Save This House! C. 1899 Victorian Fixer Upper in Schenectady, New York For $485K

$485,000 | Built 1899 | 3,440 Sq Ft | 5 Beds | 2.5+ Baths | 0.41 Acres

A Stone Victorian Facing Union College

Set directly across from Union College, this 1899 stone Victorian delivers the kind of presence you can’t replicate today—solid masonry, handsome proportions, and layers of handcrafted detail waiting to shine again. With more than 3,400 square feet on a generous 0.41-acre lot, the home offers the scale, materials, and architectural character of the Gilded Age: coffered ceilings, cherry hardwood floors, intricate millwork, pocket doors, stained glass, hidden staircases, and multiple fireplaces. If you’ve been searching for a statement property to restore, this is the canvas.

Arrival & Outdoor Spaces

A gracious wraparound stone porch welcomes you with room for rockers, planters, and evening conversations as the campus glows across the street. A classic stone portico shelters the paved drive—perfect for rainy-day arrivals—and guides you to a deep backyard sized for gardens, play, and future entertaining. At the rear, a detached garage includes a full second-story bonus area: think art studio, guest quarters, music room, office, or private retreat.

Main Level: Grand Rooms & Everyday Function

Open the front door to a wide foyer anchored by original woodwork and a staircase designed to impress. Formal living and dining rooms flank the entry, each with fireplace focal points, tall windows, and the kind of ceiling details and trim you only find in turn-of-the-century builds. Pocket doors allow you to expand or separate the rooms for intimate dinners or lively gatherings.

A butler’s pantry bridges dining and kitchen—ideal for storage, coffee service, or future beverage center—while the kitchen footprint offers plenty of space to reimagine a chef’s hub with island seating and modern appliances. A powder room adds convenience, and secondary/“hidden” stairs offer efficient back-of-house circulation. Throughout the level, stained glass accents and solid wood doors remind you of the home’s pedigree.

Second Level: Bedrooms, Views & Veranda

Upstairs, five generously sized bedrooms provide flexibility for sleep, study, and creative work. Large closets, tall ceilings, and rich trim carry the vintage vibe forward, while multiple fireplaces add warmth and charm. A hall bath serves the secondary bedrooms, and the floor includes access to a second-floor patio/veranda perched above the grounds—your private overlook with sweeping views of campus greens and treetops. Morning coffee or sunset reading spot? Yes, please.

Third Floor & Expansion Potential

With more than 3,400 square feet overall, the upper level(s) suggest possibilities: additional bedrooms, a playroom, media lounge, or a serene studio tucked under the eaves. The home’s “2.5+ baths” notation hints at space and plumbing locations for a future ensuite or laundry—bring your designer and contractor to map the best plan (buyer to verify).

Detached Garage with Full Second Story

The two-story garage is a standout bonus. The upper level feels tailor-made for a workshop, gym, rehearsal space, or guest suite. With the right upgrades—insulation, heating/cooling, and a bath addition—this becomes a meaningful extension of your living footprint and a valuable long-term improvement.

Craftsmanship Worth Saving

• Stone exterior & wraparound porch for durability and curb appeal
• Coffered ceilings & intricate millwork rarely seen in modern builds
• Cherry hardwoods that refinish beautifully
• Multiple fireplaces creating intimate gathering points
• Pocket doors & stained glass as high-character details
• Butler’s pantry & hidden staircases blending function with charm

Location, Lifestyle & Access

Living opposite Union College means you’re close to academic energy, lectures, performances, and green spaces—yet tucked within a residential setting. Daily conveniences, dining, cafés, and cultural spots are nearby, with easy access to downtown Schenectady, the Stockade Historic District, Proctors Theatre, and local parks and trails. Commuters will appreciate proximity to major routes and regional employers.

Condition & Opportunity

This home needs TLC, but the fundamentals—stone construction, generous rooms, period detail, and a superb location—are exactly what restorers look for. Whether your vision leans faithful historic revival or a thoughtful blend of old-and-new, the floor plan supports today’s lifestyle: grand entertaining spaces on the main level, private bedroom wing above, bonus areas for work/hobby, and a detached two-story outbuilding to take the pressure off the main house.

Bring your contractor, designer, and imagination. Refinish the hardwoods, revive the millwork, re-tile the fireplaces, and tailor the kitchen and baths to your taste. With smart improvements, this property could evolve into a landmark showpiece across from one of the Capital Region’s most storied campuses.

Fast Facts

• Year Built: 1899
• Living Area: ~3,440 Sq Ft
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 2.5+ (scope for adding more, buyer to verify)
• Lot Size: ~0.41 Acres
• Porch/Patio: Wraparound stone porch + second-floor patio
• Parking: Paved drive under stone portico; detached garage with full second story
• Special Features: Coffered ceilings, cherry hardwoods, stained glass, pocket doors, multiple fireplaces, butler’s pantry, hidden staircases, bonus spaces

Why This Home

• Irreplaceable character that rewards restoration
• Flexible layout for modern living, multigenerational needs, or work-from-home
• Premium setting opposite Union College with green views and urban conveniences
• Value-add potential in both the main house and the two-story garage loft