Good points! The house is an older, historic house (built in 1940s) with lots of charm, character and old house goodies but in an area that boomed in the late 70s and 80s and with a decent amount of new construction as well. For the size and price point currently, it is competing with new construction and the smaller kitchen and lack of updated baths upstairs may be holding it back. It's actually competitively priced in our opinion but it will likely only appeal to a certain crowd not turned off by dealing with "old house" issues and unfinished basement etc.

We would ideally like to tackle any renovations before moving in - we sold our home and are renting elsewhere as we were originally planned to build but living in the space for a bit may make the most amount of sense to really get an idea of how we'll function in the space. Thanks for your advice!

might be better to look for another property. However, what could be put to consideration might not be too difficult: Keep perimeter intact.....pull the island....get floor redone for a closer match of family living area....design two islands-inner island still with sink but downsize it...outer island toward family room for seating.....island style to have your white more transitional style. Against the new wood flooring, the white islands would be more the focus.The idea is to let the perimeter recede- change hardware.... could probably sell the modern hood for a good summ and replace with a more traditional hood and replace light pendants . All in all, it might work, but the concept/style of this space will no longer remain and it's condition looks really fine so might be better to let someone reside who embraces/likes the kitchen without alterations. With the more traditional double hung windows along family room walls, framed in wood, I can see how a more transitional vibe would be very workable here.....they wanted a modern kitchen, but that space is the more stray element to the style of home, it appears.

We would ideally like to tackle any renovations before moving in - we sold our home and are renting elsewhere as we were originally planned to build but living in the space for a bit may make the most amount of sense to really get an idea of how we'll function in the space. Thanks for your advice!

I've lived in two old houses in the past. One a 1927 craftsman bungalow and the other an 1898 Colonial Revival/Victorian and in both cases we lived in the house before tackling the renovations. It can be done and in both cases I was very glad we had lived in the house for a while since what I would have done before moving in was different from what I did after I moved in.

Things I thought might bother me, didn't and some things I thought wouldn't be a problem, turned out to be problems.

And YW.

I'd probably just keep looking if you want to scrap the kitchen all together - it's an absolutely lovely kitchen as is that would work for many people. It looks pretty functional to cook in already. I'm not sure why it wouldn't work just to put a kitchen table in the family room for your family to all sit at - I am actually really happy to have a kitchen table as they are much more comfortable to sit at and you are able to easily converse with people since you aren't in a long line. You certainly have space to add pantry or full height pantry storage. Agree with cpartist on moving in first - we definitely did a different kitchen remodel than we likely would have done had we not lived here first. It's very helpful to live in the space and see what works and doesn't. Especially if you aren't doing a full scale remodel it will me much less disruptive to do when you are living there.

Unless this house has a fabulous location or a view, I'd move a long.

if you haven't renovated in a while, the cost to make the changes you're considering might totally shock you. Also, in some areas of the country it's near impossible to find good contractors who are available. Six months ago our favorite GC told us he was booked out one year, and I understand things are even worse now.

Youre probably tired of renting and you might see a pile of cash in your account from your house sale earmarked for your next home--I've been there--but being patient for the right house is worth it.

I can't imagine touching that kitchen, but in any event, you should get some cost estimates before you even consider this purchase. I would guesstimate that the full remodel you're talking about (new kitchen/greatroom) would be on the order of $100,000. If that works within the context of the price of the house and your budget, that's fine, just don't be surprised.

Appreciating all of the advice, thank you!

The home is hitting a lot of our boxes. We love the character and charm of older homes and this one has been very lovingly taken care of. Upstairs baths also need updating (pedestal sinks which wouldn't provide needed storage). This property is tucked away on a private drive on an almost 1 acre lot and has the most luxurious grounds/pavers/lanscaping with an in ground pool and pool house (not on our list but a total bonus and our kids heads might explode! ;) So we find it to be uniquely situated and offering the kind of privacy we are looking for while still in town.

We sold our similarly sized 1988 house on a cul de sac in a development with the intention of subdividing rural acreage nearby (10 minutes away) and constructing our "farmhouse/craftsman" style home on 20 acres. Fast forward 1 year later and we are still waiting on final subdivision approvals from DEP and then again from the township and we are circling back to take another look at existing construction as we are getting disillusioned with the wait and the whole idea of developing rural acreage.

The kitchen isn't our taste but is nicer than any kitchen we have ever had so it may make the most sense to just adapt to it and make it our own in whatever way possible.

I'm not a kitchen guru, but just wondering what it is about the kitchen that you don't like? Seems like there's plenty of space and storage. Would refacing and new doors be feasible? And a new, longer countertop on the island if you want more island seating?

The house and location sound otherwise ideal, so it might be best to live in it for a year and see how you want to do it. Plan a temp kitchen somewhere in the house for use during a reno.

You seem keen on so many aspects of the property......the wish list to change the kitchen may or may not be accomplished....but it's obviously not critical.