There was only one bidder for an historic North Chattanooga home that county real property had up for bid. But real property manager Becky Browder said it is a most appreciative buyer.
"The buyer is someone who has fallen in love with this house and will use it for their family residence," she said.
JoAnne Caleca Santero bid $375,401 - just above the minimum amount - for 401 Forest Ave. It had been in use as a group home until just recently.
Ms. Santero said, "This house is like a gem. It is a diamond in the rough. My children love having their own home at last."
The Santeros moved here from California last year. Then, while they were out taking a walk, their home in Soddy-Daisy burned down. "We lost everything - including all my artwork," said Ms. Santero, who is an artist and interior designer.
She said the family, including Jenna, 6, and Alex, 12, has been living in a hotel since then.
In the meantime, she has been investing in older homes and has acquired 35 - mainly in North Georgia and in East Lake.
She said, "We have looked at a lot of houses, but I can't believe one we like so much came available. I had dreamed about a blue bedroom and this house has one."
She said, "I have plans to make it a masterpiece."
The two-story house built in 1920 is just up from the Walnut Street Bridge.
It has 3,211 square feet and includes nine rooms and eight fireplaces. There are 11 1/2 foot ceilings on the first floor and 10 foot ceilings on the second floor.