Driving By Houses
A brief note before I begin. THANK YOU, everyone for your awesome support. Between being sick (again!) and thinking my entire blog was lost forever, I had a tough week! All of your enthusiasm for the pink challenge and your wonderful warm thoughts were so appreciated. Thank you! Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming:
Recently, the very talented Jennifer at The Old Painted Cottage posted about her habit of driving by houses. I was so excited to read this. I thought I was the only one who did this! So I talked to her about doing a tag-along post and she encouraged me to go ahead. Who knows, maybe we'll start a trend! :-)
Here's some of the houses I like to drive by. (Note that I have blurred or removed house numbers in all of these photos.)
I prefer old houses to new, but this house has an old-fashioned feel and is on acreage in the hills. If I were looking, this woul dbe waaaaay out of my price range, but a girl can dream!
I'm on a big Cape Cod kick right now, so this house is currently on my "heavy rotation list." Interestingly, I'm not sure this is vintage...there's just something about it that seems newer (1970's?). Opinons?
At the more humble end of the spectrum is this cutie in town. It's just a tiny little bungalow, but it has the most adorable collection of shingles, and that diamond window is too cute. Simple but charming.
Another Cape Cod, this one on a street full of cute houses with gorgeous summer gardens. Love that sunroom to the left. And the brick steps and walkway are so cute!
This house is small and simple, yet has a lovely elegance and welcoming feel. I think it's partly the colors: the sage green, white and dark blue/black. And I adore weeping birches. Definitely my favorite tree.
Overflowing cottage style gardens always catch my attention, no matter what the house is like. This old house is charming, of course, but the garden! Picket fence, vines, roses...what more could you ask for?
Another picture from last summer, this is also another Cape Cod. I love neat iron hardware on the front door and the charming shady garden. I can just imagine it as a cool retreat on a hot summer day.
What about you? What houses do you drive by? If you post any on your blog, make sure you leave a note on Jennifer's post. If you haven't already discovered The Old Painted Cottage, you are in for a treat! Jennifer's blog, site and "Cottage of the Month" feature will give you hours and hours of eye candy that you don't want to miss!
Update: I've also since found out that the very genius talent Melissa at The Inspired Room had also posted about this previously, including some gorgeous photos of houses in the best of best neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon. Make sure you visit her post, too!
Comments (43)
I love that little bungalow - it's so cute! I usually have to be very careful as I drive in residential neighborhoods. Sometimes I get distracted by the houses, especially in historical areas. I've been meaning to walk around my neighborhood to see what I see, but it's been too cold so far!
Posted by Julie | February 21, 2008 6:18 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 18:18
Thank goodness you are back. I was about to have a nervous breakdown and blog myself to death. lol I love this idea about taking house pics. I'm a ball of nervous energy as they put the finishing touches on my new house. So I need a good challenge. I will go out tomorrow and take all my favorites. Sounds like tons of fun. Did you know my current home is a Cape Cod?
Posted by Anna ( Flowergardengirl) | February 21, 2008 8:14 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 20:14
What beautiful houses. Whenever me and my mom are together one of our favorite things to do is look at houses - we just love it. You sure found some very pretty ones and you have grass showing - I am jealous. Maybe some day I will see grass again... (sigh)
mary
Posted by mary from utah | February 21, 2008 9:18 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 21:18
What's exciting for me is to see these houses with green all around because should I walk around my neigborhood looking at houses all is still covered in white snow! Lovely look at the different taste in houses.
Posted by naturegirl | February 21, 2008 9:45 PM
Posted on February 21, 2008 21:45
Fellow house viewer here! This is a great idea, wish I had photos from spring and summer, but will add to it. I also love the more modest older houses that are obviously loved by their owners. Glad you are feeling better!
Frances at Faire Garden
Posted by Frances | February 22, 2008 2:13 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 02:13
Love the photos of the homes! I have always wanted to live in either a cape cod or a much older home. I just love the history and character the older homes have. My brother and his family live in a historic area of Jacksonville, Fl. and I love to drive around there when visiting to look at the homes. Beautiful!
I am glad you are back also...
Elise
Posted by Elise | February 22, 2008 6:21 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 06:21
Wow--these homes are all so special!
Posted by Anonymous | February 22, 2008 6:57 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 06:57
Angela,
Glad you are back, finally. What frustration you must have been feeling. I have posted pix of houses in Burlington, VT, Newburyport MA, No. Attleboro MA and most recently Tombstone AZ. Once the weather clears...sometime in mid April I will start posting house pix again.
Janet
Posted by janet | February 22, 2008 7:09 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 07:09
Sweetie Angela,
What a dream post! These homes are so charming, I'm absolutely weak in the knees. I'd love to do a drive by in your neighborhood, that's for sure!
And thank you for all of the link candy to my site...you are an angel!
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer Grey | February 22, 2008 8:50 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 08:50
I love your drive-bys! I feel like I can let out my dirty little secret now...
