PORTLAND – This home on Back Cove was the subject of a Design feature* on pressherald.com in late December. At the time, after years of neglect, the home was undergoing a complete rehab after being purchased by David Jones of F.O. Bailey Real Estate.

Not only the house, but also the lot, needed help: Dozens of evergreens had grown up to enclose and effectively hide the building, which is just off to the Preble Street Extension intersection and across the street from Pedro Field.

“The house used to say, ‘I’m not here,’” Jones remarked. “Now, it says, ‘Look at me.’”

Removal of the trees note only revealed the c. 1939 gambrel, it also opened up the views it enjoys through abutting Winslow Park to Back Cove.

“If it were my house, I would probably convert the attic to a third-floor master suite, with views of the cityscape as well as the water,” Jones said.

A new owner may well pursue that option. Following recent completion of the renovation, which Jones oversaw, he listed 3 Deerfield Road for sale at $429,000, and planned to introduce it at an Open House in early May.

The well-attended open house drew offers, and another, prevailing offer immediately followed, from a buyer who had seen the house the previous day. The selling price was $431,500, less a $10,000 credit because the house was unapplianced.

Jones acknowledged that the hot Portland real estate market played a part in the quick sale, but also noted the very desirable location, and emphasized the home’s transformation “from dark and dismal to bright and cheery.” As illustrated here with before and after photos.

Staging by F.O. Bailey Antiquarians. Photos by Melanie Sochan, staff photographer.

* http://stage.pressherald.com/2015/12/29/back-cove-home-begins-new-year-rebirth/