Explore a 1916 Frame Home in Modesto With 5 Bedrooms, 4 Baths, and a Standalone Duplex with Garages

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Mathew Abraham, editor of Century Homes America, brings his passion for architectural history to explore the stories behind America’s most iconic homes.

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

This historic 1916 tri-plex located in downtown Modesto, offers a unique blend of residential and commercial appeal. Featuring a charming early 20th-century architectural style, the property includes a stand-alone home and a duplex with garages in the rear. Each unit boasts 1 bedroom and 1 bath, with manageable living space under 1000 sq. ft. Positioned on a well-maintained lot, this property represents an excellent opportunity for buyers seeking both a home and an investment. Recently, it has seen a significant price reduction, now listed at $459,000, enhancing its appeal in Modesto’s competitive market.

Historic House Exterior

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A classic early 20th-century American home with a steep gabled roof and small dormer window above the porch. The exterior walls are painted a soft beige with contrasting dark trim around the windows, doors, and roofline, highlighting the architectural details. A narrow concrete pathway leads from the sidewalk to the front porch with red steps. The porch’s simple wooden railing and overhang offer modest shelter. Mature shrubs and greenery line the front of the house, while a large leafy tree on the right casts shade on the lawn, adding to the welcoming, timeless appeal.

Front Porch Entry

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Centered by a simple front door with a wrought iron screen, this front porch features muted gray trim contrasting with the cream-colored horizontal siding. The small overhang supported by decorative angled brackets adds vintage charm and offers shelter. Flanking the entrance, two double-hung windows with blinds enhance symmetry. The site is framed by lush, diverse greenery, including succulents and leafy shrubs that soften the concrete red steps and walkway. A small handrail provides subtle support, while a security sign discreetly sets a modern tone amidst the classic, inviting façade.

Backyard Exterior View

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

This backyard area includes a modest white wooden home with muted blue trim around windows and door frames. The roof is composed of dark grey shingles with varied slopes and a small covered entryway. A simple concrete pathway extends to the back door, bordered by a green lawn and an assortment of potted and ground plants, including lush greenery and a small tree shading a wrought iron bench. The exterior exudes a comfortable, lived-in charm mixing natural surroundings with the building’s classic American bungalow design, highlighting functionality and understated appeal.

Backyard Patio Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A serene backyard with a mix of gravel and green lawn areas. A pergola draped with leafy vines provides a shaded seating space beneath. Near the house, a concrete pathway leads to a modest, white-painted cottage with blue trim around the windows and door, imparting a quaint, vintage aesthetic. Decorative elements include a rustic wooden wagon wheel and a small statue by the path, enhancing the country charm. Surrounding bushes and potted plants soften the space, and utility wires stretch overhead under a clear blue sky, reflecting a peaceful, sunny day.

Backyard Garden Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A lush green backyard garden with a large central grassy area bordered by well-maintained shrubs and flowering plants. The space is enclosed by a tall wooden fence, ensuring privacy. A concrete pathway with quaint cracks meanders through the yard, leading to a cozy sitting spot under a natural canopy of leafy vines on a metal trellis. A rustic wooden wagon wheel leans against a post near a large potted plant, adding a charming vintage touch. The exterior of a light-colored two-story building with blue stairs and railings frames the garden, set beneath a clear blue sky.

Exterior Rear Staircase

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A utilitarian exterior rear of a two-story building painted white with blue accents on the stair railings and door trims. Two symmetrical blue wooden staircases lead up to individual second-floor entrances, separated by a small garden bed filled with shrubs and plants. Concrete pathways curve around the stairways with visible cracks and wear, and an adjacent patch of dark asphalt adds contrast. The roof features exposed rafters under a shallow overhang. Surrounding greenery and wooden fencing create a private yet rustic setting, complemented by clear blue skies and power lines in the background.

Side Yard Utility Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A narrow outdoor space along the side of the house, bordered by a wooden fence on the right and the white painted cinder block wall of the building on the left. Three gray utility meters with pipes are mounted vertically on the wall near a doorway framed in a vivid blue trim. The ground is a natural dirt surface with some scattered debris and a cluster of stacked wooden planks. Two bright orange and white buckets, filled with tools and materials, sit near the wall, suggesting ongoing or recent maintenance work. Bright sunlight and shadows highlight the rustic and functional character of the area.

Detached Garage Exterior

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A two-story detached garage with three large doors occupies the ground floor, two wooden doors with greenish panels flanking a central white metal garage door. The second story has four evenly spaced multi-pane windows with a vintage look suggesting original or period-appropriate design. The garage’s exterior is constructed with painted white concrete blocks showing some wear and discoloration, enhancing a utilitarian, historic charm. Exposed roof eaves highlight simple craftsmanship. Overhead power lines and adjacent industrial structures establish a somewhat industrial context around the property. The paved driveway in front provides ample vehicle access.

