How big is this bathroom? In general, vanities in small bathrooms make the bathroom look smaller as they take up more floor space than a wall mount or pedestal sink would.

If you can, I'd leave the wall mount and the faucet in this bathroom and build a second bathroom. I agree with the realtor that old home lovers will appreciate the current bath as it is. But buyers would rather have a 2nd bathroom. Make sure that one of the baths has a tub.

I'd have the agent play up the home's untouched character;
you only need one buyer, so have her advertise for that person, someone who wants an old house in near-original condition.

richardallen - you're LOCO - really LOCO

The bathroom is 5x8. Bathtub is lengthwise against wall with open linen area to the front. On other side is toilet and sink. Though there's adequate storage - you have to close the door to access it. There's room between the sink & wall and more room between the sink & toilet. But no counters. I just don't think it's a good set up for anyone other than myself.... and it is not original (only tub is original). I was thinking that a long, narrow vanity would provide both - accessible storage and counter - and make it more attractive to buyers.

I sure would like to add a second bath - but I'm not certain it's cost efficient.... Especially with the existing footprint of the house. And, although a contractor suggested it, I can't imagine taking a bedroom out to create another bath.

sylviatexas - it's not really untouched ... maybe lightly touched. And the RE did play that up - and it showed in the photos and being in the small historic area ... The character (and loads of large oaks) is what attracted me --- need to find another "me"!

As an owner of historic homes and an old-house lover in general, I have to say that one of the biggest turn-offs to me is seeing a "modern" vanity with counter, cabinets and undermount sinks in a bathroom of an old home, especially if the bathroom is small. If you need to update, do so in a style that reflects that of the house. That being said, if the room is big enough, and you choose period-style cabinetry, it might work, but it totally depends on the space you have (& budget) and the era/style of your home.

That special buyer you're looking for doesn't necessarily want the house to be "original," but she does want it to be stylistically appropriate. I agree that updating the faucet would be worth it - I remember those non-mixing faucets at grandma's - totally a pain. Why not put in a nice new pedestal sink with a new faucet? Kohler (as well as other companies) has a lot of nice period-style sinks and faucets.

Don't underestimate your buyer or go too far to project what you think they need. My family of 3 lives perfectly fine with bathrooms that have pedestal sinks, no counters and no big storage cabinets. Amazing what that does to cut down on bathroom clutter! Curling irons, hair dryers, make-up, etc is all actually put away after use rather than lying around on the vanity top... People who love old houses usually also love finding creative ways to work with them, as in using pretty baskets for toiletries or a shelf for towel storage, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler period bathrooms

No, don't give up a bedroom. I see you are in FL - am I correct in assuming that means no basement? If that's the case, then I"d leave the house with 1 bathroom. I'm 100% in agreement with jenswrens...have a period appropriate sink and faucet...no vanity, though. I'm an owner of historic homes, too.

I appreciate that you'd had people comment but I have to ask if they are new house people or old house. If new house, I'd underweight their comments because I think new house owners have a completely different set of priorities for their homes. It's not a bad thing, just a different thing.

funkill: "richardallen - you're LOCO - really LOCO"

No, he's not; he's a troll. Pure and simple. Each and every one of his posts is meant to be provacative. Nay, argumentative. He's trying to get a response from you and he succeeded. You (and now me) have made his day and this will no doubt lead to even more vituperative posts. Just simply ignore them.

You know, message boards on the Internet have been around for quite some time now. I would have thought that by now, everyone would have learned how to deal with trolls. Or more accurately, how NOT to deal with them.

Is there anything to draw a buyer to this home other than the historic part?
I.e. is the AREA someplace people want to live? Are all or most of the houses in much better historical condition than yours?
I think you have to evaluate whether your best chances of a buyer are someone who likes old neighborhoods, wants this one because its an art district or what have you, or someone who wants an old, in near original condition, house.
I like old houses fine, but am not hardcore and would want conveniences. I want to live like I'm in the 1800s I'll become one of those reenactors that live in places like Williamsburg.
For me original woodwork, interior doors, and anything you can retain without to many inconviences. After that I want modern updated electricity, an efficient furnace and windows (wood) and yes - mixed water in the faucet and somewhere to put my toothbrush. But that's just me. Is there any compromise to switching out the bath in a way that would be relatively easy for some hardcore historian to switch back? Or rather, only change those things that someone could restore rather easily.

Though I am not a fan of old houses you post reminded me of a boyfriend I had long ago -- his old house had one bathroom with separate faucets for hot and cold. What a pain! You either freeze your face or fry it.

Change out the faucets -- may be charming but not practical.

