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5 houses for sale in Seneca Falls, NY, the inspiration for the town in 'It's a Wonderful Life'

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By Austin Havens-Bowen  |
December 10, 2021 - 12:30PM
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This 1870 four bedroom with two one-bedroom apartments is listed for $439,900. It was the inspiration for the Old Granville house in “It’s a Wonderful Life” according to the listing. 

Century 21/Zillow 

The holidays are in full swing in Seneca Falls, New York, thought to be the inspiration for the town of Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Celebrations kicked off this week for the classic film’s 75th anniversary, part of the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, which includes a 5K race and appearances from some of the cast.

The Finger Lakes hamlet is a mainstay on lists of places to go for Christmas. And it makes sense: You’ll find Christmas decor and events happening at places like It’s a Wonderful Life Museum. You can also check other destinations like The Gould Hotel, National Women’s Hall of Fame, and Ludovico Sculpture Trail. 

When it comes to buying a house here, you can get a deal by New York standards: The median sales price is $115,000 according to Realtor.com. Demand is rising for houses in the area (like many other places) because there are far more pending and contingent listings than active listings. But you can find some options. 

Check out these five houses for sale in the area including an 1870 four bedroom that was the inspiration for the house in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 

24 Cayuga St.

This four bedroom, three bath is listed for $439,000. It also has two one-bedroom, one-bath apartments. The main house has floor-to-ceiling windows, moldings, mantels, tin ceilings, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, and shutters. Known as the Gould Swaby Mansion, it was the inspiration for the house in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” according to the listing. 

50 Chapel St. 

This four bedroom, two bath is listed for $142,900. It has several updates including windows, flooring, plumbing, and heating plus a three-season porch, detached garage, large yard, ceilings fans, millwork, moldings, and exposed wood.

46 Bridge St.

This three bedroom, three bath is listed for $249,900. The house has a stone fireplace, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, skylights, a laundry room, backyard, and basement. 

2871 Garden St.

This three bedroom, two bath is listed for $259,900. The house has a fireplace, oversized windows, exposed wood, carpet and hardwood floors, recessed lighting, central air, an attached two-car garage, patio, and inground pool.

3032 State Route 89

This five bedroom, three bath is listed for $529,900. The lakefront house features two fireplaces, hardwood floors, oversized windows, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, central air, a deck, and private dock.


 

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Austin Havens-Bowen

Staff Writer

Staff writer Austin Havens-Bowen covers the rental market and answers renters' questions in a column called Realty Bites. He previously reported on local news for the Queens Ledger and The Hunts Point Express in the Bronx. He graduated from Hunter College with a BA in media studies. He rents a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria with his boyfriend and their two cats.

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