What's Your "Lottery House"?

As readers of my scrawlings here probably realize, I love houses.  Old and charming vs McMansions, please. 

As such, I have always had a "lottery house".  You know - that house that you'd buy when you win the "big one".  Now that the Powerball jackpot is something like eleventy billion dollars (OK - $325 million as I am writing this on 2.12.12 at 2:09AM), I have been thinking about those houses again.

Of course, the odds of winning are infinitesimal, but what fun to imagine!  I have two "lottery houses" in Easton, and coincidentally, both are located across the street from one another on Spring Garden Street.  

The first one is the Howard Riegel House at 214-216 Spring Garden.  Built in 1909 by Benjamin and Barbara Riegel (who had their own gorgeous place at 44 North Second Street) for Benjamin's brother, Howard, and his wife, the dwelling was for many years the home of the Easton Salvation Army.  Some mystery elements of this house were featured in a previous blog post.

I had the distinct pleasure of a tour of this home last year, and it is one gorgeous place.  I can envision it as a lovely bed and breakfast, or a private home.  

There are marvelous architectural and aesthetic details and I was pleased to see that even though the main areas had been somewhat reconstructed by the Salvation Army, apparent care was taken not to mar or deface the existing elements.  I'm going to have to move fast, though, as it's currently under an agreement of sale.

The other home is directly across the street at 217 Spring Garden.  The building dates of this home are not clear, but according to local historian Richard Hope's writings at this *excellent* site - www.walkingeaston.com - 1852-1853 seems likely.

At one time, it was the rectory/manse for the church next door, but it is currently a private home with some apartments in the rear of the property.  I have not been inside, but the curious stone horses (they're a bit too military-looking for a carousel) in the front garden are a draw to me.

I'll be buying my lottery ticket again this week, and hey - you never know!  Spring Garden Street, here I come (maybe!)

Do you have a "lottery house"?  If so - which one?  Tell me about it!