sold many months ago….I’d love to see what the new owners have done to the place. Maybe we’ll pay them a visit! :-D

        Reply
    27. Melanie Messer says:
      Aug 15, 2011 at 6:12 am

      Wow. Those interior pillars are to die for. I can only imagine what you would do with it.

      Reply
    28. Shari says:
      Oct 6, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      I drive through Union Springs on the way to my dad’s. Such a pretty little town and beautiful houses. Would love to see you begin the revitalization it needs!

      Reply
    29. Beth says:
      Oct 12, 2011 at 7:23 am

      Layla it’s got you written all over it! They want you in that house. They need you in that house. :)

      Reply
    30. Marsha Gulick says:
      Oct 12, 2011 at 2:02 pm

      Love it! When can we visit?!

      Reply
    31. Carol says:
      Jan 11, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      It is EXQUISITE! Everything I saw about it screams- “COME HOME TO MAMA”- and do it NOW!! What a steal- what a jewel- a diamond in the rough………..but the detail………..the columns- the tall windows and DOORS- the porch-the wainscotting- the clawfoot tub with the sunfilled window behind it- I would want to nest there and remodel till the cows come home- Good luck- have fun! Cant wait to see AFTER pics!

      Reply
    32. Virginia says:
      Apr 26, 2012 at 9:05 pm

      Layla: You missed a beauty! ALL of us would have devoured each and every step you took bringing that house back to life! I’m new to your website, did you end up buying another property instead? I would love to see the before & after.

      Reply
    33. Zaria says:
      May 9, 2012 at 7:42 am

      The house is just beautiful…It was a steal at 55k! I know this is an old post, but what caught my eye was that you labeled it the MLK house. I immediately thought of Dr. Martin Luther King and wanted to see his former home, LOL. What does the MLK stand for? :)

      Reply
    34. Amber says:
      Jul 29, 2012 at 3:00 pm

      I want to thank you for featuring Union Springs. I have been looking at RE in the South to relocate to and a couple of years ago, stumbled upon “USA”, as they call it. This house you featured was on my list!! I got goosebumps watching your video. On the market now is another fantastic Antebellum set on 3 acres with two add’l cottages for $110!! The home belonged to Miss. Bonnie of Bonnie Nursery. She started that business right there in that house on that land with seeds! LOVE the history. LOVE that every single thing tells a story of The U.S.A.

      Reply
    35. Kim says:
      Feb 19, 2013 at 9:46 am

      Hi Layla, I first came to your website via The Pioneer Woman and I’m so glad I found you. Believe it or not my parents are from Union Springs, Alabama. I can’t believe you found it. My uncle still lives there. Can you tell me what street it’s on, if you remember? I can’t wait to show them your website. They moved away when they were first married over 40 years ago and have lived in New Orleans ever since. My grandmother lived in Union Springs until about 2000 and then she moved here. It’s such a beautiful little town and the houses are all so statuesque and grand. We would visit there twice a year when I was growing up and I have many fond memories of hanging out at Hardee’s with the other teenagers. Thanks so much for posting the pictures. If you get to see it again please post some pictures. I’d love to see it brought back to its original glory.

      Reply
      • Layla says:
        Feb 19, 2013 at 10:10 am

        Hey Kim!
        That house is on Martin Luther King Drive (or Street?), and it was purchased a few years ago by someone who is currently working on it. We haven’t been back to see it, but we were glad to know someone snapped it up! :-)

        Reply