You all know I love a good painted floor and this round rag rug is no exception.
Same room showing the decorative painting on the woodwork.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Custom Adirondack chair reflecting the owner's love of dogs and a life well lived raising and training them. I do love seeing old houses that were never "modernized" in an attempt to keep up with trends. I listened carefully to the comments from the public about the things they would do and I hated all of their suggestions but said nothing. I took customers but stayed behind after they left to take my time and will go back again next week for the broker open house. xo
14 comments:
Oh so true, do not try to modernize an older home. Leave the original charm.
Another *scary* way..... Leave the outside, as-it-was. And completely modernize the inside. -sighhhhhh- What a shock, when one enters!
Beside a babbling brook: Agreed. The wealthy set born in the 1920s never changed much except for maybe adding a dishwasher, central air and maybe a generator so they could live in their homes forever. This lady was 98 and achieved her goal.
xo, Rosemary
I adore the old, custom-designed homes. Built-in hidey-holes, hand-painted floors and cabinetry, anything like that. I read that the average time frame for a kitchen remodel in a home is every 15 years. I designed my kitchen (where I spend a lot of time!) and will never remodel it not caring how out-of-style or "dated" it is. So there. ;o}
I love the whimsy and personalized notes to living in this space.Would love to have met the owner.
Also want to mention that I recognize the touch of the trompe l'oeil painter. He did some work for me many years ago . His last name escapes me, first was Francis and his partner was the noted florist, Barry Ferguson.Francis is long gone, but his work is cherished!
Any new owners would do well to remove and sell the cupboard doors etc.rather than rip them out or paint over.
I can understand wanting to update the electrical and plumbing, that's common sense (and very expensive!). But when they start tearing out beautiful moldings, leaded glass windows, hardwood flooring, built-in china and linen cabinets, I want to scream. I think I might have mentioned this before but we attended a home tour to benefit the local scholarship program in a nearby small town situated in the wine country. Six houses. I swear someone with a Renovation Hardware catalog designed the "updates" and supplied the paint chips because with the exception of one, they all looked the same! Corporate America has done the same thing to every small town in America - Costco, Walmart, MacDonald's, Burger King, Jack-in-the-Box, etc. Sorry, Rosemary, you hit a nerve. ;-)
Mama Pea -- I am never changing the things I did in my cottage either. If you pick a timeless design the first time around, you are all set forever. I put a lot of thought into my kitchen too and I'm still happy with mine as you are too with yours.
This trend of planned obsolescence with all things has got to stop.
xo, Rosemary
Milly Vetterlein -- I too would like to have met the owner. I always feel that way when viewing an old house that was never changed thinking all the while we were kindred spirits. Frances' work lives on as long as this home remains unsold but, sadly, not for long thereafter.
xo, Rosemary
Gail, northern California -- Gail, I was thinking about your house tour when putting this post together. All the new houses look exactly alike around here. Gray walls, white woodwork, coffered ceilings, etc. You have already said it so well. I knew this would hit a nerve with you and I was right. I'm with you all the way.
xo, Rosemary
I live in a beloved 1890 Dutch Colonial and I am only the second owner. The original owner was a dear woman whom was born here, lived her entire life, and then past away at the ripe old age of 90. Her grandfather built this house. I have changed nothing! I'm so disappointed when others tell me to tear down walls, remove original wallpaper, put in granite counters. I'm so happy and content here and will never modernize this lovely home. This post struck a cord with me as well. Love old houses and the people who have a deep respect for them.
Dana -- Thank you for such a heartwarming story about your old house and what you didn't do to it. Keeping it the way it has always been shows your deep respect for its past and your happiness there is your reward.
xo, Rosemary
I have lived in quite a few homes during my lifetime, and one think my parents taught me was to live in a home before you make major renovations. Often, you come to appreciate the builder's original intent. Plus, there is much to consider, financially, when you start making major changes. Unfortunately, many people go into deep debt. I have never wanted to be a slave to my home; instead, I believe a home should take care of me and my family.
Another vote in favor of retaining the originality and character of old homes. When I was in high school I had an acquaintance whose parents owned a house on the 17 mile drive in Pebble Beach, CA. I forget which fairway it was on. The original owner was Bing Crosby. He lived there with his first wife and their four boys. The house was very much designed for boys. If I remember correctly, there was a bathroom with four urinals. There was a dumbwaiter. One thing I loved about it was it wasn't changed, redone or modernized to conform to the then trendy present. It was wonderful.
Pam -- I love your approach to home ownership. The house will tell you what to do if you don't rush. Low maintenance is so important as well. Thanks for your advice.
xo, Rosemary
Pam -- Trends come and go but good taste is always in fashion. What a treat to have seen Bing Crosby's home in Pebble Beach that remained the same under new ownership.
xo, Rosemary
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