A two-story farmhouse surrounded by mature trees, a spacious wraparound porch, and 1.5 acres of Pennsylvania countryside—all with an asking price of $125,000.
Located at 119 Kalaha Lane, Stoystown, PA 15563, this early-1900s home offers three bedrooms, one full bathroom, and approximately 2,016 square feet of interior living space.
The property combines traditional farmhouse character with a wooded hillside setting, an established lawn, a detached workshop, and a covered parking space.
At approximately $62 per square foot, the asking price may attract buyers looking for an older country home with room to personalize.
However, there are important considerations. The house was built in 1900, relies on oil-based heating, and sits on sloping land. Additionally, the listing history shows that the property became contingent on October 19, 2026.
For anyone interested in affordable Pennsylvania farmhouses, this property presents an interesting example of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with buying an older rural home.
Property Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Asking Price | $125,000 |
| Address | 119 Kalaha Ln, Stoystown, PA 15563 |
| Property Type | Farmhouse / Single-Family Residence |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 1 full bathroom |
| Living Area | 2,016 sq ft |
| Lot Size | 1.5 acres |
| Year Built | 1900 |
| Stories | 2 |
| Heating | Oil, baseboard |
| Cooling | Wall/window units |
| Fireplace | Wood-burning |
| Water | Well |
| Sewer | Public sewer |
| Basement | Partial, unfinished, walk-out |
| Parking | Single covered space |
| Additional Structure | Detached shed/workshop |
| Annual Property Tax | $1,055 reported for 2026 |
| Parcel Number | 350004670 |
| Listing Status | Contingent as of October 19, 2026 |
All information is based on the supplied listing and photographs. Current status, dimensions, utilities, and property condition should be verified independently.
A Classic Farmhouse Surrounded by Pennsylvania Woodland
One of the property’s most appealing features is its natural setting.
Aerial photographs show a white two-story house positioned on a grassy hillside, with mature trees surrounding much of the property.
The landscape includes a mixture of open lawn and wooded areas, creating a contrast between maintained outdoor space and the surrounding countryside.
The property is described as having a private, wooded 1.5-acre lot.
From above, the house appears tucked into a hillside rather than positioned on a flat suburban parcel.
This setting may appeal to buyers seeking a quieter home environment, outdoor space for recreation, or a traditional country lifestyle.
However, the hillside location also creates practical considerations.
Sloped properties may require additional attention to surface drainage, erosion, retaining structures, and driveway maintenance.
A buyer should inspect how water moves around the foundation during heavy rainfall and whether the landscape presents any ongoing maintenance challenges.
The Exterior: Traditional Farmhouse Character
The house has a recognizable farmhouse appearance, featuring white siding, dark shutters, multiple rooflines, and a prominent brick chimney.
Its two-story design provides a traditional residential layout rather than the compact interior commonly associated with modern tiny homes or seasonal cabins.
The listing describes a wraparound covered front porch, which is clearly visible in the photographs.
The porch has a curved section, railings, and room for outdoor furniture.
It may be one of the home’s most enjoyable features, offering a sheltered place to sit while overlooking the lawn and surrounding trees.
Photographs also show brickwork around the entrance, landscaped areas, and a driveway serving the property.
Because the house dates to 1900, the condition of the roof, siding, porch supports, exterior drainage, and foundation deserves careful evaluation.
The home’s age adds character, but it also means buyers should be prepared for the possibility of repairs and modernization.
Inside the 2,016-Square-Foot Home
With approximately 2,016 square feet of reported living area, the farmhouse offers considerably more interior space than many small rural cabins in a similar asking-price range.
The home includes three bedrooms and one full bathroom.
Photographs show several finished rooms with different decorative styles, including a traditional living room, a functional kitchen, bedrooms, and a space currently arranged as a home office.
The interior combines modern household furnishings with older architectural details.
Flooring materials listed for the property include laminate, tile, and carpet.
Although the photographs show generally furnished and usable spaces, they cannot establish the condition of concealed wiring, plumbing, insulation, or structural components.
A professional inspection remains essential.
Living Room With a Wood-Burning Fireplace
The living room is a notable feature of this farmhouse.
A substantial brick fireplace occupies one wall, with a wood-burning insert visible in the photographs.
The fireplace gives the room a traditional country-home atmosphere and provides a focal point for seating and family gatherings.
The space also features carpeting, light-colored wall finishes, windows, and a ceiling fan.
For buyers who appreciate older homes, the fireplace may be particularly attractive.
However, the presence of a wood-burning appliance should not be taken as proof that it is safe or approved for use.
Before operating it, a buyer should arrange for an appropriate inspection of the chimney, flue, insert, and surrounding masonry.
The listing identifies oil and baseboard heating as the home’s heating system, so the fireplace should not be assumed to be its primary source of heat.
A Practical Kitchen With Everyday Appliances
The kitchen appears to offer a conventional layout with upper and lower wooden cabinets, countertops, a sink, and several household appliances.
