House of Steel: Rare Lustron Home in Ohio Is Listed for $219K

One of the finest examples of a Lustron home we’ve ever seen is now up for grabs in Ohio.

This relatively unassuming gray house in North Olmsted was once a cool blue hue. No matter the color, the residence is part of American history.

“Lustron homes were a post-World War II concept, funded by the federal government to a private company that had mastered a finish that was a baked porcelain enamel over steel,” explains listing agent Roger Scheve, with Re/Max.

These all-steel homes were conceived as a quick way to build housing stock for returning soldiers.

While the assembly-line approach to homebuilding seemed promising, the concept never caught on. Lustron homes were built between 1948 and 1950, when the company stopped production because of financial difficulties. Intact homes are a rarity nowadays.

“There were only about 2,500 homes built, and only about 1,200 are still standing today,” Scheve says.

This particular home was fabricated in Columbus, OH, and is now on the market for $219,000.

Built in 1949, this well-preserved home is a tribute to old-school ingenuity.

“This one has been lovingly updated but still retains a lot of its original charm and character,” Scheve says.

The square-block exterior siding is a signature element of Lustron homes, which were offered in four exterior colors: Surf Blue, Dove Gray, Maize Yellow, and Desert Tan.

The original homeowners opted for Surf Blue, a hue that has since been painted over with a sharp gray-and-white color scheme. A bright yellow adds a cheery pop to the front door and throughout the interior spaces.

All Lustron homes were two- or three-bedroom models. This one happens to be the M02 Westchester Deluxe model, which was the most popular floor plan. It features two bedrooms, a single bathroom, and built-in wall units.

Compact and solid, the residence measures 1,110 square feet and sits on a half-acre parcel.

“It’s just a quirky, right-sized, easy-to-maintain home,” Scheve says. “They’re part of Americana.”

As for creature comforts: There is no air conditioning, but there is a furnace.

“The houses were built with the ceiling as a radiant heater system,” Scheve explains. “The heat blew up[ward], and they hoped gravity would force it down. That was kind of one of their design flaws.”

The current owner installed ductwork and updated the heating system. The home’s all-steel construction eliminates the need for paint, but the owner opted for new paint for an updated aesthetic, says Scheve.

Another feature of the steel walls: Magnets can be used to hang photos and other decor.

Scheve himself is personally acquainted with the Lustron concept.

“I happen to own one in the Cleveland area that I’m going to downsize into in the next year, so I’ve gotten a quick crash course in the Lustron home,” he says.

“There are a lot of people trying to preserve” these rare homes, he adds.

He thinks this home would make a good vacation rental. Or, it could attract a buyer with an affinity for unusual homes with charming quirks.

“You almost have to treat it like a car,” Scheve observes. “You can’t treat it like a house. It’s put together with flathead screws, and every panel was put together in a specific order. The panel you put in next covers up the screws from the panel you put in just before.”

Luckily, this sale includes the original owner’s manual, direct from Lustron.

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