Who doesn’t love the intricate beauty of a Victorian home? There’s nothing quite like it, although I imagine there are a few minimalists that aren’t smitten with this era of architecture. Victorian houses originated in the UK in the 19th century and are named after Queen Victoria. The architecture spread into the U.S. and lasted…
Historic homes. I fell in love with them back when I was 18 years young. They have soul, quirks, and oddities that you just won’t find anywhere else. And when you walk along historic streets, no two house exteriors are alike. My own house is over 150 years old and I take a bit of…
Snow has a way of slowing everything down, and in Wheaton, Illinois, it brings out the quiet beauty of the town’s historic homes. From stately Victorians to charming bungalows, fresh snowfall highlights architectural details, softens the landscape, and gives these beloved houses an almost storybook charm during the winter months. (Note: at the end of…
Tucked within the tree-lined streets of Hinsdale, Illinois, the Robbins Park Historic District is a treasure trove of architectural charm and local history. Established in the late 1800s, this picturesque neighborhood showcases an array of well-preserved homes reflecting styles such as Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Prairie School. Each home tells a story of…
Located just 20 miles west of Chicago, Hinsdale, Illinois is a picturesque village celebrated for its tree-lined streets, timeless architecture, and beautifully preserved historic homes. From stately Victorian and Queen Anne residences to elegant Colonial Revivals and Tudor-style estates, Hinsdale’s architectural landscape tells the story of a community that values both heritage and refinement. Take…
Get ready to fall in love with today’s historic Massachusetts home by Henley Design, located in Manchester-by-the-Sea. You’ll be smitten by the mix of old and new in this traditional coastal home located in an idyllic setting. Photo by Henley Design Step into the pretty entryway with gray-blue paneling and newer botanical prints on…
Tucked along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the charming town of St. Joseph is home to an array of beautifully preserved historic homes that tell the story of its past. From stately Victorians with ornate details to cozy cottages full of character, these dwellings reflect the craftsmanship and architectural styles of bygone eras. The first…
Settled in 1637 and incorporated in 1639, Sandwich, Massachusetts is the oldest town on Cape Cod, boasting over 800 historic properties across several distinguished districts! That’s a lot of carefully preserved homes. While on my recent vacation, I took more than one stroll through its winding streets that reveal a living museum of early American…
There’s a reason so many people fall in love with historic homes. Whether it’s the creak of century-old floors beneath your feet or the intricate woodwork that frames a parlor doorway, these homes whisper stories of the past through the craftsmanship and character in every corner. Unlike newer builds that often prioritize efficiency and modern…
What comes to mind when you think of the perfect house for you? Do you envision a new farmhouse, an English cottage, or a mid-century modern ranch? My dream house is old with good bones and a few quirks thrown in for fun. Today’s Greek Revival house renovated by Heiberg Cummings embodies what I consider…
Nestled on Chicago’s North Side, Lincoln Park is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its stunning architectural diversity and rich history. From elegant Victorian row houses to sleek modern designs, this area of the windy city boasts a visual feast of styles that reflect the city’s evolving aesthetic over the decades. The weekend before Thanksgiving, I…
It’s been a week since I returned home from England but the magic of the trip hasn’t left me. The Cotswold area was one of the main things I wanted to see while there, but we only had a day to explore the area. We didn’t get to all of the most visited villages, but…
Yesterday I arrived back home after an amazing week-long trip to England. This was my first vacation across the pond and as expected, I fell in love with the beauty and history of the land. I did not fall in love with driving on the crazy roads! But that was a mere blip in the…
We’re visiting the pretty town of Alexandria, Virginia one more time because I didn’t share all my photos during my first post about this waterfront area that captured my heart. I think you’ll see why I believe this New England town has the best early American homes in the U.S. Add the cobblestone streets, brick…
Have you ever been to England? If you answered yes, hopefully you were able to explore the southwestern countryside that features charming Cotswold cottages. Much to my surprise, I was asked to go to England in July to attended a waterlily symposium. Yes, there is such a thing! Many of you know my day job…
We’re back to Alexandria on the blog today to see a fine collection of historic doors that you’re sure to love – especially if you’re a bit of a history buff. No two doors are alike and most are a bit ornate or are painted a fun color. I don’t know why they don’t typically…
