I’ve been a fan of This Old House since I was little. I never lived in an old home, but I always loved exploring the nooks and crannys of my friends’ houses and have since decided that I would take a historic home over a custom one any day. It seems to me that when you live in a house that was built long before you, you become part of its story rather than the other way around.
I also believe that they just don’t make things like they used to. Architectural details like stained glass windows, dovetail finishes, oversized hand-carved doors from thick solid wood. Sure there are some problems that come with age but, hey, we all have that…
So my obsession this week is with some of the historic houses of my home state – all built around the turn-of-the-century, but in a variety of design styles brought by some forward-thinking settlers. These people were likely in the fur trade, with many of these homes positioned along the river near main ports. I’m also willing to bet that these designs were overseen by some well-traveled ladies who knew that if they were going to make a life here they would do it in style.
Cheers ladies, I couldn’t agree more.
image courtesy of OldHouses.com
This French Victorian mansion was built in 1876 in the city of Faribault. I love the mansard roof and detail in the porch balusters.
image courtesy of OldHouses.com
A Gothic Revival home built early turn-of-the-century in Lanesboro. This home currently operates as a Bed & Breakfast and features an interior filled with period appropriate antiques (I have a slightly varying opinion on the interior stylings of this time, but I’ll save that for another post).
image courtesy of Wiki Media Commons
I love the goldenrod color and simple architectural details that classify this historic home as Italianate. This us the Byron Howes House in Hastings.
image courtesy of OldHouses.com
While I’m on the subject of architectural details, I fell in love with this stained glass window from an office building built in Minneapolis in 1902. The building’s exterior is Renaissance Revival, but to me this window has a distinct Arts and Crafts feel to it. This photo is taken from inside the building, which now serves as a private residence.
All of these houses have unique features and I wish I could show more of the elements that make them so appealing. But this has inspired me to start featuring more interior and exterior details of historic homes so stay tuned.