Living Room Seating Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Wood-paneled walls frame a cozy living room with a mix of vintage and casual furnishings. A light wood coffee table sits centrally on a wood floor, surrounded by a patterned three-seat sofa, a striped armchair, and two additional plush chairs in muted earth tones. A ceiling fan with dark wooden blades hangs from the off-white ceiling. One wall features a window with white blinds. The opposite light gray wall is decorated with a variety of framed paintings, a vintage-style clock, and a small wood entertainment stand supporting an older flat-screen TV. The overall ambiance blends traditional warmth with lived-in comfort.

Living Room Details

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Rectangular living room with light wood flooring and combination of white and wood-paneled walls. Simple ceiling fan with wooden blades hangs from the white ceiling. Furniture consists of a striped armchair and a plaid-patterned sofa adorned with multiple cushions. A wooden coffee table sits in the center. Against the far wall, a vintage-style TV rests on a small wooden cabinet beneath a landscape painting and surrounded by framed artwork. A cuckoo clock hangs above the TV. Stairs with white railing lead upward, bordered by wood paneling and accented with framed pictures. Large window with white blinds allows ample natural light.

Dining Room Details

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A medium-sized dining room with a wooden round dining table and matching spindle-back chairs arranged around it. A built-in glass-front cabinet with natural wood tones sits against one wall, displaying decorative items. The floor is finished with light wood laminate that complements the furniture. Two framed paintings hang on the off-white painted wall under a long wooden shelf adorned with small copper pots. Natural light filters in through a window with blinds, while a black metal chandelier with frosted glass shades hangs above the table. A window air conditioning unit and a tall, narrow heater add functional elements to the space.

Rustic Kitchen Details

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Natural wood cabinetry dominates the kitchen, combining lower cabinets in a warm, slightly worn wood tone with upper cabinets painted white, creating a balanced contrast. The marble-patterned countertops and backsplash add subtle elegance and texture. A white refrigerator stands against wallpaper adorned with muted botanical prints in soft green and tan hues, evoking a vintage charm. A classic wooden display cabinet with glass doors and ornate detailing enhances the antiquated aesthetic. The floor is finished in wood-like vinyl or laminate, complementing the cabinetry, and a simple white pendant hangs centrally, illuminating the space with soft light.

Vintage Kitchen Cabinetry

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Wooden cabinetry with a natural finish lines the walls, punctuated by white upper cabinets near the ceiling. The kitchen counters and backsplash are covered in a white marble-patterned laminate, enhancing the vintage appeal. The gas stove and refrigerator are white, complementing the upper cabinets. A small, barred window above the double sink brings natural light, framed by scalloped trim detail. The flooring imitates wood grain, adding warmth to the space. Patterned wallpaper with light and green tones decorates the walls, reinforcing a nostalgic mid-20th century kitchen atmosphere. Black metal handles contrast subtly against the wood surfaces.

Cozy Bedroom Details

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

The room includes a wooden bed with a green and cream patchwork quilt, accompanied by a colorful decorative pillow featuring pinwheel patterns. Two wooden nightstands flank the bed, both topped with vintage-style glass lamps showcasing brass accents. A wooden dresser and a chest provide ample storage, all with a natural wood finish that complements the oak-tone flooring. Walls painted a soft off-white are adorned with framed artwork and a small crucifix, highlighting personal touches. A large window with white blinds brings natural light, and a ceiling light fixture with an antique, floral-etched glass shade adds historic charm.

Bathroom Bathtub Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A simple white bathtub occupies this compact bathroom corner, bordered by plain white walls. Above the tub runs a narrow white shelf holding a collection of small, decorative containers, a wicker basket, and various toiletries. To the right, a metal towel bar and toilet paper holder are mounted on the wall, next to a standard white toilet partially visible with a tissue box perched on top. On the left side, a small wall-mounted vanity shelf holds personal care items with an ornate round mirror framed in cream-colored wicker, adding a subtle vintage charm to the otherwise modest and functional space.

Laundry Room Details

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A compact laundry area with a worn, vintage basin sink on the left, showing signs of long use and age. Adjacent to the sink, a white top-loading washing machine and a matching white dryer with simple, dated controls stand side by side. Above, a basic light bulb hangs from the ceiling providing illumination. A wooden chair and an old yellow step stool chair offer seating. The walls and ceiling are painted in a muted off-white, slightly stained over time. A small window with bird and floral patterned curtains adds a quaint touch, along with hooks for hanging items on the far wall. The floor is bare concrete, emphasizing the utilitarian nature of the space.

Utility Room Storage

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A compact utility or mudroom area with an all-white color scheme, including walls, ceiling, doors, and built-in cabinetry. The ceiling is paneled with narrow planks, adding subtle texture. The cabinetry is simple with vintage-style brass hardware and hinges, showing signs of age and wear. To the left, a small window with floral curtains allows natural light. The flooring transitions from soft-textured carpet near the camera to tile in the adjacent hallway. The space exudes a utilitarian, historic charm with modest finishes and practical storage solutions typical of older American homes.

