Falling in Love With an Historic Home?

I have a confession to make. I have a soft spot for historic homes, probably because I grew up in one. There’s something about living in a space that has a story, wondering what the walls would say if they could talk. As a kid, I wondered if there were ghosts hanging around our 1900s era home in the Newtown Historic District in Salisbury, Maryland. (And yes, sometimes my sister and I swore that we heard or saw things that we attributed to ghosts!)

Obviously being a Realtor for nearly 15 years means I’ve had the chance to walk through numerous historic homes here in Loudoun, but they rarely come available. Recently I stumbled across a Facebook page called For the Love of Old Houses, though, and now I can ‘peek inside’ more of these homes each day. Because they include photos from older homes listed all over the country (and sometimes the world), it showcases the diversity of home styles and features–not all of them are the Queen Anne Victorians that I am enamored with. There’s something magical about the thoughtfulness of the architecture in these homes, especially when original features are included: window seats to tuck into, cozy fireplaces with custom mantels, beautiful millwork and mouldings that you just won’t find in newer houses.

The page has a following of over 1.7 million people, so I’m definitely not alone in my fascination with the intersection of history and real estate. In recent weeks I’ve seen photos from a castle in Scotland (no way that would ever be in the budget) as well as a more humbly sized (and priced) home in Virginia that has beautiful bones but was neglected and needs some love to shine again. (If you want to see photos from a restoration here in Loudoun, take a look at Selma Mansion Rebirth — the before and afters of this gorgeous historic home are breathtaking!)

Here in Loudoun, there are currently 35 homes offered for sale that were built prior to 1900, including farmhouses dotted across the county, large manor homes, and historic district beauties. Prices range from $237,500 for a farmhouse between the hills that needs some love to a $9.9 million, 226 acre estate in Upperville. In the Leesburg downtown area, the Glenfiddich House is on the market, as is the Knox House, among others.

Can you see yourself taking ownership of a home steeped in history? Take a virtual stroll through the historic homes in Loudoun, and let us know what you love about older homes:

(And of course, if you want to look at one, just choose the “Go See It” button on any of the listings and we’ll be happy to give you a tour in person!)

Cheers,
Heather