What Happens When You Buy an $88,000 Mansion With Your Mom?
There’s a cardinal rule in the world of cheap old houses: If you spot “the one,” send it to your mom.
Every once in a while, I come across a story that reminds me why I started Cheap Old Houses in the first place. It’s not just about saving these old homes—it’s about the people who step up to give them a second chance. When April and Katie Grossman bought a long-abandoned Queen Anne Victorian mansion in Elmira, New York, for just $88,000, they weren’t just restoring a house. They were creating a shared dream—one built with patience, love, and a whole lot of heart.
“It all started with a @cheapoldhouses obsession and a trip to upstate New York,” they say on their Instagram page, @samson_j_friendly_house. I get it. I, too, had long been “obsessed” with the Samson J. Friendly residence, which was built in 1883 by renowned architects Pierce and Bickford but had been uninhabitable for decades. Like Ethan and me, April and Katie saw its potential. With its original woodwork, stained-glass windows, and over 4,100 square feet of space, the house was a treasure waiting to be loved again. They’d been following Cheap Old Houses for a while and decided to take the plunge. And, honestly? Watching what they’ve done has been nothing short of magical.
Like so many of the amazing, intrepid people who have made the wild leap into the land of Cheap Old Houses, these two have been documenting their journey for the public to see. One of the best parts of helping these homes land in the right hands is getting to watch the process of restoration unfold. And wow, will this one be a gem!
I love that they’ve embraced the mantra of our community: go slow, honor the house, and make it yours. Their first priorities weren’t Instagram-worthy projects—they were the unglamorous but critical things like plumbing, electrical work, and heating. (This house hadn’t had water or heat for 40 years!) Now, three years in, they sleep comfortably and have restored enough of the home to live there day-to-day, uncovering hidden gems like a tin ceiling in the bathroom along the way.
But what makes their story so special isn’t just the house—it’s the relationship they’ve built with it and with each other. This isn’t just a restoration project; it’s a shared passion. Whether they’re planting wildflowers in the garden, dreaming about turning the attic into a cozy movie room, or envisioning the ‘Western Room’ with its built-in bar, they’re creating something that feels uniquely theirs.
Katie told me, “The craziest part about the house is that it’s so big, there are rooms I haven’t even sat in for more than ten minutes.” I laughed because isn’t that just the way it is with these houses? They’re full of possibilities, begging you to slow down and imagine.
April and Katie’s story is a reminder of why we do this—not just to save the houses, but to create homes and lives that feel full. They’ve invested about $100,000 into repairs so far, but they’re not in a rush. “This isn’t a flip,” Katie said. “This is our forever home.” And isn’t that what makes this so beautiful? They’re building their lives inside these walls, one step at a time, and doing it right.
Stories like this are why I wrote the Cheap Old Houses book. It’s for anyone who dreams of taking the leap and turning something forgotten into something extraordinary. April and Katie’s journey is proof that these houses aren’t just structures—they’re opportunities to build something real, with the people you love most by your side.
If you’ve ever dreamed of saving an old house—or just need a little inspiration—pick up a copy of the Cheap Old Houses book and dive in. I promise, stories like this will remind you that sometimes, the biggest adventures come in the most unexpected (and affordable) packages.
Now go call you mom and tell her about that house you want!
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