Ep 6. Playful Indiana Victorians

In season 1, episode 6 of Cheap Old Houses, viewers are taken to Indiana to explore a handful of Victorians that are not only affordable but also have a playful, whimsical touch to their designs. Elizabeth and Ethan Finkelstein, the hosts of the show, take us around the state to explore houses that are quirky and charming and would make an excellent investment for anyone looking for a unique property.

The first house we see on the show is located in South Bend, Indiana. The house is a large Victorian built in 1899 and has been vacant for years. Elizabeth and Ethan walk through the house, showcasing how the property has remained intact over the years. The house has ten-foot ceilings, hand-carved woodwork and multiple stained glass windows. The hosts mention that the house is one of the few in the area that has not been converted into a multi-unit dwelling and still maintains much of its original charm and character. Despite the condition of the home, it is clear to see that it has great potential as an investment property.

Next up, Elizabeth and Ethan take us to see a smaller Victorian home in New Haven, Indiana. The house, built in 1890, has been neglected, but the hosts are excited about the home's potential. It's clear from the outside of the house that it was once a twinkle in someone's eye – with gingerbread trim and delicate architectural details, it cuts a striking figure in the neighborhood. The interior of the property is also impressive, with a grand staircase, built-in cabinetry, and a fireplace mantle in the living room. Though it needs a lot of love and attention, the couple believes that the house has tons of potential, and they would jump on the opportunity to buy it.

Elizabeth and Ethan then take viewers to the quaint town of Elwood, Indiana, where they explore a house with a ton of personality. The house, built-in 1896, features a unique red and white painted exterior and an original glassed-in porch. Despite its bright exterior, the inside of the house is a little more subdued and in need of some tender loving care. Yet, the house still has several charming details like an original fireplace mantle, a clawfoot tub, and a stained glass window in the living room. With a bit of work and care, this affordable home could be transformed into a dream property for someone looking for a unique home.

The final house that Elizabeth and Ethan show us in this episode is found in the historic district of Richmond, Indiana. This home is different from the others in the episode, with more of a traditional, colonial feel. Built-in 1830, the house was one of the first landmarks in the area, and it has a commanding presence on the block. The hosts describe how the house was built-in two sections, and the older part of the house is full of original features like hand-crafted woodwork, moulding, and hardware. The house had previously been owned by a renowned professor and his family and has a large library, stained glass, and multiple fireplaces throughout the property. While the exterior of the house is in need of some work, the potential of the property is hard to ignore.

Overall, season 1, episode 6 of Cheap Old Houses was informative and entertaining for viewers who are looking to invest in affordable, unique properties. Elizabeth and Ethan's passion for historic real estate shines through in every episode, and their energy and excitement are contagious. The different homes showcased in this episode offer something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quirky Victorian, a charming older property, or a traditionally styled colonial house. With so many fantastic homes out there, it's hard not to be tempted to take the plunge and invest in an affordable piece of history.