Patty Knaggs Real Estate: New Listing Alert - 18 Harrison Ave, Gloucester

Want a piece of history at a starter home price? Welcome to 18 Harrison Avenue, a Colonial-style saltbox home with a lot of charm and potential. Listed at only $269000, this is a great chance to become a homeowner and add value over the coming years with updates

While Gloucester’s city records only go back to the turn of the century, a map dated 1899 shows the property under the ownership of an E.W. Witham, and earlier maps from 1856 seem to show the home as one of the first few on Harrison Avenue. 

This makes sense when considering the ceiling height, as well as the very wide pine boards in the attic, as well as post and beam peg construction. This type of building is typically seen in early saltbox colonials in New England. 

One of the home’s most beautiful features is the exposed beam in the dining room. Keep the existing wall sconces, or consider adding a chandelier to make the light, airy room pop even more. With a little work, or updating the flooring from its current linoleum, this room could be the home’s focal point - especially if you like to cook for the holidays! The living room on the first floor is light, spacious and includes a coat closet. 

The eat-in kitchen on the first floor is in move-in condition, with an abundance of midcentury cabinetry. Keep it as-is, or refinish the cabinets for added sweat equity. Several built-in nooks in the table area add charm to the home. 

There’s also a wall opening that looks into the bonus rear family room, which could also be used as a children’s playroom, or even home office, as it has its own door to the backyard. Off the kitchen, as well, is a cozy ¾ bath.

Upstairs, there is a roomy master bedroom with closet, as well as another bedroom with closet, and a third bedroom - which lacks its own radiator or closet, but is decently sized and could be retrofitted with either and still be perfectly comfortable for guests or children.

 There is also a full bathroom with large claw-foot soaking tub. The attic features wide pine boards and could be left as-is for storage, or even finished in the future for a small play area - however, as is the standard with old homes, the ceiling is quite low! 

The unfinished basement has a laundry area and is clean and ready for storage. 

The driveway can fit 2-3 cars, and the potential for added cars, or campers, boat trailers, etc if the fence from driveway to backyard is removed or a gate installed. Street parking is also plentiful for guests. The backyard could use some gardening and TLC, but it is level, spacious for the area and the price range, and has the benefit of being fully fenced - great for dog lovers and families with small children!  A patio area can easily be added for backyard barbecues. 

The small front yard, set up from the sidewalk by a short retaining wall with granite stairs, is easy to keep landscaped and could be transformed into a wonderful garden area. 

The home would fair well with cosmetic updates - the home was previously smoked in for a time, and the carpet and vinyl could be replaced with wood or laminate to restore the home to its historic glory.  The third bedroom is seen below. 

This home is in a great East Gloucester location - within walking distance to all Eastern Avenue businesses like Shaw’s supermarkets, as well as close to Good Harbor Beach. Harrison Avenue is off the beaten path and lacks the loud, fast traffic like other spots in town - perfect for raising a family. The location also makes it easy to jump right on 128 to head “up the line” to commute to work!

Don’t overlook this fantastic opportunity to own a home with historic features, room to grow and the ability to update on your own schedule! 

An open house takes place today, from 12-1:30.