This 1970s Kitchen Just Got a Dramatic, Down-to-the-Studs, Beautiful Renovation!

April 10, 2023 by 39 Comments

Welcome to the 741st Metamorphosis Monday! If you love a dramatic Before and After, you're going to love today's reveal! My son and daughter-in-law live in an older neighborhood where many of the homes were built in the early 1900s. I think their home was built in the early 1920s, if I'm remembering correctly. The previous owners did a kitchen update at some point, we're guessing in the 1970s based on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes



Where Would You Love to Live–Beach, City, Mountains–or Somewhere In Between?

October 3, 2022 by 43 Comments

Welcome to the 714th Metamorphosis Monday! I guess I've always been a city girl, not "hard-core city" like living in Atlanta, but more low-key city living, life in the burbs 25-30 minutes outside a big city. That lifestyle has worked well over the years, especially when my son was in elementary, middle, and high school. Back then, schools were the most important factor in choosing where to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours



A Weekend Stroll Past Beautiful Historical Homes

November 6, 2021 by 11 Comments

How about a weekend stroll? Did you bring your water? How about a sweater, it's chilly out today. Actually, I think I took these photos on a warm, summer day but just never got around to sharing them with you. Often when I'm visiting family in Ohio,  on the weekends we will walk to nearby restaurants for dinner. The view along the way is always wonderful because we pass by so many beautiful, old homes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes Tagged With: ,



Hidden Away at the End of the Lane…

February 11, 2020 by 26 Comments

To date, the best historic home tour that I've ever taken (and I've taken a lot!) was a ramble (that's what they call them) I took with The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation to Newnan, Georgia. I've never seen so many beautiful old homes in a single day as we did on that trip. I'm used to historic home tours where there's one or two knock-your-socks-off homes on the tour, along with 3 or 4 other … [Read more...]

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A Summer Sunday Stroll

August 28, 2019 by 59 Comments

I'm making the long drive home today, wish me luck! Last time it involved a bit of drama...read more about that here: Drama on the Drive Home. Hopefully, I won't encounter any 18-wheelers with exploding tires this time. Ugh.   While I'm driving all day, I thought you might enjoy a nice stroll through some of the beautiful neighborhoods in this area. I snapped these photos as we walked to a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Storybook Cottages



Buying Furniture for a Storybook Cottage & Fall Wardrobe Updates

August 24, 2019 by 32 Comments

So, ya know that storybook cottage I dream of finding one day? (Read more about it here: Storybook Cottage.)   I'm pretty sure it will have a chest like this inside someplace.   You may remember, my daughter-in-law and I just added this chest to my grandsons' bedroom. I'm obsessed with the color!   Here's a closer view of the color...just a perfect shade of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Fashion & Beauty, Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, New Old Homes, Storybook Cottages



Having Tea at Max Gate, Thomas Hardy Style

July 24, 2019 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 566th Tablescape Thursday! This past Saturday we visited Max Gate, the home Thomas Hardy built after he became a successful writer.   I hope to share additional photos of the home in the future, but for this week's Tablescape Thursday, we're going inside the dining room.   I always appreciate the beautiful homes I visit during my travels, but sometimes I think … [Read more...]

Filed Under: England, Historic Homes, Tablescape Thursday, Travel Tagged With: , ,



Like a Beautiful Phoenix Rising From the Ashes

April 8, 2019 by 46 Comments

Welcome to the 532nd Metamorphosis Monday! Several years ago I created a blog post about this beautiful coastal home that was once located on North Carolina’s Inner Banks (River Dunes) in North Carolina. The home was designed by Historical Concepts, an Atlanta Architecture and Design firm, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Coastal Living magazine.   Historical Concepts designed the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Before & After



A Tour of Lough Eske Castle, County Donegal, Ireland

September 13, 2017 by 31 Comments

Thanks so much for all your well-wishes over the last few days. I can't speak for all of Atlanta, but my immediate area seems to have fared quite well. Hurricane Irma was mostly a tropical storm when she arrived here, so though we got plenty of wind and rain and the lights flickered a few times, we never lost power. My biggest concern was that a tree would come down, but thankfully that did not … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Ireland, Storybook Cottages, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



Tour Historic Dunboyne Castle, A Beautiful Irish Castle

August 21, 2017 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 447th Metamorphosis Monday! Good Morning! It's 7 AM here and I'm writing this on my second morning in Ireland. The first is a bit of a blur since I didn't sleep at all on the plane ride over. Rather than bore you with that, how about a tour of  the lovely castle where we stayed on our first night in Ireland. This is the older section of Dunboyne Castle. I'm not sure if they have actual … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Ireland, Travel Tagged With: , , , ,



Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage: Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay

February 22, 2017 by 28 Comments

Note: This post would have been up yesterday but my blog had a bizarre hiccup and I lost over half the post after it was completely written. Argggh. I have the best hosting company, though and they did their best to help me retrieve the old post. We got back about half of it, so thankful for that. Tour Two Historical Homes & Guest Cottage oF a Beautiful Estate located on the Mobile Bay Alabama has … [Read more...]

