February 21, 2011

House Hunting

I was in a neighbourhood in Baltimore where I’ve not been before and discovered some really gorgeous houses of the style that I like so much.2-20 008They’re about the same era as the one where I was raised, or maybe a little younger. This area has similar architectural and landscape qualities to it, sitting on the edge of one of the largest urban parks in the country. Unfortunately, it’s also where everyone knows that you stash the bodies.

But it was a lot of fun to see the dozen or so houses I spotted!

I love the way the two wings on this house work with the central piece, and I love the front porch. 2-20 003 I am a sucker for a shingle cottage style house with a porch, and the railings on this one, especially with the picket fence (in the top picture), are just wonderful.2-20 009 I love the Palladian-style window with the Juliet balcony. I am curious to know whether it’s original to the house or not. Also love the stone ground floor.2-20 004This house needs some shutters and a little more pizzaz to it, but I am quite taken by the way the arch over the front door is echoed in the small eyebrow window on the roof.  2-20 006 I love the entrance on this house with the paneling and the windows on either side of the front door. I wish they’d done something else with the mailbox though!2-20 010x This is the house that is in the park. Unfortunately, it’s all but abandoned. The city has a program where you can become a guardian of some of their properties, and this would be a perfect place for someone. 2-20 014 I love how the shed out back echoes the main house. 2-20 016  The garage has a cupola like the main house. 2-20 015 2-20 017 I love discovering new places in Baltimore. I thought I’d seen them all!

14 comments:

  1. I enjoyed seeing all these interesting houses, Meg. Character and individuality add so much, don't they?

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  2. The East Coast has such distinctive architecture versus the West Coast. Thanks for the pics!

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  3. Meg it is so true and sometimes there are hidden treasures everwhere!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  4. Oooooh... that last one with the cupola!!!

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  5. My fiance and a lot of friends of mine grew up in this neighborhood. The houses are absolutely gorgeous, just a shame the neighborhood is next to a very dangerous area.

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  6. WOW! What neighborhood is this? I'd love to explore it as well. I'm from DC, and there are so many similarities in architecture between these two cities; as well as hidden gems.

    Thanks!

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  7. Meg -

    Looks like your comments have been spamed! Oh my. - However - LOVE YOUR POST. What beautiful unique houses. Reminds me of some of the old neighborhood in Pasadena (as in California that is!)

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  8. Hi Meg-

    Where is this Druid Hill? or Reservoir Hill?


    Thank you,


    Very Curious,

    Clare

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  9. PS Meg,

    What is this guardian program you speak about? I know someone who is very talented with his hands and a wonderful overall handyman, looking for a place to live, who would be perfect for a project like this,

    Thank you,

    Clare

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  10. The internet web page for the City of Baltimore can perhaps point your previous poster in the proper direction. I Googled the words Baltimore largest urban park and came up with a result. Perhaps those who help themselves will succeed

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  11. This has to be Windsor Hills, given the Gwynns Falls/Leakin Park reference. Beautiful homes, but like the rest of that area, not very safe, it's a pity.
    Erenessi Charimag

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  12. Even if you know exactly what you're looking for, searching for a home can be overwhelming. It takes time. Being realistic and disciplined while house hunting will help ensure you buy a home that you love and can afford. . House-hunting can be tiring, especially if you're relocating to a distant community and want to see a dozen homes in one day. There's no sense in torturing your feet unnecessarily. If your goal is to find the right home for your family without falling in love with one that doesn't suit your needs. Tip: Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current home. Thanks for sharing.
    built on your lot homes

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  13. Wonderful buildings, and a neighborhood not dissimilar to the one I grew up in, too, but which hasn't had the same fate, though, of decline. I am always saddened when I see formerly wonderful houses and neighborhoods on a downward trajectory, and am upset that many people prefer to buy and live in crappy fake siding covered mcMansions or "townhomes" built in a treeless, former corn field than in a real house of real integrity within a city's limits. Baltimore, one of the greatest of American cities, is unfortunately particularly hard hit by this, I believe. But not alone, either. I recently was shocked to drive through the Germantown section of Philadelphia, once one of the most desirable sections of the city (at least up until WWII) and see its drastic decline. Heartbreaking, really.

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