According to the listing, included appliances comprise a dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, stove, and certain other electric appliances.
The photographs show a cooking range, microwave, dishwasher, and cabinetry arranged along one wall.
A window above the counter allows natural light into the room.
The kitchen is functional in appearance, although its exact condition and the age of its appliances are not established by the photographs.
Buyers should test the plumbing, electrical outlets, ventilation, and included appliances during their inspection.
They should also confirm precisely which appliances will remain with the home at closing.
Three Bedrooms and Flexible Interior Space
The property officially includes three bedrooms.
Photographs show a bedroom with a large bed, multiple windows, and carpeted flooring.
Another room features wood-paneled walls and is arranged with a bed and other furnishings.
A separate room is currently furnished as a home office, with a desk, storage furniture, and decorative wall finishes.
That room may appeal to someone who works remotely, studies from home, or needs a dedicated hobby area.
However, the listing’s official bedroom count should be used rather than assuming every photographed room qualifies as an additional bedroom.
A buyer should verify room dimensions, closet space, heating, ventilation, and emergency egress where applicable.
One Full Bathroom
The farmhouse includes one officially listed full bathroom.
Photographs show a bathroom with a vanity, sink, toilet, mirrored cabinet, and a bathtub or shower area behind a curtain.
The room has patterned wall finishes and a window.
One full bathroom may be adequate for some households, but it can be a limitation for others, particularly in a three-bedroom home.
Anyone considering the addition of another bathroom should consult qualified contractors and local authorities about feasibility, plumbing capacity, and permits.
A Detached Workshop and Outdoor Storage
Beyond the main residence, the property includes a detached shed or workshop.
Photographs show an older outbuilding with a metal roof, weathered siding, and large wooden doors.
This structure may provide useful storage for lawn equipment, tools, recreational gear, or workshop activities.
Its appearance also suggests that buyers should inspect it carefully.
Potential concerns include roofing, framing, moisture intrusion, door condition, and the stability of the structure.
The listing does not establish that the building is suitable for residential conversion or other regulated uses.
Any plans to renovate or repurpose it should begin with a review of permits, zoning, and structural condition.
Parking and Driveway Access
The listing identifies one covered parking space and describes a single-stall carport.
It also mentions a spacious driveway.
Photographs show a gravel driveway or access lane extending through the wooded setting.
The driveway may be an attractive feature for buyers who prefer separation from the road, but maintenance requirements should not be overlooked.
Gravel surfaces can require periodic grading and drainage work, particularly on sloped terrain.
Buyers should confirm the legal access arrangement, driveway boundaries, and winter maintenance responsibilities.
Heating, Water, Sewer and Utilities
The supplied listing provides several important details about the home’s utility systems.
Oil and Baseboard Heating
The house uses oil-based heating with baseboard distribution, according to the listing.
Oil heating can provide effective warmth, but operating expenses depend on fuel prices, system efficiency, insulation, and household usage.
A buyer should inspect the boiler or furnace, distribution system, and any oil storage tank.
If an oil tank is present, its age, location, condition, and any environmental concerns should be investigated.
Cooling
Cooling is described as being provided by wall or window units.
This differs from a confirmed central air-conditioning system.
Buyers should assess whether the existing cooling arrangement meets their needs during warmer weather.
Well Water
The listing identifies a well as the property’s water source.
Before purchasing, buyers should consider a water-quality test and an evaluation of the well’s condition and production capacity.
The existence of a well does not guarantee adequate water quality or supply.
Public Sewer
The listing reports a connection to public sewer.
This may simplify wastewater management compared with a private septic system, but buyers should confirm the actual connection, service provider, condition of the sewer lateral, and applicable fees.
What Buyers Should Know About a House Built in 1900
The farmhouse was reportedly constructed in 1900, making it more than 125 years old.
Older homes can offer architectural character and generous interior layouts, but they may also contain systems that have been repaired or modified over many decades.
Important areas to investigate include:
- Foundation condition and signs of settlement
- Roof age and evidence of water intrusion
- Electrical panel, wiring, and grounding
- Plumbing materials and water pressure
- Insulation and heating efficiency
- Chimney and fireplace safety
- Basement moisture and drainage
- Potential lead-based paint and other age-related environmental hazards
Because the house was built before 1978, buyers should also review applicable lead-based paint disclosures and consider appropriate inspections.
The unfinished walk-out basement may provide access to some mechanical and structural components, but its suitability for storage or other uses should be assessed carefully.
A thorough inspection is particularly important when evaluating an older home with a relatively low asking price.
Is $125,000 a Competitive Asking Price?
At an asking price of $125,000 and approximately 2,016 square feet, the home has an advertised price of roughly $62 per square foot.
That figure may appear attractive compared with many newer homes, but price per square foot is only one part of a property valuation.
The property’s age, location, condition, utility systems, acreage, and maintenance needs all influence its value.
