Couple transforms 19th-Century Gothic house into dream home after years of renting

A couple got attention online after they bought a 19th-century Gothic house and turned it into their dream home.

Jacob Evans and Zahira Rivera became homeowners in July 2023. After living in a one-bedroom rental and then with family, they bought a unique five-bedroom house built in 1875. The Victorian-style home has a Gothic look.

Zahira, 34, admitted to Newsweek that the New York house needed extensive repairs, but the couple has “fallen in love” with it.

The history buffs had always dreamed of owning an old home. They were eager to restore the 1875 Victorian to its former glory.

“The architecture was so unique and unlike any modern architecture we’d seen,” she said.

The couple knew they had their work cut out for them. The bay window roofs needed fixing, the front wall was rotting, and pigeons had taken up residence.

Their immediate priority was stabilizing the house and preventing further deterioration of the 19th-century Gothic House.

The five-bedroom house has two bathrooms, a carriage house, and a spacious front porch, and they bought the property for just $150,000.

Zahira and her partner are renovating their charming Victorian house. Despite its condition, they envision restoring its classic elegance.

They’re documenting their DIY journey on TikTok (@thedwightreynoldshouse) as they tackle exterior painting and interior foyer work.

Each project has taken longer and cost more than expected. Still, the couple saved money on decorations by finding unique items at secondhand stores.

They estimate the renovation will take five years, but they see the house as their forever home and believe it will be worth the wait.

Jacob and Zahira lived in a one-bedroom apartment in Florida before buying their house. When the monthly rent hit $1,500, they moved in with relatives to save for a home.

Zahira said they chose the area because of its reasonably priced older homes, changing seasons, and proximity to Jacob’s family in Connecticut.

Even though they moved from a small apartment to a big five-bedroom house, their monthly mortgage is still less than the $1,500 they paid in rent, coming in at around $1,300.

The couple has been surprised by the attention their home renovation project has gotten. Social media users love watching their progress.

Zahira told Newsweek that while most comments are positive and encouraging, they also use the negative feedback to push themselves harder.

“We want to be transparent and let people know this isn’t for everyone, but don’t write off an old home because it needs some love,” she said, adding that every home needs regular care. Save money and stress by learning to do it yourself. It’s often easier than you think.

Zahira advises anyone taking on a home renovation to research everything from taxes to repairs. Online DIY tutorials can be a big help.

Their TikTok videos have become a hit. One clip from July 3 has racked up over 1.3 million views and 125,500 likes. With more than 1,000 comments, viewers are loving their renovation journey.

Comments praised the renovation efforts, with one person saying they deserved respect for restoring instead of demolishing the house.

Another liked how the fresh paint made the progress visible, while a third loved seeing the house regain its former beauty.

Gothic architecture

Gothic architecture began in the 12th century and has left a big mark on design with its grand and detailed look, according to HomedesignsAI.

These tall, light-filled buildings have changed how we plan homes today. Starting in France, the style used high ceilings and pointed arches, as seen in famous places like Notre Dame Cathedral.

As the Gothic style spread across Europe, each country added its own touch. England built huge cathedrals with fancy vaults, while Germany and Spain used many decorations.

After falling out of fashion during the Renaissance, Gothic style came back in 19th-century England. Architects like Augustus Pugin and John Ruskin saw it as a symbol of good values.

Tour inside the 19th Century Gothic house and see how gorgeous it is:

@thedwightreynoldshouse Part 1 | House tour! #victorianhouse #victorian #victorianhome #fyp #homerenovation #renovatingourhome #centuryhomes ♬ L.Boccherini, Minuet from String Quartet No.5 in F major – AllMusicGallery

See the couples’ journey of renovating the 19th Century Gothic house by following them on TikTok.