Check out the history! Lots of potential! C. 1900 Historic Greek Revival in New York. $69,900.
If you have ever wanted to own a piece of history that has actually hosted a President, this might be the house for you. Known locally as the Dowd House Mansion, this massive Greek Revival home in Salamanca is a rare find. It is full of character and local stories that you just don’t find in modern houses.
44 S Main St, Salamanca, NY 14779 Price: $69,900
features
- Historic Greek Revival architecture
- Known as the Dowd House Mansion
- Corner lot location
- Built circa 1880s
A Home with Presidential History
The Salamanca Historical Society has some amazing records about this place. According to local lore, Judge Dowd once hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor here. They actually slept in the house during their visit. It also holds the title of being the very first house in Salamanca to have a bathtub, which was installed back in 1886.
features
- Hosted President Franklin D. Roosevelt
- Hosted Eleanor Roosevelt
- First bathtub in Salamanca (1886)
- Significant local historical value
Plenty of Space and Original Details
This is a large home with three full stories of living space. It has seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, so there is more than enough room for a big family or a creative project. Inside, you will find beautiful natural woodwork and six fireplaces scattered throughout the house. There is also a formal dining room and a separate living room that show off the grand style of the late 1800s.
features
- 7 bedrooms
- 3 bathrooms
- 3,344 square feet of space
- 6 fireplaces
- Natural woodwork
- Formal dining room
- Entrance foyer
Updates and Ongoing Projects
While the house definitely needs some cosmetic work and restoration, the big projects have already started. The plumbing has been updated with PEX, and the electrical system uses circuit breakers. The third floor has also been turned into an efficiency apartment, which could be great for guests or as an in-law suite. The roof is made of slate and tile, which adds to the historic look and durability of the building.
features
- Updated PEX plumbing
- Circuit breaker electrical
- Renovated 3rd-floor efficiency apartment
- Slate and tile roof
- In-law floorplan
- Second kitchen
Room for Work and Play
Beyond the bedrooms, the layout includes a home office and a laundry area on the upper level for convenience. There is even a bedroom on the main floor, which is a nice feature for anyone who wants to avoid too many stairs. Outside, the house sits on about half an acre and includes a detached garage. The driveway is made of concrete and the lot is a nice, rectangular corner piece of land.
features
- Home office
- Upper-level laundry
- Main floor bedroom
- 0.51-acre lot
- Detached 1-car garage
- Concrete driveway
A Grand Vision for the Future
This house is being sold as a “diamond in the rough.” It needs a buyer who has a vision for restoring old homes to their former glory. Because of its size and history, it could make a beautiful private home or even a bed and breakfast. It is priced to sell and is waiting for someone who loves old architecture to come in and finish the work that has been started.
features
- High restoration potential
- Bed and breakfast potential
- Solid stone foundation
- Wood siding
From Zillow
How many people have dreamed of living in the Dowd House Mansion?!?! Step into the charm and grandeur of this historic Greek Revival home, circa 1880s, offering three stories of incredible character and rich local lore! Previously known as the Dowd Mansion, according to the Salamanca Historical Society, Judge Dowd hosted several political notables including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor!
The Roosevelt’s actually slept at the Dowd House! In 1886, it became the first house in Salamanca, NY to have a bathtub! This one-of-a-kind property is filled with timeless appeal and remarkable potential.
While it is in need of restoration and cosmetic updating, the home appears to retain solid bones, and major improvements have already begun, including updated plumbing and a renovated third floor efficiency apartment.
Whether you dream of restoring it to its original elegance, creating a stunning private residence, or transforming it into a charming bed and breakfast, this is a rare opportunity for a buyer with vision, passion, and appreciation for historic homes! Priced to sell, this diamond in the rough is ready for its next chapter! *Photos are from when home was previously listed*.
