15 Historic Homes in Geneva Illinois

It’s been a while since I’ve shared a walking tour of historic homes but I finally managed to head back to my hometown of Geneva, Illinois to photograph 15 beautiful houses for you to enjoy. Geneva is where I was born and raised and now we live about 10 miles away, so it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from our driveway.

A classic white house celebrates summer with hanging ferns and a tiny sailboat in the garden.

This house reminds me of similar homes in the Deep South.

 

The front porch is roomy enough for a circle of 4 Adirondack chairs and a swing by the front door.

I was hoping someone would come out and invite me up on the porch for lemonade.

And then I was hoping they’d invite me inside for a tour.

 

A well kept bungalow displays unique detail in its peak while yard art decorates the front of the porch.

All of these homes happen to reside in the same area where I went to grade school.

 

It’s funny how you can walk past these beautiful historic homes every day on your way to school,

and yet never know or appreciate their architectural beauty.

 

Even this small quirky home has a charm all its own. Many years ago I wanted to buy this house and re-do it.

But that never happened and someone else snatched it up and flipped it.  It’s over 100 years old.

 

Across the street is a slightly newer home wearing the same subdued colors.

I’d like to add shutters like these to my own house. Someday.

 

I’ve admired this beauty for many, many years. Its yard used to take up almost an entire city block.

But the property was recently divided and new houses built next door.

 

This is my favorite house on today’s walking tour of Geneva, Illinois.

The current owners breathed new life into it and it’s now restored to its former glory.

 

Even the side view is pretty. I love the color combination and simple landscaping.

It’s so refreshing to see historic homes restored instead of torn down.

 

This white classic beauty sports a bit of whimsy with pink flamingos on the front porch.

Not sure what that’s all about but I’m sure there’s an interesting story behind it.

 

You can’t go wrong with a blue house and a white picket fence. Add a red door to top it all off.

 

Another view of the same house. I love all the windows.

Why can’t they add windows like this to new homes?

 

My sister’s childhood friend lived in this gorgeous craftsman style home.

They didn’t have any children my age so I’ve never been inside.

 

One of my friends lived in this house and yes, I’ve been inside. I only remember the kitchen though.

It was small and I remember eating pancakes at the breakfast table with my friend and her brother.

They later moved to the other side of town and we simply found new friends.

 

Another gorgeous clapboard home with a comfy front porch.

Can you see how the windows on the second floor under the peak aren’t evenly spaced?

 

This old stone cottage is probably one of the oldest homes in this neighborhood.

It’s been well kept and you can see a clapboard addition in the back. I love the stone wall out front.

 

We’ll end today’s tour with this yellow beauty. The siding is about the same color as my house.

I realized I’ve never shared a picture of my childhood home on my blog yet.

I promise I’ll take one on my next walking tour of Geneva, even though it’s not an older beauty like these.

 Here’s a few more walking tours showcasing historic homes:

Historic Geneva

Historic River Lane

Classic White Homes

Historic Homes in the Valley

Historic Shops in Geneva