I love driving by homes at dusk. Lights are on inside, curtains not drawn yet - and you can see inside. Gosh I sound like a peeping Tommasina. And now I can sit in the comfort of my home and live it through your pics!
Hope you're feeling better soon Angela. The crud has hit our house too. Man it's a doozy of a cold.
Posted by happy zombie | February 22, 2008 9:15 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 09:15
Oh, no, you are not the only ones who to drive bys...I have a drive by addiction. Here was my last installment, for your enjoyment! Thanks for sharing your drive by, it was fun!
http://theinspiredroom.wordpress.com/2008/01/17/sweet-escape-drive-bys/
Posted by melissa @ the inspired room | February 22, 2008 9:33 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 09:33
These aren't all ihere in town are they? I think the Cape Cod with the sunroom is the cutest of the bunch! Wonderful!
I started doing this too. Taking the pictures of houses and gardens that interest me. You've got to show me how to blur the numbers on the pictures.
Posted by Angelina | February 22, 2008 9:46 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 09:46
Angela,
Phew...glad you are back...I was starting to get the shakes...haaaaa!
Thank for for this wonderful tour of such charming homes, I really did enjoy the trip. Hmmmm...I must confess I do that too, though I haven't taken pictures...I guess it's time to get the camera out and step into action!
Hugs,
Rose
Posted by Rose@Classic Charm | February 22, 2008 10:29 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 10:29
These are awesome houses..I can dream....
Jen R
Posted by Jen Rizzo | February 22, 2008 11:02 AM
Posted on February 22, 2008 11:02
Angela,
Saw your blog and thought you might like my story: My mom used to go to lunch with her friends every day ( after all retired ),we called them the "lunch ladies " . While in transit , they would notice whether someone had painted a door , put up or changed windboxes , new door decoration, some small or large detail that really caught there eye while flying by @ 35mph ( top speed). So my mom thought they should put notes of encouragement ( so like my mom , always upbeat )in these mailboxes that she/they thought had done a good job. Something like ..."love the door color", perfect wreath , etc...you get the jist. Of course, she didnt as i was afraid ppl would get mad/upset or feel stalked . But it was a good idea. If I got home and found a little note or encouragement ( and not a bill ) I would be happy and somewaht glad soemone appreicated it .Thanks for letting me post this . Martha
Posted by Martha | February 22, 2008 12:51 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 12:51
This is a very nice collection! I have often thought of taking photos of gardens I drive past. Now I just might do it.
I also love walking in neighborhoods at night and catching glimpses of the interiors.
Robin at Bumblebee
Posted by Robin at Bumblebee | February 22, 2008 1:36 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 13:36
Hi, Angela, welcome back! I love all your drive-by houses & guess what?? I just did this today. Me & hubby went out for lunch in a quaint part of town & since he was driving, I asked him to let me take some pics of the cute & charming houses in that area. Not sure when I'll post them, but you will see them soon on my blog! So much fun to do that.
xo,
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | February 22, 2008 1:44 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 13:44
How pretty! You and I like similar-style houses. Oh, that one with the picket fence is utter charm!! :)
Thank you for sharing!
Posted by Becca | February 22, 2008 4:43 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 16:43
Oh, your taste is just like mine! No wonder I love your blog! My dream is to live in a Cape Cod or a similar type cottage home. I think they are so cozy.
Posted by Lindenhaus | February 22, 2008 5:25 PM
Posted on February 22, 2008 17:25
I thought I was the only house stalker! It is nice to know there are others out there. There are so many homes here in Greensboro that I am in love with and I love to look! Thanks for the support group for my addiction!
Posted by Sissy | February 23, 2008 5:45 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 05:45
I love your blog. I too love to look at houses, we have the same taste in houses. I also love to look at Victorian houses as well, one of these days I'll take some pictures of my favorite houses as well. Katie
http://hummingbirdchats.blogspot.com/
Posted by Katie B. | February 23, 2008 7:48 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 07:48
I have certain house and neighborhoods that I will drive out of my way to see! I love looking at houses!
Manuela
Posted by The Feathered Nest (Manuela's) | February 23, 2008 8:13 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 08:13
Hi dearest Angela!
Very nice you are back...and thank you so much for your regards and mail...I´ll respond as soon as I´ll be ok again. I have been Florence N here for over a week...and of course it´s my turn now...I just wonder where Florence is now? ;)
I smiled a lot when I read you post about the lovely houses...becuase I also have had an idea about to takes photos of my favouritehouses here in Sweden... :) it has to be later on...but I will do...
Hugs ~ Annie
Posted by Annie | February 23, 2008 8:35 AM
Posted on February 23, 2008 08:35
Hi Angela, I'm glad you're feeling better. I, too love driving or walking by houses to get ideas, but I've never thought of taking a picture!
I've tagged you on my blog - just ignore if you've already done this.