I, too, am the owner of a 1920's bungalow and am doing an inexpensive bath remodel as I type. This bathroom had long ago been "updated" in a horrible way and had a big old beat-up boxy vanity taking up half the room. I put in a nice pedestal sink with oil-rubbed bronze faucet - makes the room look twice as big! So I agree with changing that out. I would NOT go to the expense of building an additional bathroom, especially if you have to sacrifice a BR.

Price it right, and as your realtor says, you will just have to be prepared for that "right" buyer. We have our vacation home on the market and ours has some drawbacks to floorplan and will also have to wait for the right buyer. That's all we can really do.

Good luck to you!

I have a new home and specifically chose faucets with separate knobs for hot and cold. It is wonderful.

If there is a need to heat the water, you simply crank the hot water knob until the water is warm enough, then adjust the cold water know until the temp is correct.

I didn't like having the single mixer faucet in prior home because you had to turn the water all the way to hot to get the water warm enough, then had to readjust the temp to mix in the cool water once the hot water arrived from the water heater. This was a hassle.

Single faucet allows me to use cold only - which I often use.

IMO, whether you like 2 knobs or one knob on a faucet, there is no way that anyone would make a home buying decision due to this. So save the planet by not throwing away a faucet and just sell the home with current faucets. The new owner might love the faucets, and it they don't, (unless they are trashed). New owners can have fun picking out a new faucet that fits their personal style.

"I have a new home and specifically chose faucets with separate knobs for hot and cold. It is wonderful.
If there is a need to heat the water, you simply crank the hot water knob until the water is warm enough, then adjust the cold water know until the temp is correct. "

They're not talking about one faucet with two knobs.

They're talking about a sink with two entirely different faucets- one faucet dispenses hot water and one faucet dispenses cold water. The only way to mix them is to run a sinkful of water.

you're right cearbhail - I have separate faucets --- a total pain unless you fill the sink - which is what I do to wash my face. And I have a little rubber stopper too!

Okay - I took a couple hours and FINALLY opened a photobucket account!!!! You can see pics of my place from a couple years ago --- some pics were used for when I listed my house, a few other taken to record the shape prior to evacuating for a hurricane (which did not strike our area).

Okay - I'll toss the idea of marble w/undermount sinks and look at another pedestal. Just thought the double sink might "tempt" those buyers who think they cannot deal with a single bathroom just a tad. It's probably not the sink that is the real problem though - maybe they need 2+ toilets!

The neighborhood is very pretty and along the river. It's probably not family-friendly though as there are no sidewalks, few younger families and the schools are not the best in the area. Those are the complaints of my neighbor who has 2 of the few young children. 95% of the other homes are large, well-maintained historic types. None are listed very often - but the few that are have had price reductions (in the $650,000 - $850,000 range) are still on the market a year later. One small home sold quickly about 5 years ago!

So, the only thing that makes my house stand out among the rest in the neighborhood is that it is small - and affordable! Unfortunately, the size puts me in competition with 100's of other ones in nearby neighborhoods that are the traditional Florida ranch style that are priced much lower than I could accept. 3/2 block, stucco, flat roof, terrazzo/carpet floors, screened back porch, carport. Against these, mine has much more "charm" - wood siding, raised (keeping it cooler), wood floors, nice woodwork, plaster walls, 5-panel wood doors (to be installed - purchased at architectural salvage yard), nice size rooms with decent closets, 100 yr-old oaks! I did add a deck and gazebo on the front too and screened the gazebo a few months ago. But it doesn't have the traditional sliding glass doors to the back yard. And the single carport, single bath seemed to be a turn off to many. I've even thought about enclosing the carport (which is CBC construction/original) - though most people use that as the main entry.

Please take a look and let me know what you think -- several pieces of furniture have aleady been removed and taken to storage and the decluttering has commenced!

Here is a link that might be useful: funkill home

I really like the house and the way you have it decorated. Love the bathroom. I think another pedestal sink (if you decide to replace because of the faucet problem) would look fine. The existing shelves already provide a lot of storage.

What about this pedestal console -- the best of both worlds, not a modern vanity, but provides some storage? I have this sink in my restored 1920's bungalow bathroom and adore it.

Also: do consider getting a bridge faucet. This will retain the historical look -- they are period appropriate -- and soothe those who prefer their water coming out of one tap.

Best of luck -- if I were in your area, I would have seriously considered your house. And there are more of me out there! :)

Ohhhh circuspeanut - nice taste! I'm not certain if I'm ready to put that much into the pedestal, but my dad is a master carpenter and could probably build something like it for me! Faucets are nice too - and I've been looking at that style for my kitchen. yum.