Preserving the Past: The Intricate Beauty of Historic Homes in Small Towns

This past Saturday hubby and I ventured over to the charming town of Sycamore for a fall stroll through the historic district. Neighbors were out raking leaves or walking their dogs. The temperature was in the high fifties with little wind so it was a perfect day for some outdoor exercise. Of course, I had to capture the historic homes with my camera and share them all with you.

Some of the homes are grand, some are modest. This pale green farmhouse is the first one I photographed. It’s well kept and I imagine the interior is just as lovely. I captured a close-up of the porch, too.

 

 

Sycamore has an eclectic mix of historic homes. Some are grand with turrets and gingerbread, while others are smaller, cozy, and charming. Most are either brick or have clapboard siding. I can’t even begin to guess what it would cost to paint an intricate house like this one.

 

And color? You’ll find plenty of colorful homes walking the streets of Sycamore. It’s so refreshing, in my opinion, to see homeowners choose rich colors for their exteriors. The majority of new construction homes in our area are either white, gray, or taupe. I love the big, deep porch on this dark red home with cream trim and blue floor and steps.

 

Across the street from the red house is perhaps the prettiest block in town, although I haven’t walked all the streets so there might be another street that’s a strong contender. See that brick pillar in the lower left corner of the photo? You’ll see them in front of a few of the homes in town. They feature the name of the original owner and what they did for a living.

 

The plaque also includes the year the house was built. This marker belongs to an impressive Victorian on this pretty stretch of block on Somonauk Street.

 

This is the George P. Wild house. Take a moment to study all the trim work on this amazing home. From the roofline to the windows and down to the porch. I love the way this home is painted with the hints of red to accentuate the smaller details.

 

We’re coming up to my favorite house on Somonauk Street. The choice might surprise you.

 

This orange beauty caught my eye and captured my heart the most of all the historic homes on the walk around town. The color is so unexpected and bold, but it’s more than just that. It’s the angles and symmetry of the architecture that I find pleasing. I know this color isn’t for everyone, but I have to applaud the homeowner for their brave choice.

 

Even the basement windows seen in the foundation are painted to match the rest of the windows. You can see the home is quite expansive.

 

And next door to the orange charmer is a pink Victorian home. You’ll notice it needs a new paint job. I hope the owner keeps it pink.

 

The mustard house on the other side of Somonauk Street is another one of my favorites. I tend to lean toward homes with clapboard siding as opposed to brick, and if they include a large wraparound porch, all the better!

 

Wedged in between some of the larger historic homes is a charming brick cottage that I could easily call home. The size is perfect for simple living. I wouldn’t want the responsibility of a huge house anyway. I’d have to have a butler or something.

 

I’m going to end today’s tour of historic homes in Sycamore with this unique Victorian painted lady and her spiderweb gate. Hubby and I argued over who would get the third floor room in the turret.

 

Today’s tour is the first part of my photographic journal of the historic streets of Sycamore. I’ve got more to share later this week that I think you’ll enjoy!