Let’s think outside of the box for a moment with this cool prospect: why not buy and live in an old fire station, postal office, museum or warehouse?
Having a nice weekend jaunt around the San Francisco Bay Area peninsula is somewhat of a pastime for us and once in a while we come across something rather quaint. Like this property for sale in the woods somewhere. It is the village fire station that has gone on the block for $825,000 minus the fire truck!
Think about it — how many people can claim their home used to be the fire station? Or Ye Olde Neighborhood Shoppe, or the community church? I watched an HGTV show a while ago that featured an extreme home that was actually a remodel of a town’s historical old church. I was absolutely amazed at how the homeowner turned the altar area as part of such a grand living room. Though truly stunning and gorgeous, I thought ultimately it would be too drafty to live in something like that with stone walls, lovely authentic imported stained glass windows and space like you wouldn’t believe! The roof was miles away from the floor, as you can imagine.
There’s a novel ring to that icebreaker in the making, when you lay claim to an unusual piece of real estate.
Now back to the fire station — here are the particulars:
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FIREHOUSE FOR SALE!
Class: Single Family Residential
Type: Detached Single Family
List Price: $825,000
Lot Size: 13,131.00 SF
Age: 50
Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 1 Full, 1 Half, No Tub
Stories: 1Remarks:
A rare opportunity to buy a firehouse. Fantastic location on large lot in desirable XYZ County. Remodel, rebuild or build new. So many possibilities. Add a second story and take advantage of the views.Major Features:
Amenities: Gas Hookup in Kitchen and Laundry Area; Gas Water Heater
Exterior Features: Stucco
Heating System: Central Forced Air Heat
Levels: 1 Story
Other Areas: Laundry Area – Garage
Roof: Tar and Gravel Roof
Yard/Grounds: Automatic Sprinkler(s), Patio
Cooling System: None
Formal Dining Room: None
Family Room/Informal Dining: Eat In Kitchen, Separate Family Room
Garage/Parking: 2 Car Garage, 2 or More Carport, Attached Parking, Guest Parking Area, Off Street Parking
Listing Includes: 1 Refrigerator, Disposal, Dryer, Free Standing Range/Oven, Microwave Oven, Washer
Lot Description: Corner Lot, Level Lot
Sewer/Septic System: None
Style: Contemporary
Foundation: Concrete Slab
Pool Description: None
Shower: 1 Stall Shower
Water Sources: City/Public Water
I took a tour of the property and the grounds are actually nice. You’d think that “quiet” and “fire house” are oxymorons, but the station is in fact located on a quiet residential street which luckily hasn’t seen or heard much action. In my opinion, the structure will need to be heavily remodeled in order to be livable but I heard that it could be classified as historical according to the county, which means you can’t alter certain of its elements that depart from its inherent aura.
Though there’s something pretty neat about owning a historical property (if it were truly the case that this property indeed is), note that a remodel can have its own set of headaches as it will need to pass additional architectural reviews and require permits to get off the ground. In fact, you may have to work under several constraints and all for good reason — the town wants to preserve its feel. And appeal.
On the plus side, what this property has going for it: it’s in a good location, has a sturdy framework and for the lot size, it’s well-priced for the area.
So guess what — I didn’t have to wait long. I just checked and this baby has already sold! Well that went by in a heartbeat! I guess even with this market, fetching fire houses can sell.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Great pictures. Whoever bought that is gonna have a lot of fun! If they have kids (though I don’t know how they could with a 2 bed) they will be especially stoked!
Oooh. Assuming I had the funds, I’d actually consider this place over plenty of other places I’ve seen in the area for the same $! Not surprised it sold so soon 🙂
Let’s see? Vaulted ceilings, Large dining area, sleeps 10 or more, Extra large garage and a brass pole.
That’s got frat house written all over it.
Yes there are quite a lot of possibilities for this place. I’m looking forward to seeing how it morphs. I’ll take some snaps of it to see how it turns out.
Dave…oooooh. That was too CLEVER.
As long as it’s got the fire pole, sounds like a good idea to me!
This is really nice – if only I could afford it 😉
It’s every kids dream to live in a fire station. What a great opportunity for somebody. I don’t think my job as a garager remodeler is going to give me the money I would need to buy that place for my kids.
i gone grab this opportunity…my kids gone love..it..