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The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, 2016

December 5, 2016 by 31 Comments

Welcome to the 410th Metamorphosis Monday! Was hoping to share my front porch decorated for Christmas, but we've been getting some much-needed rain the last few days, so couldn't snap any photos. So for this Met Monday, we'll go on a Christmas Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia to see how others are decorating and transforming their homes for the holidays. This home reminded me a lot of the cottages you … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , , , , ,



Tour the William Root House In Mourning, Oldest Home in the City of Marietta

October 15, 2016 by 26 Comments

Recently a friend and I visited the William Root House Museum & Garden. The Root House was almost demolished back in the 1980s because it had fallen into terrible disrepair. Fortunately, some savvy folks realized it was the oldest known home in the city of Marietta and preservation efforts got underway just in time. In 1989, the Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society acquired the home and it was moved … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Decor, Historic Homes, Home Tours



The Week I Took a Staycation

October 8, 2016 by 65 Comments

Have you ever taken a Staycation? This past week I took my first and it was truly a lot of fun! From time to time I get e-mails from friends who are headed to the Atlanta area and are looking for ideas on what to do and where to go during their visit. I'll definitely be referring them to this post in the future.   FRIDAY My friend, Linda, flew in on Friday, September 30th, and we wasted no … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Favorite Fashions & Home Goods, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Travel, United States Tagged With: , , , , , , ,



Take a Tour of Beautiful Mimosa Hall

September 14, 2016 by 22 Comments

Pssst: I've been sharing pics on Instagram from my trip to the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see the wonderful Chihuly Exhibit. You'll find those here: BNOTP on Instagram Back in May of 2010, I was out for a walk in Roswell with a friend and we passed by historic Mimosa Hall. I've never really been able to get a good look at Mimosa Hall because the front yard is so wooded. Even in winter it's impossible to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , ,



11 Impossibly Romantic Homes That Made My Heart Beat Just a Little Faster

July 29, 2016 by 15 Comments

This morning I fell down the rabbit hole. It started out innocently as I revisited (and drooled over) a home I had previously shared. I fell in love all over again. Then I visited another and another. I've posted tours of some really wonderful homes over the years and you'll find them all under the "Home Tours" category at the top of the blog. I chose a few this morning that have a romantic storybook … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Home Tours



Own an Antique-Furnished, Historic 1891 Queen Anne Victorian Home for $422,000

March 29, 2016 by 29 Comments

Your name is Emma Hamlin. The year is 1885 and you're marrying the esteemed Rev. John McCandless.   Your father, Henry Hamlin, a local merchant and banker has decided on an especially wonderful wedding gift: a beautiful Victorian home built in the "High Queen Anne" style. The interior will be filled with gorgeous moldings and trim in beautiful cherry and oak woods. The home will have all the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , , ,



25 Things This Charles Faudree Room Taught Me About Design

February 17, 2016 by 68 Comments

I grew up in a very plain, utilitarian environment. My mom was very sick throughout my life, so I'm not sure if she ever had any interest in decorating or design. I'm guessing she would have if she hadn't become sick because she loved creative pursuits like embroidery and crocheting. Before she became so sick and while awaiting my arrival, she crocheted this lovely luncheon set complete with little … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Decorating, Home Tours Tagged With: , , ,



The Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour

January 4, 2016 by 25 Comments

Welcome to the 362nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy New Year! How were your holidays? I hope you were able to spend them with those you love most. I was away for a while, visiting my son, dil and grandson. It was wonderful seeing them! Unfortunately, the trip back home was an adventure, and not in a good way. I'll share that story very soon, complete with pictures, because there are lots of lessons to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes Tagged With: , , , ,



A Storybook Nursery at Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville Louisiana

September 8, 2015 by 15 Comments

A while back I took a trip with a friend to Louisiana and we toured a number of the beautiful, old homes there. One of the homes we toured was Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville seen in this photo from Wikipedia. The oak alley leading to this home is enchanting. If you're ever in the area, stop by and see it in person.   Rosedown is located in West Feliciana Parish was the home of Daniel … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Tour a Beautiful Victorian Home, Rebuilt After a Devastating Fire

July 21, 2015 by 50 Comments

Yesterday we toured the outside of this beautiful Victorian home belonging to Christy and Don. You may remember the original home was destroyed by fire after a lightning strike. It's really scary to think that lightning can cause such destruction, isn't it?   We'll start our tour here in the entry and a grand entry it is with a beautiful curving staircase. I think it may have been around … [Read more...]

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A Beautiful Victorian Home Rises From The Ashes

July 20, 2015 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 338th Metamorphosis Monday! In 2008, the unthinkable happened. A storm came and lightening reduced this beautiful Victorian home to charred rubble. The owners, Christy and Don, began a new, determined to rebuild their home following the design of the original house as their guide.   It took two full years to bring it back, but oh my gosh, is it wonderful!   I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours, New Old Homes Tagged With: , ,



A Historic Mississippi Farmhouse Gets A Stunning Restoration!

