For anyone who dreams of restoring a grand old house, the Dowd House Mansion in Salamanca, New York, presents an extraordinary opportunity to bring a piece of local history back to life.
This three-story residence, believed to date to the 1880s according to its listing, is associated with Judge Dowd, who reportedly welcomed prominent political figures into his home, including Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife, Eleanor Roosevelt.
44 S Main St, Salamanca, NY 14779 | Offered at $65,000
7 Bedrooms | 2 Full Bathrooms | 1 Half Bathroom | 3,344 Sq Ft | Listed Build Year: 1900 | 0.51 Acres
The listing also recounts a fascinating local distinction: the house reportedly became the first residence in Salamanca to have a bathtub in 1886. Its Greek Revival architectural character, traditional wood siding, stone foundation, and slate-and-tile roof evoke a period when homes were built to make a lasting impression.
Inside, the scale of the property is immediately apparent, with approximately 3,344 square feet spread across three levels and seven bedrooms offering a wealth of possibilities for a future owner. A formal entrance foyer leads toward separate living and dining rooms, while natural woodwork and hardwood flooring preserve details that restoration-minded buyers will want to examine closely.
Six fireplaces add further historic appeal, creating opportunities to recover the individual character of the home’s principal rooms. The property also includes a full basement, attic space, a detached one-car garage, and a second kitchen on the third floor.
That upper-level area has reportedly been renovated into an efficiency apartment, offering potential flexibility for extended family or other uses, subject to local zoning and building requirements. Plumbing updates have already been undertaken, but the listing makes clear that substantial restoration and cosmetic improvements are still needed.
Buyers should arrange a thorough professional inspection and budget carefully for repairs, utilities, code compliance, and the preservation of historic features. Set on approximately half an acre, the property offers space to reconsider the grounds while retaining the presence of a substantial historic residence.
Its potential uses could include a restored private home or, subject to zoning and approvals, a bed-and-breakfast-style property.
Now offered at $65,000 after reductions from its original $79,900 asking price, the Dowd House Mansion is a compelling prospect for a buyer with vision—someone willing to look beyond its current condition and help preserve a distinctive piece of Salamanca’s architectural and local history.
Listed by: RE/MAX On Point 716-373-7325, Ciji L VanDyke 716-244-8924