Meet Betsy Sweeny, a passionate lover of all things vintage.

She was fortunate enough to stumble upon a forgotten gem—a Victorian house in Wheeling, West Virginia, standing vacant since the 1970s.

What began as a bout of wonder for Betsy turned into a purchase of the property for just $16,500.

Built in 1892, the home stood as a whispering relic of the past, waiting for someone like Betsy to hear its stories and bring it back to life.

With her knack for seeing the beauty in the old and forgotten, Betsy was the hope this house needed.

So, she began to peel back the layers of time to reveal the beauty underneath.

Betsy’s adventure with this house began with a curious glance and a growing wonder about its history, leading her to explore its interiors.

Despite the evident wear and tear, the house was a treasure trove of historic elements and unique features.

It was a living, breathing piece of history, made of wood, stone, and glass, each element with a story to tell.

Betsy’s background in historic preservation made her the perfect person to understand and value the importance of preserving such historic charm.

The journey of restoration was a dance with time and patience.

What was supposed to be an eight-month project stretched into 18 months, with Betsy finally moving in around the holidays in 2021.

The house, now a cozy abode of 3,200 square feet, has three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and distinct living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Each was restored with meticulous attention to detail and a touch of love.

Betsy breathed life into every corner of the house.

From the living room and its expansive windows to the historically laid-out dining room. The kitchen, which was in a dire state, underwent a complete makeover.

Every detail, from the preservation of the pocket doors to the restoration of the elegant staircase, was handled with care and reverence, reflecting Betsy’s deep love and respect for the house.

Every step inside the house is a step through time, a reminder of the many souls who once called it home.

The spacious primary bedroom and the adjoining areas were restored to reflect their historical significance.

Corners of the house still whisper tales of the past, awaiting their turn to shine again.

The attic and the backyard, still humming with potential and dreams, are part of Betsy’s ongoing journey with the house.

Her commitment is not about turning a profit.

Rather, it’s about preserving a piece of history and continuing to call it home for years to come.

Betsy sees the romance and excitement in preserving historic buildings.

They are not just aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective but are pillars of the communities they belong to.

Such properties open doors to more accessible real estate opportunities, especially in smaller towns, creating a sense of collective belonging and shared history.

The ripple effect of restoring such properties is profound.

Betsy revels in how they change perceptions and elevate the entire community.

It’s about thinking collectively and recognizing the invaluable contribution of preserving our shared heritage.

Betsy looks beyond the surface to see the potential and the stories that lie within, waiting to be discovered and shared.

Betsy’s story is a warm embrace of the old and forgotten, a dance with history, and a celebration of the beauty that lies within.

Take the full tour of Betsy’s incredibly preserved historical home below!

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By Jessica Adler

hi@sbly.com

Jessica Adler is a contributor at SBLY Media.