July 14, 2015 by 56 Comments

If you wanted a special getaway, maybe some acreage for hunting, fishing and enjoying the good life with your family and friends, what would you do if it came with this house? Most folks would probably tear it down, especially after seeing the inside and finding out the foundation was a complete wreck. Though Mac Thomas joked, "It was nothing that a match couldn't cure," he and his wife, Terre, took on the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Prepare To Be Charmed: A Walking Tour

June 12, 2015 by 70 Comments

Last week when I was visiting family in Ohio, I drove around through some of the nearby neighborhoods. The majority of the streets are tree-lined with sidewalks on both sides. So charming! I noticed new trees had been planted in a few spots, probably where a tree had died. I love that the folks who are living here today care enough about their lovely city to preserve it for future … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , , ,



In The BNOTP Library: New Rooms for Old Houses

June 3, 2015 by 3 Comments

I must be an old soul because I've loved old homes for as long as I can remember. Historical homes are truly special and the author of this book, Frank Shirley, totally gets it. He speaks my language and I love the way he cares about the subject of renovating or adding on to an old home in a way that does no harm.   In the BNOTP Library: New Rooms for Old Houses: Beautiful Additions for the … [Read more...]

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A Screened Porch For Ocean Breezes

May 29, 2015 by 9 Comments

What better place to have a screened-in porch than at the beach! When Carla and her hubby were building their beach home, Carla came across BNOTP. Carla said, "We just finished our house at the beach last summer. While we were building, I found your blog, and you convinced me that we needed to make our back porch bigger. I am SO glad we did!"   I asked Carla for a tour of her wonderful … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Porches



Tour A Historic Savannah Row House On Beautiful Monterey Square

May 13, 2015 by 27 Comments

The exterior of this wonderful historic row house in Savannah reminded me a little of Carrie's apartment in Sex and the City.   I think it's the steps that had me thinking of Sex and the City, well that and the door. But wait until you see the inside!   So elegant and beautiful!   Just look at that newel post! I love a beautiful newel post. I was once told on a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , , ,



One Of My Favorite Homes Is No More

May 12, 2015 by 48 Comments

One of my favorite houses is this wonderful home that was once located on North Carolina's Inner Banks (River Dunes) in Oriental, North Carolina. It was designed by Historical Concepts, an Atlanta Architecture and Design firm, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Coastal Living magazine.   Historical Concepts was inspired by nineteenth century coastal design and envisioned a home that could … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Home Tours, New Old Homes Tagged With: , , , , , ,



In The BNOTP Library: Creating A New Old House

April 25, 2015 by 5 Comments

Old homes have so much character and charm. Unfortunately, they also require a lot of repairs and updating to make them comfortable for every day living. The book I'm featuring from my Decor library today offers an alternative for those of us who love old homes but not so much the expense of maintaining them.   In the BNOTP Library: Creating a New Old House: Yesterday's Character for Today's … [Read more...]

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Beach Home on Tybee Island With A Fabulous Screened Porch

March 20, 2015 by 26 Comments

Grab your bathing suit, sunscreen and straw hat, we're headed off to the beach for the weekend! Ever been to Tybee Island? Tybee Island is an island located just off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. I've been there a few times over the years while vacationing in Savannah. You can't go to Savannah without driving over and having breakfast at The Breakfast Club. There are some absolutely stunning homes … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes Tagged With: , , ,



In Case You’ve Forgotten, This Is How Summer Looks

February 17, 2015 by 30 Comments

So cold! I hope this is Old Man Winter's last hurrah, his last 1-2 punch before he makes his retreat for another year. I could use a little reminder that spring is coming, soon to be followed by warm summer days. How about you? Last May a friend who loves old homes as much as I do, took me on a wonderful tour of some of the beautiful historic homes in Louisiana. I took way too many pictures on that trip … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Gardening & Birding, Historic Homes, In the Garden



Tour Beautiful Westview, A Classic Greek Revival Designed For Today

December 17, 2014 by 16 Comments

Last night as I was working on this post, I kept thinking, "I know this house!" You know that feeling when you see someone in passing and you just know you've met them before. It nags and nags at you all day, until finally it dawns on where you first met. This morning as I continued working on this post, I decided to watch the video at the site where I found all the wonderful pictures I'm sharing today. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: New Old Homes Tagged With: , , , ,



In The BNOTP Library: The Great American House

December 17, 2014 by 5 Comments

Later today I'll be taking you on a tour of a beautiful "new" old house at Between Naps On The Porch. As I was working on that post last night, I kept thinking the house looked so familiar. Then I realized why; it's a home that's been featured in one of my favorite books!   In the BNOTP Library: The Great American House: Tradition for the Way We Live Now Author: Gil Schafer III Hardcover: … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, New Old Homes



A Dream Fairytale Cottage Comes To Life

November 17, 2014 by 58 Comments

Welcome to the 303rd Metamorphosis Monday! Have you ever thought of downsizing to a smaller home? Tonita who blogs at Shabby Chic Tiny Retreat first got bit by the small-house bug when she walked into a tiny straw bale home at the California State Fair. Giving up her cell phone, Tonita took that money and began to save a $100.00 each month. After 7 years she had saved up enough to buy her own small … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , ,



