These 5 Old Houses *Might* Make You Love Wallpaper Again

305 Clara’s Point Road, Sewanee, TN

The tradition of adorning walls with paper began in ancient China and has been used in American homes since colonialism. Maybe it’s because patterns have a way of showing their age quite quickly, or maybe it’s because the stuff has notoriously been *the worst* to remove, but many people are zero-tolerance when it comes to wallpaper. It’s 2020, though, and with all of the glorious prints and stick-on options, I figure it’s time to reconsider the idea.

1. 1526 College Ave, Racine, WI  – $624,900

5 beds/4 baths
5,248 sqft, 0.22 acres

This National Register property utilizes graphic wallpaper throughout the entryway and the effect is so lovely! The rounded archways and other elaborate architectural features can really stand up to a busy print.

Visit the full listing here.

2. 305 Clara’s Point Road, Sewanee, TN  – $985,000

5 beds/6 baths 
6,057 sqft, 2.38 acres

This Sewanee Bluff estate has three fireplaces, stunning built-ins and paneled walls and other eye-catching architectural details. The showstopper, though, is the fabulous large-scale printed wallpaper in the dining room. It really injects a modern feeling without destroying (or even disrupting!) the timeless pieces surrounding.

Visit the full listing here.

 

3. 44 Sonnys Geta Way, Eagle Rock, VA – $499,950

4 beds/2.5 baths
3,224 sqft, 24 acres

This victorian beauty sits on 24 acres adjoining a national forest and was built with wood milled from timber from this land. Along with incredible mountain views, enjoy the original transoms, Tiffany-era fixtures, original wavy glass and even the original door ringer! There’s something about this multi-pattern wallpaper play that is just working for me.

Visit the full listing here.

 

4. 204 Church Rd, Elkins Park, PA – $499,000

5 beds/3 baths
6,481 sqft, 0.55 acres

Ainslie is an Eastlake victorian built by Charles Hammond, whom had many of the ornate mantles, wainscoting, hardware, doors, fireplaces, and woodwork imported directly from England. There are also 6 stained glass pieces throughout and even original embossed leather above the wainscoting in some rooms.

Visit the full listing here.

 

5. 15 Summer St, Ipswich, MA – $649,000

4 beds/4 baths
2,502 sqft, 0.18 acres

The Jonathan Pulcifer House c. 1720 is a charmingly restored colonial. Open hearths and wide plank flooring are brightened up with the cheer and interest of modern paper. Believe it or not, I love the cobalt painted floors- daring, but fresh.

Visit the full listing here.

 

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The Perfect Gifts for the Old House Lover in Your Life.

“I Love Old Houses”
Book Tote

$23.00

“Preservation”
Wool Felt Pennant

$28.00

Mini Brownstone
Enamel Pin

$14.00

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Elizabeth1AUTHOR ALIX ADAMS
Alix is CIRCA’s Properties Manager. She relishes working directly with homeowners and real estate agents to track down new stewards for homes with secrets to keep and stories to tell! On a lifetime mission to visit every great flea market in the world, she’s probably going to need a bigger old house soon.

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