the rix mix

The last intact Victorian home in this neighborhood is vacant. Around the corner, about a two minute stroll. From the time I moved here it's been occupied by 4 to 6 people in their thirties, always at least three cars in the driveway at night. Once in awhile I'd see couple of them hanging out on the porch or coming or going. Two weeks ago, walking by after dark, there was a small bonfire & party out back, people singing. That was unusual. Last weekend I noticed the grass getting long, & some household items on the curb mixed in with a lot of trash bags & pizza boxes, no cars, the house definitely had a hollow feeling. I've seen three beautiful houses razed over the past year, the lots are vacant. Two had to be 100 years old. This house is a treasure. There's a few other houses that maybe used to look like it, but they've been radically altered & weren't this impressive to begin with. I think the house has a large addition at the rear, & an original outbuilding or stable.

The longer the house is vacant, the more chance it will be damaged by elements, vandalized, or burn. I don't know who owns it or what's planned. Best scenario is for an affluent gay couple to fall in love with it. The house has been there since this was the edge of town, & beyond were a park, woods, & the large Kean family estate & farm. There are well-maintained single family residences on both sides, the house on the right would itself be impressive if not overshadowed by the last Victorian.

Labels: Elizabeth NJ