The Way Neighborhoods Used To Be

October 28, 2014 by 110 Comments

This past weekend I took a little trip to visit family in Ohio. I always feel at home when I'm there because the older neighborhoods are very similar to those you would find driving through any of the older cities and towns in Georgia. The homes are anything but cookie-cutter. As I drove down the streets oohing and ahhhing over the architecture and beauty of the older homes, I wondered how we ever … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages



Rehab Addict’s Nicole Curtis Bungalow Makeover

October 27, 2014 by 62 Comments

Welcome to the 300th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you ever watch the show, Rehab Addict on HGTV? I don't catch the show as often as I would like but I always love seeing the latest old home Nicole Curtis, the star of the show, is saving from demolition. Nicole has a big soft spot in her heart for old homes. In this interview where she was asked about her passion for saving old homes, Nicole explained her … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes



Tour Nottoway Plantation, South’s Largest Remaining Antebellum Mansion

October 17, 2014 by 38 Comments

Pssst: Postcards From The Porch, the BNOTP newsletter will be going out tomorrow. If you aren't currently subscribed, you can subscribe HERE (it's free) or via the subscribe box at the end of this post. Touring Nottoway Plantation Back in May of this year, I spent an entire week in Louisiana and Mississippi touring 13+ plantation homes. I've never taken a whole week for the sole purpose of touring … [Read more...]

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Tour Laura Plantation, A Creole Plantation in Vacherie Louisiana

September 5, 2014 by 26 Comments

Today I'm taking you inside Laura Plantation, another one of the many plantation homes I toured with my friend Linda on our trip to the New Orleans area back in May of this year. Laura is a Creole plantation located on River Road in Vacherie, Louisiana. It is midway between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I've heard the word Creole many times over the years but I never knew exactly what it meant. Per the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Tour Designer Carolyn Westbrook’s Home, The Oaks

September 3, 2014 by 15 Comments

Have you ever been looking at homes online and suddenly thought, "I know that home!" That happened to me recently when I came across Designer, Carolyn Westbrook's plantation home, The Oaks. I recognized several of the rooms from having seen them in one of her books, Carolyn Westbrook Home. After living there for many years, I guess she is ready for a change because her home is now on the market and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes Tagged With: , ,



Tour A Historic Waterfront Lodge on Lake Placid

August 29, 2014 by 16 Comments

It's a conspiracy, I'm convinced. I really am doing my best to just enjoy these last warm days of summer. After all, this is how the weather in Georgia looks during the month of September. Fall doesn't even really think about arriving here for another month.   But try as I may, I keep stumbling across beautiful scenes like this and I'm suddenly thinking of autumn. Doesn't this room just lure … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes, Historic Homes



In The BNOTP Library: Coming Home

August 22, 2014 by 8 Comments

For as long as I can remember, I've said to anyone who would listen, I'd love to live in an old house one day. I love the architecture and sometimes quirky personalities of older homes. I especially love their anything-but-cookie-cutter design. One friend used to always say to me, "Don't buy an old home, build one!" She would remind me if I built a new-old house, I could get all the features I wanted and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, New Old Homes Tagged With: , ,



Tour The Studio Apartment Where Frances Parkinson Keyes Wrote Her Novels

August 20, 2014 by 28 Comments

Yesterday we toured the Beauregard-Keyes home, the home American author Frances Parkinson Keyes purchased and restored with the help of architect, Sam Wilson. (To see a full tour of this home, check out yesterday's post here: Tour The Beauregard-Keyes Home )   During the restoration process, Mrs. Keyes lived in a little studio apartment on the property behind the home.   I was … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes Tagged With: ,



Tour The Beauregard Keyes House & Garden, New Orleans Louisiana

August 19, 2014 by 39 Comments

Back in May I traveled to New Orleans where I met up with my friend, Linda and we had the most amazing week touring some of the beautiful old historic homes in Louisiana and Mississippi. One of the homes we toured was the Beauregard-Keys home located at 1113 Chartres Street in New Orleans. The Beauregard-Keys home was built in 1826 by architect Francois Correjolles for Joseph Le Carpentier, a wealthy … [Read more...]

