Nightmare hoarders house saved and turned into luxurious bed and breakfast
The house ultimately gained fame for its appearance on ‘Hoarders’ — after it fell into disrepair. You’ll be blown away by what it looks like now.
A huge American estate that fell into disrepair and gained international attention has had an incredible transformation.
This 1020 sqm mansion was purchased by an esteemed interior designer Sandra Cowart in 1975.
But she tragically lapsed into collecting hordes of objects that engulfed the house before it went into foreclosure.
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Hillside mansion — also known as the Julian Price House — ultimately gained worldwide fame for its overrun appearance on “Hoarders,” when the new owners, Eric and Michael Fuko-Rizzo, tried to help Cowart clear out the house.
“It is really interesting to have had this place exposed around the world. People come from all over and stay with us, which is why we opened it to the public — so many were interested in the story from the TV show, but it’s also architecturally intriguing,” Michael Fuko-Rizzo told The Post.
The 11-bedroom, nine-bathroom home was originally built in 1929 for Julian Price, a wealthy and unusual insurance executive who “always wore his hat in the office,” according to the building’s original National Register of Historic Places application form.
Even with the help of the “Hoarders” cleaning crew, the renovation was a huge project — but the Fuko-Rizzos say they never regretted their decision to buy it.
“It was curiosity at the time [that inspired them to buy the house]. We were renovating other houses in the neighbourhood and would drive by, and we could only see the roofline from the street,” said Michael. They have renovated one or two houses a year since 2013, he said.
“We look for historic homes that have a background to them,” Eric added.
“We prefer to preserve rather than renovate.”
Located in North Carolina, the property has a lit stone walkway on a 1.6-acre lot that leads to a brick, timber and plaster-facade mansion.
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The Fuko-Rizzos worked with landscape architect Chip Callaway to remove invasive plants and sculpt the grounds.
“The grounds are very impressive, with sweeping hills, grass — and garden areas to relax and enjoy the views. It’s wonderful being outside right now,” Eric told The Post.
Last year, the pair put in 2,500 new plants, and they plan to plant a couple thousand more this year, Eric said.
Inside the four-storey home, an expansive octagonal, white-panelled room with oak floors invites guests inside.
To the left of the foyer, a navy blue, floral-wallpapered room provides the landing of the winding wood staircase.
On the other side of the foyer, an arched doorway leads to a light-green drawing room, photos show.
The inviting bright room has several original features: moulded-plaster ceilings, fireplace and a huge, steel-windowed reading nook.
Even the original brass handles on the windows have been removed, polished and restored, according to the Fuko-Rizzos.
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The drawing room also has two original 16th-century paintings, an 1870s piano and arched inset bookcases.
The dark-wood panelled dining room seats 12 with teal suede chairs and large windows.
The library matches with teal walls and black-and-gold trim. All the books in the house have been there since the 1930s and many were signed by members of the Price family.
“Eric’s parents actually dusted all of the books,” Michael said. “So now the guests can actually hold and read all of them.”
The sunroom has large windows and dark blue walls, plus two ornate antique brass birdcages acquired by the previous owner.
The sun porch has stone floors and even bigger windows with comfortable patio furniture.
The glass-fronted kitchen cabinets are painted light blue and are complemented by a cream floral wallpaper.
The bedrooms are filled with antique furniture sourced from local antique shops and high-end local producers. One bedroom has an original fireplace; another has a blue ceiling with white clouds and a third has wild wallpaper.
Michael, Eric, their 6-year-old twin daughters and their cat Tyler live in the closed-off servant’s wing of the house.
“Being inside the home, we really get to enjoy all the original details of everything and appreciate how it was lived in. We’re only the fourth owners — it hasn’t had to see a bunch of owners,” Eric said.
The pair are currently compiling a collection of historic photographs of the property and plan to create a gallery hall upstairs for guests and visitors.
This article first appeared in the Post and was republished with permission.
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