For the Love of Old Houses...

I LOVE old houses - so much charm, history, character, and individuality.  A lot of maintenance too - but the pay off is worth it.  I grew up in an almost 200 year-old colonial on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.  Hardwood floors with as many ups and downs as an old country lane, old glass windows that gave you "wavy" vision when you looked out of them...I have a special place in my heart for old houses.
Here are some great examples of how savvy homeowners have turned their oldies but goodies into even better...ies...from the master of old houses, This Old House..
The 3 images below are from the home of their Reader Remodel Contest, a 1920s Colonial Revival in Orlando, Florida.
 The kitchen was my favorite part of the renovation.  I love white cabinetry...and the space is so bright and airy..
The family worked hard to keep the soul of the house in tact...

LOVE the board and baten door...
They also featured lots of great 1 room makeovers.  Here were some of my fav's
Before:
contractor grade cabinets make me cringe...
After:
Gorgeous - love the floors...

The kitchen below isn't too far from what my parents are dealing with now in their 70s rancher...

pretty amazing transition huh?  Check out the sconces above the stove hood...


This living room is possibly my favorite redo - I think the fireplace is simply fabulous.  Love the built-in's too.  Only thing I might rethink is the rug.
Do you like old houses?  Have you ever lived in one and undertaken a renovation?
If you want to read more about these makeovers go to This Old House or pick up the July 2011 issue...
*disclosure: I received a copy of This Old House July 2011 to review as a sample