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Tour the Beautiful 2014 Southern Living Idea House in Bluffton, South Carolina

August 12, 2014 by 43 Comments

Did you try to access BNOTP today and found yourself staring at a blank page? I awoke this morning, sat down to create a post and discovered that was not going to happen. Apparently Comcast was experiencing some kind of major routing/networking issues and it effected many sites nationwide. My host, Liquid Web, was effected by the outage and from what I read online, the outage impacted several network … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes Tagged With: , ,



A Christmas Story Movie House, Part IV: The Upstairs

August 5, 2014 by 31 Comments

We're headed upstairs today, touring all the rooms upstairs in the home featured in the movie, A Christmas Story, including Ralphie and Randy's bedroom and the bathroom where one of the funniest scenes in the movie took place. During my visit to Cleveland, Ohio to tour the home, I also visited the A Christmas Story Museum, as well as the gift shop across the street. The pictures I took inside those two … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun Tagged With: , , ,



A Christmas Story House, Part III: The Living Room

August 4, 2014 by 67 Comments

Welcome to the 288th Metamorphosis Monday! Bob Clark, the Director and a co-writer of the movie, A Christmas Story, had trouble finding funding for this now iconic Christmas movie when he first set out to make it. He had an extensive history of making horror films so none of the production companies felt comfortable funding him in the making of a comedy/family oriented movie. His next movie was Porky's … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,



Inside The Kitchen of “A Christmas Story” Movie House

July 24, 2014 by 60 Comments

Welcome to the 306th Tablescape Thursday! A visit to the 19th-century Victorian home used in all the exterior scenes of the movie, A Christmas Story, is an interactive one. As we stepped inside the front door for the tour, our guide immediately invited us to have a seat in the living room. Whaaat? That's not something you normally get to do while touring a home! I knew right then this wasn't going to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Tablescape Thursday, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , ,



Tour A Christmas Story Movie House: The House & Neighborhood

July 23, 2014 by 31 Comments

Recently I took a trip to Ohio to visit family and while there I decided to do something I've been wanting to do for ages. I hopped in the car one morning and struck out for Cleveland to tour the home featured in the movie, A Christmas Story.   This wonderful old Victorian home located at 3159 W. 11th Street in Cleveland Ohio, was used for all the exterior shots of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun, United States Tagged With: , , ,



Where Am I?

July 22, 2014 by 79 Comments

I'm traveling today, headed back home. I can't wait to share pictures of where I've been the last few days. This photo is a big hint! Can you guess? :) Update: Check out THIS POST to see where I was when this picture was taken. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Movies, Historic Homes, Movie Houses, Travel, TV & Movie House Fun



Rosedown Plantation: In The Butler’s Pantry

July 17, 2014 by 107 Comments

Welcome to the 305th Tablescape Thursday! Pssst: My content area is wider now here at the blog... so horizontal photos are going to look a lot bigger/better. Yipee!  But, I have a question for you about the size of the vertical pictures. You'll find that question part way down in the post. Please leave a comment answering the question regarding the size of the vertical pics you'll see in this post. Let me … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Organization and Storage, Historic Homes, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , , , ,



The Lost Dreams & Ghosts of Longwood Plantation

July 15, 2014 by 58 Comments

No matter how much you hear about Longwood Plantation before you actually visit for a tour, nothing can really prepare you for what you find inside. This six-story, 30,000 square foot mansion was designed by Samuel Sloan, a well-known architect from Philadelphia for cotton baron Haller Nutt and his wife, Julia. Construction on Longwood began in 1859. It came to an abrupt halt in 1861 when word reached … [Read more...]

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In The BNOTP Library: Home Sweet Home: A Journey Through Mary’s Dream Home

June 21, 2014 by 23 Comments

Did you know Mary Engelbreit wrote a book where she shared her storybook home and gardens? I was late in learning this, her book had already been out a few years. I've always liked her whimsical, spirit-lifting art and I enjoyed her magazine when it was available, but I had no idea what to expect when I ordered the book she wrote sharing her own home. After it arrived, I loved it so much I immediately … [Read more...]

Filed Under: BNOTP Library, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , ,



The French Quarter Home of General L. Kemper and Leila Williams

June 20, 2014 by 57 Comments

In early May, I spent a week in Louisiana and Mississippi touring beautiful historic homes with my friend, Linda. Almost all of those homes allowed photography, except for two. One home Linda and I toured was the home of General L. Kemper and Leila Williams, located at 712 Toulouse Street in the heart of the French Quarter. This historic 1889, 2-story townhouse is actually hidden from street view. The … [Read more...]

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A Formal Dinner Party in New Orleans, Kemper & Leila Williams Style

June 19, 2014 by 41 Comments

Welcome to the 301st Tablescape Thursday! When I was in New Orleans the early part of May, one of the homes I toured with my friend, Linda, was the home of Kemper and Leila Williams. Their home, located in the French Quarter at 712 Toulouse Street is actually behind another home, the Merieult House at 533 Royal Street. The Merieult House (shown below) serves as the entrance to several buildings, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Spring & Summer Tablescapes, Tablescape Thursday, Winter Tablescapes Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Tour Beautiful Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

June 3, 2014 by 50 Comments

You can't visit Louisiana without a trip to iconic Oak Alley. It's the plantation home that so frequently appears in magazines and almost any advertisement for Louisiana tourism. You may also recognize it from having appeared in a number of movies, music videos and other productions. It's this view! Oak Alley's famous "alley of oaks" captures your heart and draws you toward the beautiful, Greek Revival … [Read more...]

