Friday, April 17, 2009

Fearing The Loss

Sometimes I experience a strong fear that people will continue to buy cute little houses simply because they can get them cheap just so they can remodel the heck out of them or demolish them altogether so that none of the little details remain. I'm scared that quaint little houses like these will no longer exist where I choose to live when I finally have the money to buy me one.

Here are a few that I've saved for inspiration:


Richmond, VA and a mystery location


Austin, TX and a mystery location


Arlington, VA and New Orleans, LA


Hampton, VA and Richmond, VA

NOTE: Don't forget about the giveaway!

Images: CVRMLS; I don't have sources for the next three pictures. The last four photos were taken by me.

7 comments:

Anthony said...

I agree, it's sad to think that there are fewer and fewer of those small bungalows in some cities. I think it's incredibly wasteful that many americans 'require' more and more space in homes where they wind up only occupying 1/3 of it anyway. It's just more to heat/cool/clean..basically spend time and energy on. It would do everyone a world of good if you were required to live in a small space with just enough of what you need to see that it can be done, cuts down on clutter, and save you energy. My wife and I live in a 12 foot wide 100 year old rowhouse in the city and our families are still amazed that we fit there with our dog. For us, it has all the space we need and none of it is wasted! Great post-love the photos you selected.

Marcy said...

Ditto Anthony; I love the picture of the house in Hampton VA (where I live) and it scares me to think that these types of homes won't be around when I can afford to buy as well. I don't get the need to "go bigger and better". It makes no sense to me.

lsaspacey said...

Marcy,
Wow, that house is a block from where my dad lives. It actually is a new build but I included it because it fits the style. I love that it doesn't stick out in the neighborhood because the owners wisely took into consideration the age of the homes around them when choosing thier plan. of course, though there are lots of these homes of authentic age around, like the one across from my dad. It was the first bungalow I ever saw the inside of and I was instantly hooked!

Marcy said...

lsaspacey,
That is a great house. Bungalows are one of my favorite small house designs. It looks like one of the houses that's part of the city's initiative to create more affordable housing through a Redevelopment and Housing/HUD program. They are constructing across Hampton and are taking steps to maintain consistent design themes matching the neighborhoods where they build. Very cool.

Julie said...

lsaspacey,
I've just now discovered your blog and I'm enjoying it so! I could not agree with you more about preserving them. I am lucky enough to live in a similar style house my great grandparents built in 1949 and have tried hard to keep key elements. There are always challenges (no outlets, no closets, strangely placed windows!) but wonderful quality and character. Nice to see pictures of Richmond and Hampton as I live in York County, VA. I'm looking forward to reading through your old posts!

the fabled needle (jen) said...

i adore the little homes. when my boyfriend and i were thinking of buying a place we'd go into these cute 1920's or 1930's houses around l.a. to find that the kitchens have been completely gutted out, only to be replaced by some ikea kitchens or something even uglier. (including barf-colored granite counter tops, etc.) i do like ikea, but it has its place! it makes me so mad. anyway, thank you for sharing these sweet homes! i guess the key is finding a like-minded seller and/or neighborhood.

(p.s. i hope you don't mind that i said "barf" on your blog!)

modest-goddess said...

I feel the same way. I hate when I see older homes that have been flipped by someone trying to make a quick buck: all of the woodwork gets painted, interior walls are removed, boring beige carpet is added. DRIVES ME NUTS. I mean if people want that look they should just buy new construction and leave the older homes to people who prefer them.