Kitchen bonus

The house we're buying was built in 1950. When I met the inspector there, he said, "I don't know how you're going to feel about these appliances. They look like they came off the ark."

I had to laugh. He clearly knew nothing about the appeal of a mid-century house with its original kitchen appliances intact. I explained to him that there are people who would gladly pay more for these appliances than they would for the latest models in stores today. By the time he finished the inspection, he was starting to understand. "These things are amazing. They work like they're brand new...and they're so clean. I mean, really, really clean."

The original Chambers wall oven, with warming tray and its matching stove top with a huge griddle that lifts to reveal a broiler, all in their copper and stainless steel glory. Yeah, baby!

(The attached note told the inspector how to turn it on.)

I promise better photos when I show you the finished kitchen. These were taken on the fly so we would remember details...like cabinet placement and shapes of knobs and levers. I didn't plan to use them here, but I couldn't wait to show you. The fuzzy spots that look like damage are just my poor photography.