Bathroom Interior

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Small bathroom painted in muted green tones with a functional, compact layout. A white porcelain toilet topped with neatly folded towels sits beside a similarly simple pedestal sink with an exposed pipe beneath. Light filters through a window dressed in delicate lace curtains, adding a vintage charm. A mirror with a light wooden frame hangs above the sink. To the left, a shower stall with a colorful floral shower curtain adds a splash of bright colors. The room presents a mix of aged and homey elements, with evident wear on the walls and floor, hinting at a historic but well-used space.

Staircase to Upper Level

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A narrow, steep staircase with simple wooden steps and dark wood trim draws the eye upward to a small landing area. The walls on either side are painted a pale off-white or light blue-green tone, contributing to an airy but confined feel. The staircase lacks a handrail, emphasizing its utilitarian design, and the ceiling above slopes gently, hinting at attic or upper floor quarters. At the top, natural light filters in from a window, partially illuminating framed artworks on the far wall, adding a subtle personal touch to this otherwise plain transitional space.

Empty Room with Windows

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A small, empty room with two windows allowing natural light to enter and brighten the space. The walls are painted white, enhancing the clean, simple aesthetic. The floor consists of worn wooden planks, showing visible signs of age and wear, contributing to a rustic and historic character. The windows have multiple panes with old, slightly weathered frames. Electrical outlets are positioned low on the walls, and a loose cable lies on the floor near the corner. The ceiling is plain with a missing light fixture, revealing some exposed wiring, indicating ongoing or needed renovations.

Laundry Area

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Compact utility space with white painted cabinetry and a utilitarian stainless steel backsplash above a double basin sink. The cabinetry offers basic storage, complemented by a small drawer in the center. A single window centered above the sink introduces natural light, framed with decorative wooden trim. The room is painted uniformly white, enhancing brightness but showing some wear. The worn wooden plank floor reveals age and use, featuring dark stains and discoloration that contrast with the pristine white walls and cabinets. Simple metal handles on the cabinetry add modest functional detailing.

Small Room with Entryways

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A narrow rectangular room with worn wooden floors that show signs of age and heavy use. The walls and ceiling are painted white, creating a bright but somewhat plain atmosphere. On the left side, a large industrial-style window with metal frames brings in natural light and peers out onto a fenced outdoor area. At the far end, two doors provide access to a small bathroom with a visible toilet and a closet or storage space, with one door leaning open. To the right, an arched doorway leads to a separate space containing an old wall heater unit. The room has a minimal, utilitarian feel with hints of vintage construction.

Bathroom Corner

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

The space includes a compact, wall-mounted sink with exposed plumbing beneath, paired with a simple white toilet. The walls are painted a soft, muted white, contributing to a clean, utilitarian feel. To the right, a curved archway hints at a tiled shower area, decorated with a vintage diamond-patterned border tile in neutral tones. A small rectangular mirror hangs above the sink, with a round, aged light fixture positioned directly above it. The floors appear worn wood, showing signs of age, reinforcing the historic and rustic character of this modest bathroom area.

Workshop and Garage

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A spacious garage workshop with a concrete floor and low, somewhat stained ceiling showing exposed pipes and wooden beams. A large metal garage door occupies one wall, allowing vehicle access. The workshop is equipped with vintage woodworking machines, including a band saw and drill press, along with a sturdy workbench cluttered with tools, electrical cords, and boxes containing various materials. Two fluorescent lights illuminate the workspace, while the back wall features pegboards and shelves with an assortment of hand tools. The overall ambiance is one of functional rustic charm with evident heavy usage.

Backyard Garden and Patio

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A modest backyard featuring a small white house with dark trim and a steeply pitched roof. A paved stone walkway runs along the right side, bordered by a green lawn and a brick structure resembling a built-in grill or firepit. The left side includes a shaded patio area with a rustic metal table and chair set under a heavy vine-covered trellis, providing a cozy outdoor seating spot. Various shrubs and trees, including a lush leafy tree near the brick structure, enhance the vibrant green surroundings. The space blends natural vegetation with practical outdoor living elements in a simple, quaint setting.

Utility Room Corner

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

A small, functional space with a practical slate-tile floor and plain white walls reflects simplicity and utility. Natural light filters through a multi-paneled window draped with a single bold blue curtain, tied back loosely to allow sunlight to flood the room. A modest back door with matching glass panes stands adjacent to the window, offering outside access and additional light. To the right, an open doorway leads into another tiled room or closet with overhead cabinets. A tall, slim wall heater adds a vintage, utilitarian touch, indicative of older American home designs prioritizing warmth and efficiency.

Bathroom Interior

Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate

Small bathroom space with a simple, utilitarian design. White walls and light gray tiled floor create a muted, clean atmosphere. A compact, wall-mounted porcelain sink with dual faucets sits beneath a rectangular mirror, showing signs of age or wear. The white toilet is positioned adjacent to the sink, with a plunger discreetly placed nearby. An arched, recessed area on the left likely serves as a shower stall, lacking a door or curtain. On the right, a small window with a rolled-up blue towel or cloth above lets in natural light, adding minimal warmth to the otherwise austere space.

Listing Agent: Pamela Harmon of PMZ Real Estate via Zillow 

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