Mark Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 I have been unable to locate accurate informaton on an all wood dollhouse. It has been in our family for as long as I can remember (about 45 years). RGT says it isn't one of theirs. No luck checking with other companies so far. We believe it cost approximately $900 for the original materials and several hundred more to have it assembled. Anything anyone could add or suggestions for next steps I might pursue to ID and value this item would be very appreciated. 13-15 rooms, 4 floors, counting attic areas. Dimensions are approx. 53" X 48" X 27". Notice a large tower on the left and a wrap around porch on the front and side. hard wood planked floors, two types of shake shingles on roof (scalloped on gables and awnings, square on main roofline). Thank you very much, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovecats Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Mark, it's a Dura-craft victorian mansion. They are out of business. Gorgeous house! I have one in a box waiting to be built! I don't know the value of a built one,however I paid 200.00 for the kit on ebay about a year ago...kit's go for around 200.oo usually on ebay. I don't know how much the house went for originally, but your price sounds a bit high for this house. I don't think it's that old either...i happen to have a set of instructions here that say copyright 1980. I don't think the house is much older than that. We have a couple of people on this site who are very good with dating house kits and such, hopefully they can help you :0) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nuttiwebgal Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 are you able to take other photos? like of the back? and of some of the details. it could help with identification! nutti :welcome: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IAK Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 VERY NICE!! I'm jealous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shy Spirit Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 That's a really good-looking house! :welcome: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uppitycats Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 A very nice house! Looks like someone worked very skillfully to put it together. Sounds like you're preparing to sell it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 9, 2007 Author Share Posted January 9, 2007 Thank you all so much for your replies. This is very encouraging. And thanks to ilovecats I have a postiive ID on it now too. I have included a few extra pics and if anyone has any suggestion for how much it is worth, please let me know...mostly for insurance purposes. Also, if we do keep this in the family, would you recommend painting it and finishing, similar to the picture ilovecats posted? I did some work restoring the bottom/base, the porch roof and many of the porch railing rails. I think with a little more work on the interior would floor it would be ready for final finishing and adding all the interior items. Other suggestions? Thank you all again, in advance. Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
queenannediva Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 The kit is advertised by Dura-Craft in the 1984 edition of "The Miniatures Catalog" for $270.00. Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilovecats Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Mark, it all depends on what you find pleasing for the look of your house. I LOVE this house done up natural as you have it, however, when i build mine, i intend to paint the exterior and decorate/wallpaper the inside....i love that look more...looks like a mini home that way! If you intend to sell it, i think people are of two minds...they want to decorate it themselves...or they want it already decorated and built. You'd probably fetch a little more $ if it's decorated....time and materials investment. Ive seen this house in a couple of older back issues of dollhouse mags and it looks really pretty decorated and painted. Have fun with it, it's already a vintage house and would be a great heirloom if you have children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tams Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 What a beautiful house! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chesterfieldzoo Posted January 9, 2007 Share Posted January 9, 2007 Ugh, another house to add to my wish list. It sure is pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peggi Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Beautiful house. Do you know who built it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missymew Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 That's a lovely house. It would be great fun to wire and decorate. -Susanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newt Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 that is a stunner of a house, and i love the exterior just as it is. i agree, it would be super to wire and decorate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Do you know who built it? Peggi, in the first post it sounds like someone in the family had it built, rather than building it themselves. If it were one of us I don't think there's any question we'd finish it off (even if left alone it could look so cool funished with plain natural-looking pocket curtains and maybe oak Mission furniture...). I can't imagine, having worked on it to repair the ravages of time, that you're not "hooked"! Welcome to the forum, Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallowell Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Welcome to the forum and what an impressive mini home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted January 10, 2007 Author Share Posted January 10, 2007 Oh, I'm hooked. Now to convince my wife. I'm beginning another project to build our retirement home, which will be a whole-log construction structure and I would love to keep this for future grandkids. Negotiating with family now ). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ouchouch Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 I saw the kit once or twice on ebay. And yea, it's been sold 200 bucks when I was watching them. Very nice house and very big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalygirl Posted January 10, 2007 Share Posted January 10, 2007 Welcome to the family Mark, the house is gorgeous! Can't wait to see what ya do with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shy Spirit Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 I'm so glad you decided to keep the house - now you can keep us updated with progress pics! :thumb: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peggi Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 Good luck in your negotiations, Mark. You have a beauty on your hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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