“The most expensive hobby a rich man could have is a boat, and the second most expensive hobby he could have is a very old house. ”

-Barbara Corcoran

The Quality is Unmatched

One of the first benefits of owning a historic home I love to tell people about is the quality of the lumber and the craftsmanship. Truly, I was blown away when I heard the details of this home’s architecture.

I have been in several vintage homes, and they all emanate a confidence, which I attribute to the strength of the quality and craftsmanship, as in those days, homes were built by artists.

Our home is built on a granite hill. Apparently, their method for earthquake safety was to create giant rods that attach to the frame of the house and are drilled deep into the granite hillside. I am not sure where else you could find such a unique and sturdy measure.

All of the doors in the home are presumed to be mahogany, which is a very sought-after hardwood for furniture. I did not realize how heavy doors can be until I moved into our historic home. Now whenever I am inside a modern home, I cannot unfeel how light the doors are.

Everyone loves to use the phrase ‘they don’t make em like they used to.’ And I truly believe that now more than ever, even our stucco walls were apparently ‘hand thrown.’ How is that even a thing?

You will Always Have a Project

The sensation of entering a room and envisioning its transformation into a vibrant, beautiful space is magnetic. It ignites an urge to grab a paintbrush and a can of paint, ready to unleash its full potential.

Not everyone will consider this a benefit. However, for someone who has never felt a real connection to any hobby, I now know that my true passion was waiting for me in the heart of my vintage home. I adore peering into the soul of my house and seeing its personality buried under the years of layered paint and modern, updated features. Something in me wants more than anything to give it back its spark with crystal chandeliers and DIY wood refurbishing—one of the hardest and most satisfying things I’ve ever done.

You will Live in Vintage Neighborhoods

I was never a morning person or someone who could stomach 8 AM walks around the neighborhood. However, ever since moving to a historic district, everything has changed! I absolutely love breathing in the crisp morning air while admiring the breathtaking architecture. Each home is unique, artful, sturdy, and brimming with stories waiting to be discovered.

Your neighbors are truly fascinating to connect with. In my experience, I’ve been warmly welcomed into their homes and treated to delightful tours! If you think the exteriors of these houses make a statement, just wait until you explore the interiors of some of them. I have such thoughtful neighbors who even wrote me handwritten welcome notes when I first moved in—an incredibly kind gesture that I’ve never encountered anywhere else I’ve lived.

You will not have a Cookie Cutter Home

I often find that many in my generation (millennials) struggle to grasp my passion for historic homes. However, once they step inside and experience the palpable history seeping through the windows, their perspective shifts. A vintage home is not just a structure; it comes with a century-old oak tree, climbing hydrangeas enveloping old sheds, and vibrant bougainvilleas blooming in brilliant pink outside the kitchen window. Countless individuals have walked on these enduring hardwood floors and peered out from charming nook windows at the park below. Vintage homes are repositories of stories from many lives, and that is truly beautiful.

Investment Quality is High

Speaking more practically, vintage and historic homes hold value remarkably well over time. In desirable areas, you will find they appreciate faster than modern homes and often are more resilient to market lows, making them a wise investment for homeowners and investors alike.

There are many reasons for this trend, including the quality of materials used to construct these homes, which are often superior and more durable than many of today’s building standards. Furthermore, the overall curb appeal and unique character of vintage homes create a strong emotional connection for potential buyers, who often desire the charming details and craftsmanship that new builds may lack.

Additionally, these properties frequently benefit from historical significance and architectural uniqueness, which enhances their desirability and helps maintain their value even during economic downturns. This combination of factors contributes to the enduring appeal of historic homes in the real estate market.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for reading; your engagement is truly appreciated. I love my vintage home, and while there are cons of living in such an old house, I wanted to focus for a while on the positives and be thankful for the uniqueness found in houses like these. I hope you found valuable insights into this topic that resonate with your own experiences. Please feel free to share your thoughts and personal anecdotes in the comments section; I would love to hear your unique perspectives!