Lorrie
Posted by Lorrie | February 23, 2008 3:30 PM
Posted on February 23, 2008 15:30
It seems we were both ill (again!!!) at the same time, Angela! Glad to hear that your technical difficulties are gone too; losing your whole blog doesn't bear thinking about!
I usually don't drive by but ride by on my bike (hey I'm Dutch, it's a thing) :-) but the houses I see aren't nearly as charming as those you drive by. Love that cute little bungalow! Why? Becaause it has a porch and I adore porches! Why? Because we don't have them like that over here.
Love those Cape Cods too, prefer the last one to the first one as it got more charm IMO.
Picket fence; how much more Tom Saywer can you get? :-)
Posted by yolanda elizabet | February 24, 2008 4:39 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 04:39
Hi! Nice blog you´ve got!
Camilla
Posted by Camilla | February 24, 2008 5:49 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 05:49
Angela-
Oh I couldn't be happier that I stumbled upon your blog somehow. I have such a love for the "cottage" style. My business partner and I have to drive around A LOT (when we aren't in our studio creating our picture frames, we are also faux finishing others homes), and we have are favorite spots in Memphis that we know will inspire us. Now, you've giving me all kinds of ideas, I'll be sure to keep my camera on me at ALL times. Thanks for the great post!
Can't wait to see what's next!
melissa lewis
Posted by Melissa Lewis | February 24, 2008 7:15 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 07:15
Nice assortment of houses! They all look so unique and welcoming. I used to go jogging in the old days, and loved sneaking a peek at people's homes as I trotted by.
Posted by Nicole | February 24, 2008 8:48 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 08:48
I am glad you are feeling better. I love the houses you shared. I wish I had such a neighborhood.
Wish you a great week. Suzy
Posted by Suzy | February 24, 2008 10:21 AM
Posted on February 24, 2008 10:21
What beautiful houses! I love to drive around and look at houses too, and also their gardens and landscaping. You can get so many ideas! I just found your blog and enjoying it!
Donna
Posted by Donna | February 24, 2008 1:44 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 13:44
These are so beautiful ! We are hoping to get some landscaping done this year and I am looking for ideas for the front of our house.I love the red/brick door !
:-) Barbara
Posted by Barbara | February 24, 2008 2:25 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 14:25
These are all wonderful. I love to do this kind of sightseeing too.
You found some real beauties!
Posted by Lisa | February 24, 2008 8:53 PM
Posted on February 24, 2008 20:53
Wow! You have great taste....those are some awesome looking homes! Have enjoyed browsing your blog, came by from Blotanical.
Posted by Connie | February 25, 2008 1:10 PM
Posted on February 25, 2008 13:10
I am SO relieved I am not the only person who does this! :-) Thanks for the wonderful post and the link to Melissa's as well. I just stumbled onto your blog through a beautiful abode and am loving it. I have a rather sweet litle cottage myself, which I adore, but could use quite a bit of TLC on the outside in order to even resemble any of these beauties. Anyway, I've just added you to my blogroll!
Posted by Courtney @ NestingInstincts | February 26, 2008 2:55 PM
Posted on February 26, 2008 14:55
Hi Angela..this is my first time posting on your blog...it is lovely...I too am a lover of capes and long to have one of my own....someday. I also posted a few drive bys..so you girls are not alone..but I was in Beverly Hills the other day and had to stop and do some shooting...and today is a gorgeous day so I'll go do some shooting and bring it back to my blog this afternoon...I should be mopping the floor..bad influence...hee hee.
Posted by Gabrielle | February 27, 2008 9:11 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 09:11
Oh - I love dark red front doors!!...and in time I will have one (when my husband is not looking ..hee hee)
Posted by Julie Size | February 27, 2008 10:22 AM
Posted on February 27, 2008 10:22
I love lurking, er ummm I mean looking at different homes. We have a beautiful historic district in our town and I love to drive around it at night, when the old homes are beautifully lit. Great post!
Posted by Cheryl | February 28, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on February 28, 2008 11:03
I LOVE to drive around and look at houses. Always feel a little funny about taking pics but I have on a few occasions. *lol* I'll have to drive by my favorite and post a pic soon!
Enjoyed looking through your beautiful blog!
-Linnie
Posted by Linnie | February 28, 2008 3:09 PM
Posted on February 28, 2008 15:09
Nice houses..I feel at home in just about any of them.
Posted by Theresa N | May 25, 2008 3:43 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 03:43
How fun!!! I love this idea as I love looking at houses, too for ideas and inspiration. My favorite of the ones you posted is the blue one (the 3rd photo) and the second to last one with the stunning garden!! Combine those, and I'm in heaven!!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 3:34 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 03:34
How fun!!! I love this idea as I love looking at houses, too for ideas and inspiration. My favorite of the ones you posted is the blue one (the 3rd photo) and the second to last one with the stunning garden!! Combine those, and I'm in heaven!!
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 31, 2008 3:34 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 03:34
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