Old House Architecture That Tugs at Your Happy Heart Strings

It’s time for another old house architecture post! I don’t know about you, but I never tire of looking at old homes. I follow a few Instagram accounts that primarily share historic home photos They’re some of my favorites. If you’re ready to join me – let’s take a look at some of the architectural beauty in our country.

We’ll start with the Southern Mansion in Cape May, New Jersey. Isn’t she a beauty? This is a Victorian bed and breakfast built in 1860 and features over an acre of gardens to explore.

 

This next Victorian home in Vermont isn’t quite as grand as the first, but is equally pretty with its colorful palette. A pretty blooming tree adds even more appeal during the spring season.

 

This next little red house is simple but still carries the allure and appeal of old house architecture. You’ll find this Cape Cod charmer nestled along a street in Newport, Rhode Island.

 

Located in the same state of Rhode Island, this classic white house with green shutters takes residence in the town of Bristol. Did you know that Bristol became a center of slave trading in the late 1700s? James DeWolf, a U.S. senator, lived in Bristol and by 1820 had trafficked and enslaved over 12,000 people.

 

A classic gray, cedar shake house is found on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. There’s not much landscaping, except for the old stone fence surrounding the property – and a long, sparse bush by the front door.

 

This blue Victorian beauty is located in Maine and features detailed trim work. Even the brick chimney has a bit of unique detail to it.

 

You might recognize this yellow home that enjoys views of Narragansett Bay and Newport Harbor. It served as the summer “White House” of President Eisenhower in 1958 and 1960. The Eisenhower House, located in Rhode Island’s Fort Adams State Park, can be rented for special events such as weddings.

 

This humble white charmer with blue shutters and lacy gingerbread trim can be found in South Dennis, Massachusetts. Built in American Gothic style in 1856, it serves as the village’s free public library. So next time you visit the area, you can step inside to explore.

 

While the majority of today’s old house architecture examples are located in New England, this simple beauty resides in Oak Park, Illinois which is about a 40 minute drive from my house. My sister’s hubby grew up in Oak Park in one of its beautiful older homes. The town is filled with beautiful tree-lined streets and features a quaint downtown area for shopping and dining. It’s one of the first suburbs after leaving the city limits of Chicago.

 

And finally, a pretty Victorian home with tasteful landscaping and a soothing color palette. This house is typical of the old house architecture you see in the Midwest. I really like the landscaping on this home and would like to mimic parts of it in front of my own home. I like gardens that look slightly disheveled.

 

Do you have a favorite from today’s collection of historic homes?