For nearly a year and a half, television viewers have been watching the step-by-step renovation of a small home near downtown Wilmington. And now, according to several published reports, the work is done, and the home is on the market.
Located near the intersection of 8th and Wooster, the small cottage was purchased by Karen E. Lain, the star of HGTV’s Good Bones television show. Lain bought the property in 2023 for $70,000 and has been documenting its progress on her show. The home has transformed from an almost uninhabitable dwelling into a very artsy and modern residence. You can see some of the before and after shots in this article by People Magazine.
Lain had publicly stated that her plan was to retire to North Carolina and make the 500-square-foot cottage her full-time home. However, the renovations have taken their toll. Lain mentioned that this project was one of the most daunting of her career. In August, she suffered minor injuries after falling through a floorboard in the house. Then, last month, shortly after the project was completed, Lain decided she would not occupy the home and instead listed it for sale with an asking price of $500,000.
Although the home was featured on a national television show, details about the property are limited. The real estate listing is For Sale by Owner and, consequently, has not been listed in the Flex MLS system—a database used by area realtors to research homes. Published reports indicate that the home offers one bedroom and one bath and has been completely rebuilt, starting with the foundation and extending all the way to brand new solar panels. The home also features a second story for additional living space.
If you’re interested in learning more about this unique home and its transformation, or if you’d like to schedule a viewing, you can find additional information directly through the owner’s listing, or JFB can help to set up showings. Give our office a call at 910 202-4813. This property offers a rare combination of history, modern design, and eco-friendly upgrades, making it a one-of-a-kind opportunity in downtown Wilmington.