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Dining in Beautiful San Francisco Plantation, Garyville, Louisiana

May 29, 2014 by 23 Comments

Welcome to the 298th Tablescape Thursday! While on vacation in Louisiana and Mississippi a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour San Francisco Plantation in Garyville, Louisiana. Linda and I were really lucky because the day we toured it was the absolute last day it would be open for the whole summer. San Francisco is going through a restoration all this summer and will reopen for tours on … [Read more...]

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Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part II

May 23, 2014 by 18 Comments

Earlier this week we toured the downstairs rooms in Greenwood Plantation, a plantation home located in St. Francisville Louisiana. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part I. You may want to read that post first and then come back to this one. You'll find a link to this post at the end of that first post about Greenwood. Greenwood saw a … [Read more...]

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Greenwood Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana: Part I

May 20, 2014 by 33 Comments

Greenwood Plantation, A Greek Revival Home in St. Francisville, Louisiana Greenwood Plantation, a Greek Revival home in St. Francisville, Louisiana, was one of my favorite homes of all the homes my friend, Linda and I toured on our trip to Louisiana. Greenwood is located in West Feliciana Parish which is about an hour's drive north of Baton Rouge.   In 1960, something terrible happened to … [Read more...]

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The Colorful Shutters of New Orleans, Plus A Video

May 16, 2014 by 38 Comments

When I was in New Orleans last week, I had a love affair with their colorful shutters. They were everywhere in the French Quarter, as were lots of pretty wrought-iron balconies decorated with window boxes spilling their flowers out into the streets.   Color!   Vivid beautiful color!   I was fascinated by all the shutters--shutters with real working parts that … [Read more...]

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Dining in Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana

May 15, 2014 by 73 Comments

Welcome to the 296th Tablescape Thursday! Last week while touring plantation homes across Louisiana and Mississippi, I was happy to discover photography was allowed in almost every home we toured. Today we are venturing inside the beautiful dining room of Rosedown Plantation. As you can see in this picture from Wikipedia below, Oak Alley Plantation isn't the only Louisiana plantation home with a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday



Historic Arlington, Home To Raccoons Now

May 13, 2014 by 58 Comments

I've been going through the thousands of photos I took last week while touring 13+ historic, plantation homes in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.  As I was looking through some of the pictures today, one particular home still haunts me from the trip, Historic Arlington. Arlington is a Federal style home located in Natchez, Mississippi. It was built in 1816 by John Hampton White and his wife, Jane … [Read more...]

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Tour Historic Shakenhurst Estate in England

April 18, 2014 by 53 Comments

Recently, I received an email from Linda (thanks Linda!) with a link to the most amazing home, a large estate in England. The estate dates all the way back to 1349. Shakenhurst Estate is so old, it was mentioned in William the Conqueror's thousand-year-old Domesday Book!  Shakenhurst Hall, the main residence of the estate, was rebuilt in the late 1700's.   One of the most amazing things about … [Read more...]

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Restoration Of Historic Ski Cabin In Switzerland

March 31, 2014 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 270th Metamorphosis Monday! Do you have your passport handy? We're heading off to Switzerland this morning to visit our friend, Cornelia! Cornelia has invited us on a tour of her historic 1853 ski cabin located in the Swiss mountains. It's was being restored all last summer and was done in time for this past winter's ski season. You've heard of ski-in and ski-out? This cabin is the … [Read more...]

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In the BNOTP Library: Martha Stewart’s New Old House

March 30, 2014 by 17 Comments

Pssst: I've created a new category at the top of BNOTP called Library so if later you're trying to remember the name of a book I featured from my decor library, you'll be able to click on that category and find it there. I also dropped the rating scale because I realized that I'm only going to be sharing those books that I own and really like.  So if I'm sharing it here, you know it's one I … [Read more...]

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Charming Features of Older Homes

March 21, 2014 by 73 Comments

Happy Friday! Are you looking forward to the weekend? I have some projects to work on so it will be a busy one. I have a little catching up to do around here. I was out of town visiting family (my son and his family) and I just returned last night. It was a fun trip and the days flew by. My son and DIL purchased a beautiful, older home a while back and this was the first time I've visited since they … [Read more...]

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Tour Thayercrest, a Beautiful Historic Home in New Hampshire

March 7, 2014 by 68 Comments

I love taking you on home tours, especially when I come across a hidden gem and today's home is truly a special home! This historic home known as Thayercrest, is located in Farmington, New Hampshire. It was built in 1915, thus making it almost 100 years old! I was surprised to read that in its 100 year history it has never been on the market! Isn't that amazing?! It's not often one can buy a … [Read more...]

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Tour a Beautiful Historic Home in Savannah Georgia

March 1, 2014 by 31 Comments

One of my favorite places to visit in this big old world is Savannah, Georgia. I love the history, the wonderful old homes and the unbelievably beautiful squares. I've taken you on several home tours in Savannah in the past. I'll link to some of those at the end of this post in case Savannah captures your heart the way it has mine. Today were touring a beautiful Greek Revival home that overlooks one of … [Read more...]

