"New stuff doesn't usually have the character I adore - the rust, the chipped paint, the history."
- Heather Salazar
There is something about an old home. The further I ponder it, the more it becomes more than "something". I have always been drawn to them as a passion in my heart. Living in Europe started the love, as their architecture is so unique and many of it preserved and restored. I love a house painted a bright colour, different trim, flag stone paths and an abundance of curb appeal. I still slow down to view houses I have driven by before, just to take another glimpse of their unique charm, hoping to see something I didn't before.
For myself, houses built in the 1800s and early 1900s are one of the few physical things still alive about that time. Other than the history we cherish and ground breaking science, movements and change... the clothes, the talk, the simplicity in the way of life; most of it has been lost.
To have something still standing, untouched in certain ways amazes me. Restoration plays a huge part in the century home. I enjoy the history of previous owners and seeing their work in a house. I appreciate it. A century home changes internally (mostly) throughout the years. The standard, upgrading of electrical and plumbing, and basic interior changes such as redesigned kitchens, flooring and painting. I love refinished original hardwood. It is definitely more worthy than covering up with carpet.
Each and every one of them have familiarity too he next, yet so much unique character. My husband and I have a few dear to our hearts.
Like Gable Oaks, The Farm has beautiful refinished flooring, classic red brick, a kitchen entrance (as well as many others...because you can never have too many doors!), and that old basement. The odd snake, mouse or quirky never seen before bug gets in, and whenever a storm comes, your praying that a massive branch off your ancient tree doesn't come flying through your window. The Farm was the first century home we lived in, in the county. It has many unique features that made us fall more in love with this style of home. I knew I could never go back. Housed in beautiful Oro Medonte on acreage, it was one of the first houses in Oro to have running laundry. Early owners would have line ups out the door with people wanting to get in on the action. The land is said to possibly house an Indian burial site as well. Arrow heads have been found along with many other treasures.
Another fan favourite of mine is The Emberly House. She is a big one (over 4000 square feet!) with lots of owner history. This house was red brick, and is now gray with a large addition, it has a charm that is housed on the highest elevation point in Ontario - Dundalk. It is home to an ever growing rock solid extended Christian family (that is the easiest way to put it), and features three levels, original masonry fire places, original stair case, a beautiful black iron gate over a front window and again, many entrances. This place really had my heart going when we weren't quite ready to buy. Our friends moved in and we were able to live vicariously through them.
There are a couple more century homes that are on the friend and family century home band waggon. The Country Cottage (unofficial) has been stripped to the bones and renovated. It holds an addition that is a great space for family and furry friends. It will soon go through another transformation and house a third addition. The original house is late 1800s and is that classic small square farm house with small bedrooms and a beautiful widow's walk. It would have been the perfect house for a quaint family but it to needed too grow! The "newest" home on the list was built in 1886 and is settled in downtown Barrie. It has that classic cinder block exterior that will be steadfast in all storms. It too has been stripped to the studs and had a makeover. It features high ceilings and the exposed red brick original chimney column throughout the house. There is lots of potential for curb appeal with this one!
