Finding a historic home packed with unique architectural character, salvaged artisanal materials, modern system upgrades, and nearly an acre of private land for $100,000 is a rare find. Located at 17 Maplewood Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003 in Ohio County, this 1938-built property offers an entry-level price point for lovers of historic character, first-time buyers, or real estate investors looking for a high-potential asset in the local Wheeling market.
Originally listed at $115,000, a $15,000 price cut brought this 1,410-square-foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom “castle-inspired” home down to $100,000 ($71 per square foot). Constructed with reclaimed road bricks from neighboring historic towns and salvaged marble floors, the home balances historic craftsmanship with functional utility updates like a newer metal roof, electrical wiring, plumbing, furnace, and hot water heater.
Below is an in-depth, expert analysis of the property specifications, core pros and cons, pricing metrics, and a definitive purchase verdict.
Property Specifications at a Glance
| Metric / Feature | Property Details |
| Listing Price | $100,000 (After a $15,000 price reduction) |
| Location | 17 Maplewood Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003 (Mozart Neighborhood) |
| Livable Footprint | 1,410 Sq. Ft. (Main Level + Finished Full Basement Space) |
| Bedrooms / Bathrooms | 3 Bedrooms (First Floor) / 2 Full Bathrooms (1 Main, 1 Basement) |
| Total Lot Size | 0.95 Acres (Large Private Lot tucked back in Mozart) |
| Year Built | 1938 (Raised Ranch Castle Style with Reclaimed Brick/Stone Frame) |
| Architectural Features | Salvaged Road Bricks, Salvaged Marble Flooring, Fireplace |
| HVAC & Systems | Forced-Air Natural Gas Heating, Central AC, Newer Furnace/Water Tank |
| Roof & Infrastructure | Durable Standing Metal Roof; Upgraded Electrical & Plumbing |
| Water / Sewer Utilities | Public City Water & Public City Sewer Connected |
| Annual Property Taxes | $911 / Year (Based on Ohio County $101,900 Tax Assessed Value) |
The Pros: Why This Wheeling Home Offers High Equity Potential
1. Unique Architectural Character & Reclaimed Materials
Unlike cookie-cutter tract homes, 17 Maplewood Avenue carries a physical story in its construction:
- Reclaimed Brick Framing: The exterior walls are crafted from historic brick salvaged from the original roads that linked local West Virginia towns during the early 20th century.
- Salvaged Marble Flooring: Features real marble floors salvaged from a historic area building, adding timeless elegance and value to the interior.
- Castle-Inspired Aesthetic: The raised ranch design gives the home a unique castle-like facade nestled into the hillside.
2. Modernized Major Capital Items
Historic homes often scare buyers away due to deferred infrastructure maintenance. This property eliminates major initial capital expenses:
- Key Systems Upgraded: Features a newer gas-fired forced-air furnace, a newer hot water tank, upgraded electrical wiring with circuit breakers, updated plumbing, and a durable metal roof.
- Full Utilities: Served by public city water and public city sewer avoiding the costs and hassles of rural septic tanks or water wells.
3. Generous 0.95-Acre Lot in Mozart
- Exceptional Land Footprint: Most historic homes within Wheeling city limits sit on small 0.10 to 0.20-acre lots. This property offers 0.95 acres tucked back in the quiet Mozart neighborhood, providing rare backyard privacy, mature trees, and garden potential.
4. Microscopic Annual Carrying Overhead
- Low Property Taxes: Annual property taxes sit at an affordable $911 per year (~$76 per month). With zero HOA fees, the ongoing fixed cost to hold this asset is minimal.
The Cons: Layout Considerations & Location Realities
1. Basement Bathroom Configuration
- Split Bathroom Layout: While the home offers 2 full bathrooms, 1 bathroom is on the main level and the 2nd bathroom is located downstairs in the full basement.
2. Terrain & Accessibility
- Sloped Lot Topography: Typical of Wheeling’s hillsides, the 0.95-acre lot features sloped terrain. Driveway maintenance and seasonal leaf/snow management require planning.
- Car-Dependent Neighborhood: The Mozart location offers peace and privacy, but errands require a vehicle (a few minutes’ drive down to 29th Street and I-70 corridors).
Financial Analysis & Carrying Cost Breakdown
Property & Architectural Specifications
| Property Parameter | Specifications | Feature Impact |
| Architectural Style | Castle-Inspired Raised Ranch | High curb appeal and unique historical market identity |
| Building Materials | Reclaimed Road Bricks & Marble | Superior durability and craftsmanship |
| Finished Footprint | 1,410 Sq. Ft. + Finished Basement | Flexible layout with bonus room and basement bath |
| Major Upgrades | Metal Roof, Furnace, Plumbing | Minimizes short-term deferred maintenance expenses |
| Lot Size & Setting | 0.95 Acres in Mozart | High privacy buffer tucked away from traffic |
Estimated Monthly Carrying Cost Breakdown
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Calculation Basis & Notes |
| Principal & Interest | $526 / Month | Based on $100,000 purchase price with 20% down payment |
| Property Taxes | $76 / Month | Derived from Ohio County annual tax bill ($911/year) |
| Hazard Insurance | $35 / Month | Estimated homeowners insurance policy |
| Total Fixed Carrying Cost | ~$637 / Month | Excludes variable electric, gas & water utilities |
Valuation Takeaway:
At $71 per square foot, 17 Maplewood Avenue sits well below the median list price for the surrounding Wheeling market ($130–$160/sq. ft.). The tax-assessed value alone stands at $101,900. Purchasing a stone/brick character home with updated mechanical systems and nearly a full acre for $100,000 leaves substantial equity margin for a buyer.
Final Investment Verdict
The Verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED — An outstanding buy for historic home lovers, first-time buyers, or rental investors seeking a character-rich property with updated systems under $100,000.
17 Maplewood Avenue represents a rare combination of historic charm, heavy structural craftsmanship, and modern comfort. Having the metal roof, plumbing, wiring, and furnace already updated removes the biggest financial hurdles associated with older homes.
Suggested Bidding Strategy:
Following the recent $15,000 price drop to $100,000, interest in this price bracket will be high. Enter a clean offer at or near $95,000 to $100,000 with standard contingencies for a home inspection and title search.
Listed on Zillow