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Hey, want to peek inside some seriously cool old houses? We're talking places with stories in every corner, floors that creak just right, and details that scream "built to last." Forget boring real estate listings - these century-old homes are total charm bombs!
We grabbed some awesome shots from the “Century Homes” fan club and can’t wait to show you. Ready to step back in time and crush on craftsmanship that today's builders only dream about? Let’s jump right in!
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My Family Built Our Dream 'Old-School' Home
This isn’t exactly a century-old house, but it’s made to look like one! My parents put this beauty together in 2003 using all sorts of antiques and salvaged stuff. Mom sketched the plans, Dad crafted all the stained glass. They nailed that Arts and Crafts / Art Nouveau / Queen Anne vibe like pros. Took forever to find reclaimed wood and build this majestic three-story foyer!
Living in a hundred-year-old house is like being in the middle of a story you didn’t write but get to live in. These homes are packed with character - the kind that comes with creaky floors, tall windows, and woodwork that’s way fancier than anything new builders throw together. Sure, they might have a few quirks, but that’s what makes them awesome and unique.
It’s like stepping into a warm hug from the past, wrapped in solid beams and craftsman magic.
We Finally Took Off That Mysterious Carpet!
We were scared to see what lurked under the carpet - turns out, just some slightly water-damaged but lovely original hardwood from the 1920s! The carpet wasn’t even glued down and looked pretty fresh. Now we're wondering why we waited this long to pull it up. Hello, vintage floors!
Curious about what owning one of these gems is really like? We chatted with Mr. Sanjay Nair, a seasoned real estate pro, who says buying a century-old house is a total adventure. No two are alike, and each has its own special quirks.
But heads up! Along with quirky charm come things to watch out for: these homes usually need a little TLC and a lot of patience.
Bathroom Makeover: Keeping the Vintage Vibe Alive
Thought I’d gut this bathroom, but everyone told me to save the retro tiles. Remodelers said no way to keep tile intact, so I did it myself! Now I’m so glad - the quirky vibe is perfect!
The Real ‘Devil’ Is In The Details...
By devil, I mean what made us buy a messy, historically registered house without thinking about all the hard work ahead. Spoiler: it’s a ton.
Mr. Nair’s top advice? Don’t skip the structure check. Old houses sometimes have sneaky foundation or support issues. It’s not all creaky charm - some stuff matters for real, like making sure the bones of the house aren’t ready to give out on you. Better safe than sorry!
Mini Closets Sneakily Hidden in Our Archway
Between the living and dining rooms, we found tiny closets with doors matching the rest of the house. Perfect for stashing board games and craft stuff!
Floors That Are Basically Artwork - Yes, Please!
Touring a house in Michigan, and I couldn’t believe the floor - mosaic tile everywhere. It’s like walking on a giant, beautiful puzzle. Mind blown!
Then there’s the wiring. Yep, that old-school electrical setup isn't built for today’s TV binging and gadget madness. Upgrading the wires can be a pain, but it’s worth it to keep the lights on and avoid any surprise smoke shows. It’s all about mixing vintage vibes with modern comfort.
Plumbing gets a shoutout too. Pipes in century homes sometimes act like grumpy old folks - they need gentle care and occasional fixes to keep leaks and floods at bay. A quick check can save you from a soggy disaster later!
Also, forget about plugging in all your gadgets in one spot - lots of old homes come with way fewer outlets than today’s techy households need. Adding some without ruining the vintage look takes skills, but it’s do-able and definitely makes life easier.
Minnesota Man Finds Century Signs Under New Siding
Turns out the house was probably a grocery store way back when. Now he’s wrestling with whether to keep the "Gold Medal Green" paint forever. Thoughts?
Undoing The Landlord Special—One Doorknob at a Time!
I found some gorgeous old door plates hiding under five layers of paint! Debating whether to strip the rest once the weather’s nicer. Smells like citristrip in here...
Restoring original details can be like hunting for treasure. Matching those old tiles or woodwork isn’t always easy (or cheap), but bringing back the home’s original flair is part of the fun. Many owners turn it into a passion project - and end up falling more in love with their houses.
First Time Homeowner in a 1930s Tudor!
We got the keys to this stunning 1930s Tudor set during an estate sale in 2024! First home after ditching renters’ life. We’re on a mission to keep its beauty alive, ripping off old cursed wallpaper and upgrading wiring one project at a time.
That said, you don’t have to live in a museum. Updates are a-okay when they make your home safer and comfier. The trick is to keep the soul of the house alive while making it work for today’s lifestyle.
Original Door Trim in Our 1882 Home
Doors in our place have this neat trim. Plus, a massive 19th-century organ just casually hanging out in the corner that my wife’s parents snagged back in the ‘60s.
Living in or even just admiring these century-old fairy tales is all about the magic mix of old-school charm and new-school convenience. These homes have stories, character, and enough quirks to keep life interesting. Ready to pick your favorite?
Found Buried Treasure Under Ugly Old Carpet!
Tore up terrible yellow shag and garbage padding to find this gem underneath - talk about surprise! We’re turning it into a reading and crafting haven. Carpet’s back down for now to keep it safe.
Snowed In at My Parent’s 1840s Farm House
Working from home during a blizzard is pretty great when your place is so old-school cozy. Dad did all the upgrades himself and it feels like stepping into a different century.
Offer Just Accepted on Our 1903 Eastern Shore Gem!
Lots of work ahead, but we’re pumped to honor the history inside and out. Wish me luck!
Our Family’s 500-Year-Old Home!
Built in sections over centuries, parts are 500+ years old! The barn was converted from hay storage to living space back in the ‘90s. Our parents fought to restore original horsehair plaster and replace rotten wood the right way. This home is a serious piece of history.
After 2.5 Years of Work, Our House Is Finally Loving the Spotlight!
Built 1909 and stripped of its personality, we brought it back from the dead. New plumbing, wiring, floors, remodeled rooms, and a porch rebuild. Yeah, we replaced wood windows with vinyl, but it had to happen. Finally, a house we’re proud to come home to!
Just Hit the Floor Jackpot!
Ripping out old vinyl plank to retile the kitchen, only to find a floor jackpot underneath! The new tiles can take a hike.
Surprise Found in Our Front Hallway!
Glass is mostly missing, outside covered with steel siding, and the place needs TLC. Half my brain wants to restore, the other half just wants to cover it up and pretend I didn’t see anything. Built in 1880 with a lot of history hiding beneath the surface.
Turning Our Basement Storm Shelter into a Cozy ‘70s Den
After surviving softball-sized hail and a lightning strike, our basement storm shelter got a much-needed makeover. Using leftover vintage stuff and contractor scraps, we've made it a groovy little hangout, all while keeping things safe and dry.
Just Bought a Fixer-Upper Farm in Norway!
Purchased an abandoned farm from the ‘20s that hasn't had a loving owner since the ‘80s. The cellar is dry, timber walls solid, but the roof needs some fixing. It's like a giant history puzzle waiting to be solved!
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