Jawdroppers

I can't stop staring at this Gothic Revival facade. The ornament is so bold! It sits on over an acre of hilltop property, with distant Manhattan views, no less. There are 6 fireplaces, a carved mahogany staircase complete with fabulous Tiffany stained glass window, decorative plaster ceilings to die for and much, much more. This property is dripping with rich wood, luxurious details and impressive...

This gorgeous c. 1874 Italianate sits on an unbelievably charming, tree-lined street and immediately drew me in with its fabulous wood trim, decorative bays and carved stone details. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the interior packs in even more original details. Enter through substantial double doors and you'll find 12' ceilings, ornate hand-carved woodwork, stunning arched doorways, ceilings...

This 28 room mansion is *surprise* good 'til the last room. The entryway is all stained glass and mahogany, there are NINE fireplaces throughout, and the wood paneling was imported from Chatham Mansion's namesake in England. The family that built it (a wealthy lumber broker, mmhmm) sold it after World War Two and it has been owned by the same family ever since. They've really made the place shine and we...

I could write a novel about the McNally Estate. Our very own Cristiana Pena visited this beauty today, and she can absolutely confirm that it is even more amazing in person. It's a really unique and imposing shingle-style Queen Anne that is bursting with history both architectural and stemming from its famous owner, Andrew McNally. Yes, that McNally! He was one of the most successful cartography publishers...

I know, I know. We hear it a lot, don't we? "Charm of Yesteryear with Modern Conveniences!" "Historic Details with the Comforts of Today!" Usually, I'm a purist. Most of us here are. The best details have to go through an "uncool" phase to come back big, right? Those Mid Century console sinks with the thin chrome legs?? I'm obsessed with those sinks! That look is so fresh now, somehow. Thank you to...

Online bidding begins October 21st and concludes October 29th at 1 p.m. (ET) Bid here! Friendly Hills! The name makes me smile, the views are pretty incredible (I'm a Carolina Girl with a soft spot for Blue Ridge panoramas) and Margaret Banning lived here seasonally and wrote many of her bestsellers on site. Really fun to think of her roaming this grand property and working away in the small log...

This home is a quirky combination of two structures- one framed and one brick. The framed portion is actually quite a bit older and according to early deeds and newspapers, was probably built somewhere between 1747 and 1748. The brick portion was built in 1812 (hence the name!) with bricks made from clay found on property, and is the oldest brick home in the Washington Valley area. The look of these two...

It's been especially rainy and gray in my area the past few days. This weather will not let up! Since nothing pairs better with the impenetrable gray than heavy blankets, hot tea and a fire, I'm finding myself drawn to the warm wood and cozy fireplace situation here. I'm also a big fan of the wallpaper and love how much wallpaper can transform a room - I'm so glad that making a statement with it is...

Dandridge is a real treat for old house fans. It was named after First Lady Martha Dandridge Washington and bills itself as the "Second Oldest City in Tennessee." The town was a booming steamboat port in the early 1800s, but the railroad came in the 1850s and shifted the commercial epicenter to nearby Jefferson City. It settled in as a sleepy County Seat after that. So, what do we get? Small-town vibes...

The Captain Frederick Grisard Mansion is blowing my mind. It's an 1848 Greek Revival that is deceptively classic on the outside. Wrought-iron fence, wraparound porch...it's been in the same family for four generations and is on the market for the first time in 100 years. Charming, huh? Just wait until you step inside. Time warp! The interior is utterly Mid-Century and, if I may say so, completely unique....

I'm getting major Willy Wonka vibes from this expansive Queen Anne. The massive wraparound porch, color scheme and turret are serving up slam-on-the-breaks curb appeal. The interior is all rich wood detailing, pocket doors, and fabulous wallpaper. The kitchen also delivers big time for all of us "please don't gut the kitchen!" folks with retro tile and classic black and white checkerboard flooring. The...

by Elizabeth Finkelstein   I live just north of New York City, so I'll admit that when it comes to historical homes, I'm a tad bit spoiled. A number of homes in and around my area were built by the crème de la crème of hotshot architects—at a time when architects themselves were a rare breed and accessible only to the very wealthy. Case in point: This jawdropper of a home in Rye, New York, built...