A 1930 Home for $38,900: Four Bedrooms, a Screened Porch, and a Project to Consider
At $38,900, the asking price is the first thing that catches your attention. Then comes the size: 646 Obryan Street in Merryville, Louisiana, is advertised with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 3,080 square feet.
Built in 1930, it is presented as a country home ready for remodeling—a substantial older property whose next chapter will depend on the work a buyer is prepared to undertake.
For old-house enthusiasts, the invitation is easy to imagine: a home with room to spread out, a porch for lingering, and the chance to make thoughtful improvements over time. But a low purchase price only begins the story.
The more interesting question is what this house needs, which parts are worth preserving, and whether the finished result could justify the money and effort required.
The Backstory & Architectural Marvel
The listing records the house as dating to 1930, placing its beginnings nearly a century ago. Available information does not establish an architect, notable former owner, or individual historic designation, so its documented age is the starting point for understanding its past.
Property records describe vinyl siding, a raised foundation, and a shingle roof. These details are useful for evaluating the building, although they do not reveal which materials survive from its earliest years.
For a prospective owner, discovery would begin during a careful walkthrough. Look at the proportions of the rooms, examine trim and doors, and establish which features could be repaired rather than replaced.
The advertised size makes this a substantial renovation undertaking. Even straightforward improvements can become expensive when repeated across many rooms, which is why an accurate measurement and a clear scope of work matter.
A Land-Size Detail Worth Resolving
The portals advertise one acre, but they also give lot dimensions of 120 by 100 feet. Those dimensions describe approximately 0.28 acre, so the figures do not agree. The listing says an updated survey is attached; that document should establish the actual boundaries and land area. Zillow
That difference could materially change plans for gardening, outdoor living, or future improvements. The acreage belongs in the questions to resolve before purchase.
Inside the Unique Spaces
A Kitchen to Evaluate Before Reimagining
Zillow lists the kitchen at approximately 17.5 by 13.6 feet. The available description does not establish its cabinet condition, countertop materials, or renovation history. Zillow
The dimensions suggest a space worth examining closely, but measurements alone cannot tell you how comfortably it works. Doorways, appliance positions, storage, and utilities will determine what changes make sense.
It is tempting to begin with paint colors and cabinet ideas. A more useful first step would be to understand the room’s condition and decide whether its existing arrangement can support the way you cook.
Four Bedrooms With Several Possible Uses
The four-bedroom count offers flexibility for a future owner. Depending on the layout, one room might become a home office, guest room, or dedicated space for sewing, reading, or another favorite pursuit.
The listing describes the bedrooms as large, but comfort depends on more than floor area. Natural light, storage, privacy, and access to the bathrooms would all deserve attention during a viewing. Trulia
Two bathrooms could be a practical advantage for a larger household. Their current condition, however, should be assessed before planning around them as finished spaces.
The Screened Porch: A Reason to Slow Down
The large screened porch is one of the home’s clearest lifestyle attractions. realtor.com
Imagine a chair pulled toward the breeze, a glass set beside an open book, and conversation continuing after dinner. A porch can become a favorite room without needing elaborate furnishings.
Its usefulness would depend on the roof, floor, screens, and framing. If those elements are sound—or economically repairable—the porch could provide an appealing place to enjoy the house while other projects progress.
Carport and Storage Space
The description identifies a large carport with substantial storage. realtor.com
Covered space can be particularly useful during remodeling, whether for organizing materials or keeping equipment out of the weather. Buyers should establish how much enclosed storage exists and whether it stays dry.
The property also lists central heating and air conditioning. Their presence is useful information, but operation, age, and remaining service life require inspection. Homes.com
Market Context & Neighborhood Spotlight
Merryville is in Beauregard Parish, where local heritage forms part of the town’s identity. The Beauregard Tourist Commission highlights the Merryville Museum, historic Burk’s Log Cabin, and the town’s Pioneer Heritage Festival. beauregardtourism.com
Those attractions give readers a sense of the community beyond the property boundary. For someone drawn to older homes, living near places that preserve regional history may add to the location’s appeal.
The property listing identifies nearby schooling, and Merryville High School maintains an official website with enrollment information and current school updates. Buyers should contact the school or parish district directly to confirm assignments. Home
For buyers comparing homes for sale in Merryville, LA, the price is striking. At the advertised size, it works out to approximately $12.63 per square foot, rounded to $13 by the portals.
That figure describes the relationship between asking price and listed area. It does not establish the cost of creating a safe, comfortable finished home.
Why Affordable Fixer-Uppers Draw Interest / Investment Outlook
The appeal of a property like this is the chance to purchase space at a modest initial price and shape it through renovation. It may interest an experienced remodeler or a buyer whose resources include time, practical skills, and a realistic repair budget.
The listing history shows earlier asking prices above the current figure, including $89,000 in 2022 and $49,995 in 2023. These are marketing prices, rather than proof of past market value or future appreciation. Zillow
A useful investment assessment would begin with the total project:
- Purchase and closing costs
- Structural and roof repairs
- Electrical, plumbing, and heating work
- Kitchen and bathroom improvements
- Insurance, utilities, and ongoing maintenance
- A reserve for unexpected conditions
The important comparison is between that total and recent sales of appropriately similar finished homes. A contractor’s estimate and a local sales analysis would be more informative than an automated rental or value estimate.
Would you take on this Louisiana home—and would the screened porch be the first space you brought back to life?
Advertised at $38,900 in the sources retrieved October 5, 2026. Listed by Teresa Houston Deere, RE/MAX ONE, with MLS references SWL26000283 and 45-714. Price, availability, measurements, and survey details should be confirmed with the listing agent. MLS #45-714