Luxury historic rooming houses
Co-owner Dave Halpert and I raised six children in Ithaca, in a big old downtown Victorian that we renovated diligently over many years. Along the way we learned a lot about historic preservation and how to make old houses comfortable and modern without disrespecting historic design. When our five Millennials and one Zoomer went out into the world to pursue various studies and occupations, they were often forced to inhabit over-priced and under-loved dwellings in expensive cities.
Realizing that Ithaca suffers from some of the same housing issues as larger urban markets, I decided to fix up a few grand but rundown Victorians, for modest-budget people. I believe everyone deserves to be safe and comfortable, and to come home to a nurturing environment. I also believe tenants can save money by sharing a large house that was originally designed for an extended family (but now with more bathrooms, central air, and Hepa filters).
The houses, while each unique, are all fully furnished. All have a maximum of two tenants per bathroom; central air; free laundry; “gourmet” kitchens. Tenants set their own rules for pets, with a maximum of two dogs or cats per house. Renovating each one took approximately two years and involved a lot of sweat equity as well as professional plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC technicians, insulation experts, carpenters, and other skilled tradespeople. All the houses are strictly non-smoking.
As of 2024 I am retiring from personally managing the houses (except for Newman Cottage, which is in my own backyard). Certified Properties professionally manages the maintenance, leasing, and tenant relationships.
Of course, any of these houses can be rented by a family of any sort, as reflected in the rent for “whole house.”
—Teresa Halpert Deschanes