by Annilee Waterman.

 
Everything is bigger (and better) in Texas, including the old houses! We’re so excited to welcome interior designer and old house enthusiast Annilee B. Waterman to the CIRCA team, who will periodically share with us her favorite old house findings all across the Lone Star State.
 

 

5747 Stoneham Meadows Ln, Navasota

$999,980
3 bedrooms | 1 bath | 2,428 sqft
CIRCA 1910
 
Source: HAR
 
This charming 1910 farm house sits on almost 80 acres north of Houston, in the Texas hill country. This would be a dream home for me for sure! The porch, the trees, the county..! It has over 4,000 square feet filled with original woodwork & detail! Check out the original long leaf pine floors, shiplap walls, bead board ceilings, glass doorknobs, pocket doors, not to mention that corner porch. And this kitchen? It’s newly renovated, but still has all the character with the exposed brick chimney for the stove vent, painted wood floor and original stained glass transoms. How about that red stove?? Love. I especially love how they carried the red from the stained glass into the red exterior color and the red stove; a very clever way of highlighting that detail. Of the 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, some could still use a bit of cosmetic updating, but that’s just part of the fun of an old house.
 

















 
 

 

3925 Moulton St, Greenville

$159,900
4 bedrooms | 2 baths | 3,633 sqft
CIRCA 1885
 
Source: CENTURY 21 First Group
 
Ooh, I do love a fixer upper!! Look at this super cute Gothic Cottage, just begging for some attention! This was the first 2 story brick home built in Greenville Texas! The high pitched cross gabled roof, and wrap around porch have endless potential for amazing curb appeal. Sadly, the brick looks to have been painted, but the good news about that is; now it can be re-painted in a great color! Add some landscaping to go with the mature trees, and oh my, so cute.
 




 
This one does need a lot of work, but there are tons of original features including floors, doors and woodwork throughout. The windows appear original, and the interior transoms are intact. I’m loving the staircase, and what about that fireplace tile?? Also, I need that arched door in my life.
 




 
The listing shows no pictures of the kitchen or bathrooms. This tells me they are probably not good. Again, the good news, this is an opportunity! With over 3600 square feet…So much potential in this house!!
 









 
 

 

401 N Benge Street, McKinney

$399,000
4 bedrooms | 3 baths | 2,576 sqft
CIRCA 1887
 
Source: Keller Williams
 
Hello original details! I had the pleasure of touring this house, and let me tell you, if you love a truly old house with well maintained, original detail, this is the house for you. Located in the beautiful McKinney historic district, and sitting on a spacious corner lot, the house has an adorable white picket fence and landscaped garden.
 






 
Gothic rooflines with simple detailing give a very clean lined curb appeal to this 129 year old beauty. However, as you step onto the porch, you start to see all the incredible unspoiled elements, including the actual original front door with original doorknob and ringer!
 






 
Inside you’ll find the original staircase with its railing and newel post intact. The floors are creaky and patenaed and awesome. With 2 Master suites, bedrooms with fireplaces, interior transoms, wavy glass windows, bead board ceilings; this house is packed with charm. How many fireplaces did you say? That’s right, 4! All with their original surrounds and inserts. Although there appears to be an addition, it fits in really well, and the original floor plan remains. The kitchen and baths are newly fitted, but maintain old charm and the character of the home. A quick drive around the neighborhood reveals a wonderfully diverse range of turn of the century architecture. This house is in great company!
 














 
 
 
 
AUTHOR ANNILEE WATERMAN
Annilee Waterman is a Texas Registered Interior Designer, and old house enthusiast. She lives just outside of Dallas Texas, and specializes in restoring and renovating old houses, designing historic reconstruction, and adding character to new homes through architectural detail and decor. Inspired by beautifully restored and perfectly maintained historic places, she loves fixer uppers and diamonds in the rough. When she’s not designing houses, you can find her fixing up her own vintage Cape Cod cottage, or shopping at vintage shops and antique markets, or visiting historic places. You can see more about her at DesignerAnnilee.