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A Fantasy Second Home, A Place to Escape the World

February 18, 2014 by 37 Comments

Do you have a second home, a home away from home? I don't but I dream sometimes of having one, a place to get away from everyday life  and just sloooow down for a bit. If you had a second home, what would it be? Are you the "cabin in the mountains" type, the "beach cottage" type or the "anywhere-but-here" type? A few years back I purchased this Better Homes and Gardens book on Amazon. It's filled with … [Read more...]

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Gail Claridge’s Country Meadow Equestrian Ranch

February 4, 2014 by 52 Comments

What do you see in this picture below? Just an ordinary old barn, right?   Gail Claridge, an Interior Designer and the owner of Gail Claridge Interiors in Westlake Village, CA envisioned much more for this modest 50+ year old barn. Much more! Talk about a transformation! As amazing as this exterior looks, it doesn't compare to the inside! Let's go inside and take the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes, Home Tours



Touring the Beautiful Hill-Huggins Home in Madison, Georgia

February 1, 2014 by 13 Comments

There was one more home we toured in Madison during the Town & Country Holiday Tour back in December: the Hill-Huggins Home built in 1832. It was late evening and just before dark when I took these photos.  This beautiful Greek Revival has a really fascinating history.   While on the tour we were told that the home belonged to Senator Joshua Hill during the time of the Civil War. He … [Read more...]

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Madison Town & Country Holiday Home Tour

January 31, 2014 by 45 Comments

Back in December, I went on a holiday tour of homes in Madison Georgia. I had planned to share these photos before now but I've been unable to download them from my phone. Does anyone have a Samsung Galaxy III? Got an easy method for downloading pics to your computer? In the past, with all the other phones I've ever owned, I just connected them to my computer via a USB cable and my computer automatically … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Historic Homes, Home Tours, The Holiday Home, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,



Tour Oak Hall, Waterfront Country Estate & Greek Revival Manor Home

January 24, 2014 by 39 Comments

What goes through your mind when you pass by a driveway like this? Does your heart yearn to know where it leads, if there's an amazing house at the other end? Well, today you get to find out because we are traveling down this beautiful driveway and what we'll find on the other end does not disappoint!   See what I mean...Oh. My. gosh!   Historic Oak Hall was built in 1918. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



10 Dream Kitchens: Cottage, French Country and Traditional At Its Best

January 17, 2014 by 54 Comments

Recently, I came across a picture of a kitchen I absolutely loved. It led me to a site called Plain & Fancy Cabinetry. Don't you love that name. It's like kitchen heaven, looking through their website. I found so many beautiful kitchens! I chose a few of my faves to share with you today. Do you have a bib on? You will need one because we're entering serious drool territory! Let's start off with my … [Read more...]

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Paris Apartment, Another World Frozen in Time

January 8, 2014 by

Imagine walking into an apartment filled with beautiful treasures that no one has seen or touched in 70 years. This lovely Paris apartment was literally frozen in time for seven decades, abandoned by Mrs. De Florian when she fled to the south of France just before the Second World War. Amazingly, she never returned.   It's like something out of a movie. The contents was left undisturbed all … [Read more...]

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Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part II

January 7, 2014 by 24 Comments

Yesterday for Met Monday, we toured the lower level of the historic Powell House in Villa Rica Georgia.   Today we're heading upstairs...can't wait to show you all the bedrooms and take you out on the balcony. Let's go!   Once you reach the top of the front staircase, as you look back toward the front of the home this is your view.   I made a beeline for the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Restoration of Historic Powell House, Part I

January 6, 2014 by 38 Comments

Welcome to the 258th Metamorphosis Monday! A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour The Powell House, an historic home built in 1928 in Villa Rica, Georgia.This home is currently going through a renovation/restoration so I thought you might enjoy touring it for Met Monday. The Powell House was built by Villa Rica's first doctor, Dr. Bruna Columbus Powell who passed away in 1961 at the age of 92. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Tour A Historic Home in Madison Georgia

November 22, 2013 by 15 Comments

Recently, I came across this beautiful historic home for sale in Madison, Georgia. Madison is just an hour or so outside of Atlanta. I've been there several times in the past for home tours. It was a Christmas home tour in Madison is where I first spied a table set with Lenox, Winter Greetings and fell in love with that pattern. See what trouble these tours can cause! ;) This historic home is great for … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Tour an Historic Equestrian Estate in Virginia

October 2, 2013 by 58 Comments

Autumn, the air is crisp and invigorating, let's saddle up the horses and go for a ride! Okay, I don't have a horse, but I can dream! Imagine riding your horse on this beautiful estate! The trees are just beginning to change their summer clothes for brighter garments. The manor house pictured below is The Maples and it was built in 1853. In addition to the main house, there's a guest house with 2 … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



The Big Chill

September 27, 2013 by 41 Comments

Did you ever see the movie, The Big Chill? I had not until recently. When I've posted movie house tours here at BNOTP in the past, The Big Chill was one y'all recommended I check out. Well, HELLO!  Would you just look at this house! Oh. My. Gosh! The movie started off a bit slow and then THIS came into view on the screen. After I picked myself up off the floor, I thought, no wonder you guys suggested … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Movie House Tours, Movie Houses



Beautiful Front Porch Addition and Garden Oasis

September 16, 2013 by 74 Comments

Welcome to the 242nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! How was your weekend? It was beautiful weather here and you can definitely tell fall is on its way. The temps were really mild, even kind of cool at times. It was perfect weather for getting some outdoor projects done. I'll be sharing those before too long. In the meantime I have a fabulous porch addition to share!   Between Naps on the … [Read more...]