The supplied Zillow estimate is approximately $126,700, but automated estimates are not appraisals and may not account for hidden property defects or recent changes.
A buyer should compare the farmhouse with recent sales of similar older homes in the Stoystown area.
The cost of anticipated repairs should also be considered when deciding whether the asking price is reasonable.
Property Price History
The supplied records show the following transactions and listing events:
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| October 19, 2026 | Contingent | $125,000 |
| October 15, 2026 | Listed for sale | $125,000 |
| July 2, 2015 | Recorded sale | $91,600 |
| October 16, 2009 | Recorded sale | $81,000 |
The property was listed at $125,000 on October 15, 2026, and marked contingent four days later.
A contingent status generally means an offer has been accepted subject to certain conditions. It does not necessarily mean the sale has closed.
Availability for backup offers or future showings must be confirmed with the listing agent.
The increase from the recorded 2015 sale price to the 2026 asking price is approximately 36.5%.
However, that difference should not be interpreted as investment profit because it does not account for maintenance, renovations, transaction costs, financing, taxes, or inflation.
Property Taxes and Ownership Costs
The supplied listing reports annual property taxes of approximately $1,055 for 2026.
Historical tax figures include:
| Tax Year | Reported Property Tax |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,055 |
| 2025 | $1,018 |
| 2024 | $1,018 |
| 2023 | $988 |
| 2022 | $906 |
These figures show an increase over time, but they do not predict future tax bills.
The supplied information also includes differing assessed-value figures, so buyers should verify the official current assessment directly with the county.
Other ownership costs may include oil heating, electricity, well maintenance, public sewer charges, insurance, property upkeep, and repairs to the home and outbuilding.
For an older farmhouse, budgeting for unexpected maintenance is especially important.
Could This Be a Good Country Home?
The property may appeal to buyers looking for a primary residence with a traditional farmhouse atmosphere.
Its three bedrooms, full kitchen, bathroom, established heating system, and reported public sewer connection distinguish it from basic off-grid recreational cabins.
The covered porch, wooded surroundings, and 1.5-acre lot add lifestyle appeal.
A home office or hobby room could also make the layout attractive for households needing flexible interior space.
However, prospective owners should consider whether one bathroom, oil heating, hillside maintenance, and the home’s age align with their needs and budget.
A low asking price does not necessarily translate into low total ownership costs.
Could the Property Be Used as a Vacation Rental?
The farmhouse’s wooded setting and porch may appeal to buyers interested in occasional vacation use.
However, the listing does not confirm that short-term rentals are permitted.
Anyone considering rental income should verify local zoning rules, licensing, insurance requirements, occupancy limits, and any applicable taxes.
Expected rental revenue should be evaluated using credible local market data rather than assumptions based on the property’s appearance.
No rental income or profitability is guaranteed.
Key Questions Before Making an Offer
Before purchasing, buyers should seek clear answers to several important questions.
Structural condition: Are there any foundation, framing, roof, or drainage issues associated with the house’s age and hillside location?
Heating system: How old is the oil-heating equipment, and when was it last serviced?
Well water: Has the well been tested recently, and does it provide an adequate supply?
Public sewer: Is the connection active and functioning properly?
Basement: Are there signs of moisture intrusion or structural movement?
Workshop: What is the condition of the detached building, and is it properly permitted?
Property boundaries: Does a survey confirm the full 1.5-acre parcel and access arrangements?
Insurance: Are there any special requirements or costs associated with the age and condition of the home?
Listing status: Is the property still contingent, and are backup offers being considered?
These questions can help buyers distinguish an appealing listing from a property that genuinely fits their needs.
Final Thoughts: A Pennsylvania Farmhouse With Character and Land
The farmhouse at 119 Kalaha Lane in Stoystown, Pennsylvania, offers a combination of traditional architecture, a wooded setting, and a relatively accessible asking price.
For $125,000, the listing describes three bedrooms, one bathroom, approximately 2,016 square feet, and 1.5 acres.
The wraparound porch, brick fireplace, detached workshop, and mature trees give the property a distinctive country-home atmosphere.
At the same time, its 1900 construction date, oil heating, sloped lot, and potential maintenance needs deserve serious consideration.
The contingent status reported on October 19, 2026, is another important detail for interested buyers.
For someone seeking an older Pennsylvania farmhouse rather than a modern turnkey property, this home may be worth studying further.
Its true value will depend on the results of professional inspections, local market comparisons, and the buyer’s willingness to maintain a historic rural residence.
View the Original Property Listing
For additional photographs, listing updates, and contact information, visit:
119 Kalaha Lane, Stoystown, PA — Zillow Property Listing
Disclaimer: This article is an independent educational real estate analysis based on supplied listing information and photographs. It is not a real estate advertisement, appraisal, financial recommendation, or representation by the property owner or listing agent. Information has not been independently verified. Prices, property condition, taxes, availability, legal uses, and listing status may change. Buyers should verify all material facts with qualified local professionals before making a purchase.