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A Brick Walkway Redesign

September 3, 2013 by 63 Comments

In my front yard, there lives a Southern Magnolia, Grandiflora. And grand she is! I didn't place her here. Even with my limited knowledge of gardening, I know better than to plant a Southern Magnolia 10 feet out from a house. (Remember when the yard looked like this?)   Let's take a little ride in my time machine. The year is 1989 and we are house hunting or "trying out houses" as Chip who … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Porches, Porches & Decks



The Big Wedding

August 31, 2013 by 68 Comments

Last August I posted about the movie, The Big Wedding that was scheduled to come out in October 2012. Not sure why but the movie was delayed and ended up being released in April 2013, instead. Do you think they did that to have it better coincide with all the wedding stuff that goes on in the spring and summer? I had high hopes for the movie since it had an amazing cast: Robert DeNiro, Katherine Heigl, … [Read more...]

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Dining in an English Country House: A Visit to Chatsworth House

August 15, 2013 by 52 Comments

Welcome to the 257th Tablescape Thursday! Have you ever visited Chatsworth House? Unfortunately, I've never been to England but I'm determined to get there one of these days. Chatsworth House is a large country house located in the county of Derbyshire in the East Midlands region of England. It was built beginning around 1553 but went through a rebuilding process beginning in 1696. Chatsworth is home to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday, Travel



Screened-In Porch Addition: Patio Becomes Screened-In Porch

June 24, 2013 by 56 Comments

Welcome to the 230th Metamorphosis Monday! Recently, I received an email from author, Amy Gamet. She shared some exciting news.  Amy's husband had just completed work on their new screened in porch.  In the picture below you can see how the back of their home looked before work had begun. Before: Construction was just getting underway in the picture below.  The brick wall surrounding the patio … [Read more...]

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Historic 1852 Ski Cabin, Restored & Updated

June 10, 2013 by 37 Comments

  Welcome to the 228th Metamorphosis Monday! Thank you so much for the loving comments you left on my weekend post and on Facebook. I've read each one and appreciate them more than you know. Metamorphosis Monday: Last September Cornelia shared pics of the restoration and renovation process they had started on their historic ski cabin located in the Swiss Alps in the Canton of Grison.  The … [Read more...]

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A Waterside Home with Great Beach House Style

June 5, 2013 by 54 Comments

  I've been obsessing a little about beach homes lately.  I've always wanted to decorate one but since I don't actually own one, that could be a bit tricky. ;)  Did you catch that whole series of HGTV shows on designer, Sarah Richardson's beach cottage recently?  Just google "Sarah Richardson HGTV episodes" and you'll find them.  I didn't get to watch the whole series but I loved how her cottage was … [Read more...]

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A Tabletop Greenhouse for Growing Herbs

June 3, 2013 by 80 Comments

Welcome to the 227th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was wonderful! Today for Met Monday, I'm sharing a small update out on the porch.  I don't often change things out here since I'm pretty happy with it, as is.  If I make a change something else usually has to leave. A while back I made an update to the small oval table under the Summer Breeze sign.  You may remember, it got … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Gardening & Birding, Home Tours, In the Garden, My Nest, Nature, Porches, Porches & Decks Tagged With: , , , , , ,



Two Story Porches: Build a Porch Way Up High

May 31, 2013 by 29 Comments

  My love for a two-story porch started the day I was on a home tour in Grant Park (Atlanta) and I walked out onto the top porch of this home.  I know the trees kind of look like they are obstructing the view but it didn't feel or look that way on the porch.  Instead, it felt as if we were in this magical place, high above the world.  We could see all the way down the street both ways, as well as … [Read more...]

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HGTV Smart Home, 2013: Take the Tour!

May 17, 2013 by 43 Comments

Have you seen the HGTV 2013 Smart Home?  It's located in Jacksonville, Florida and it's pretty amazing!  Wish I lived close enough to see it in person.  I love techy stuff and this house is loaded with the latest technology to keep things running smoothly, as well as lots of neat safety features.  I'm not sure how I feel about those teeny, tiny windows on the front of the house downstairs, think I would … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Beach & Lake Homes



Beautiful Porch & Deck Additions: Amazing Transformation

May 13, 2013 by 63 Comments

Welcome to the 225th Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!  Hope your weekend was fabulous!  Mine was relaxing, spent with good friends. Unfortunately, my son lives too far away for us to spend Mother's Day together but at least we were able to talk on the phone. I really should check into skyping, that would be better than just the phone.  Do you Skype and if so, do you like it? HGTV Magazine and a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Home Tours, Porches Tagged With: