Take A Tour Of Beautiful Sunnyland, A True Labor Of Love Throughout Its Restoration

January 13, 2025 by 16 Comments

Welcome to the 833rd Metamorphosis Monday! Kathryn, a lovely BNOTP reader, recently shared some wonderful photos of her beautiful 1909 home in Kansas named Sunnyland. Don't you love that name?! Kathryn wrote, "The name, 'Sunnyland' is etched in limestone on the turret. The house was built in 1909 and we are the 6th owners. The original owners were pioneers of the town and made money as the town grew. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes Tagged With: , , ,



The First Ever Tablescape In The Dollhouse Dining Room

October 17, 2024 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 838th Tablescape Thursday! I can't believe this day has come! I actually have a table on which I can set a table setting right here in the Dollhouse! Yaaaay! About time, right? Let-me-tell-ya, it was a process and a half getting it here since Rooms to Go, from whom the table was purchased, doesn't deliver to the state of Ohio. After searching high and low for several months, this table from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Halloween Table Settings, Halloween Tablescapes, Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages, Tablescape Thursday Tagged With: , , ,



The Best Way To Remove Tape Residue From Hardwood Flooring

September 9, 2024 by 28 Comments

Welcome to the 815th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was awesome! I have a house full of painters here right now, they are working on finishing up the painting in the kitchen and the basement.  I'm still anxious and nervous about how the kitchen desk restoration will look in the kitchen once that is completed. I'll keep you posted on how it turns out. Today, I'm sharing a smallish … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, DIY Repairs and Fixes, Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , ,



When Am I Selling My Home & Moving? Answering All Of Your Questions

September 4, 2024 by 71 Comments

Ever since I shared in a post that I had purchased a home near family in Ohio, I've received quite a few questions via comments and emails. Today, I thought I'd try to answer some of those questions, although I'm not sure I have all the answers myself. Before we jump into the questions, let me give you a little background about how I came to find the home I've come to affectionately call the "Dollhouse" due … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY Repairs and Fixes, Historic Homes, My Nest, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , ,



Reglazing, Refinishing The Bathtub—How Does It Look? Plus, Hummingbird Visits!

August 21, 2024 by 52 Comments

Over the years I've had the pleasure of going on a lot of historic/old home tours, almost always at Christmastime. I've also attended gatherings and holiday parties that were held in very old homes. One thing I've noticed about really old homes is that "things" are not always perfect. During a holiday party, if you happen to visit the bathroom, you may notice a little darkening of the grout over in a corner … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baths, Before & After, Historic Homes



From Hidden, Weedy, Window Boxes To Window Boxes Filled With Flowers

August 12, 2024 by 87 Comments

Welcome to the 811th Metamorphosis Monday! Back when the Dollhouse was listed for sale in 2022, this is how the landscaping looked in the front yard. Notice the small tree on the right that's planted right up against the house. Two years ago when this photo was taken, you could barely see the window box behind it on the lower window, and you couldn't see the one under the top window at … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Garden, Historic Homes, Storybook Cottages Tagged With: , , , ,



Let’s Tour the Basement, Bedrooms, Baths and Gardens In The Home I Just Purchased

June 3, 2024 by 93 Comments

Welcome to the 801st Metamorphosis Monday! When I last left you on Saturday, we had just taken a tour of the downstairs part of the home that I recently purchased. If you missed that post, you'll find it here: Not Going To Make You Wait—Let's Go Inside The Home I Just Bought.   Before we head upstairs, let's go downstairs and check out the basement.   You may remember from my … [Read more...]

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Not Going To Make You Wait—Let’s Go Inside The Home I Just Bought

May 31, 2024 by 115 Comments

The closing on the house went great yesterday—no hiccups. There were 5 of us present at the closing: the title agency representative (not sure of her exact title), the seller, the seller's realtor, my realtor, and of course, yours truly. The representative leading the closing sat at the head of the big conference table with the seller to her left and the buyer (me) to her right. Our realtors sat beside us, … [Read more...]

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



New Lanterns While The Original Lanterns Are Undergoing Restoration

October 30, 2023 by 13 Comments

Welcome to the 770th Metamorphosis Monday! Several years back I shared some of the beautiful design features found in my son and daughter-in-law's 99-year-old cottage home. Many of the original elements of their home remind me so much of the storybook cottages you see in Carmel, California--like these adorable lanterns they have on either side of their front door. A while back, one of the lanterns became … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Before & After, Historic Homes Tagged With: , , , ,



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



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...]

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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



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: , ,



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...]

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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 67 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...]

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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...]

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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 51 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: , ,



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...]

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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...]

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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



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...]

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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



Tour The Studio Apartment Where Frances Parkinson Keyes Wrote Her Novels

August 20, 2014 by 30 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...]

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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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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 68 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 80 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 59 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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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 51 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...]

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



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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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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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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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



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 42 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



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



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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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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Barbara Eberlein: Beautiful Rooms!

April 9, 2013 by 24 Comments

Recently I came across a designer with whom I was unfamiliar.  Her name is Barbara Eberlein and I love her work.  Her portfolio includes a variety of work in the areas of Preservation, Classic, Contemporary and Second Homes. Here are a few of the spaces she has designed.  You'll find many more at her website which I'll link to at the end of this post. I love this blue and white bedroom.  Notice the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: DIY, DIY Decorating, Historic Homes, Home Tours, New Old Homes



Bedrooms, Baths and Back Porch of Historic 1833 Home

April 3, 2013 by 14 Comments

Sandi's been sharing pics of her historic 1833 home with me this week .  Today I'm taking you into two bedrooms and their accompanying baths.  I'm also sharing a photo showing the back of the home and a special screened door Sandi designed and had built for her back door that's not a standard opening. I added a fun little fact to yesterday's post later in the day.  I thought I'd mention it again in case … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Beautiful Blue and White Bedroom and Bath

April 2, 2013 by 42 Comments

Today we're are continuing our tour of Sandi's beautiful 1833 home.  Sandi shared a fascinating fact about her home with me yesterday.  She said the home was originally built about 15 miles down the road.  In 1895 it was taken apart, all the pieces/parts numbered and then rebuilt on it's current location.  Sandi said, "The reason it was because Mr. Willis asked for his lady’s hand in marriage and she said … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Blue & White Design & Decor, Historic Homes, Home Tours Tagged With: , ,



Master Bedroom and Bath in Historic 1833 Home

April 1, 2013 by 42 Comments

Welcome to the 219th Metamorphosis Monday! A while back I shared a wonderful Mardi Gras table setting in the dining room of Sandi's beautiful historic home.  You'll find that tablescape here: Mardi Gras Table Setting and Decoration.) Sandi's home was built in 1833 and she's been restoring it since 1991.  For this Met Monday, I'm sharing some of the ways she transformed her historic … [Read more...]

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Houmas House Plantation and Gardens: Take the Tour

March 19, 2013 by 46 Comments

One of my most favorite things about blogging is meeting dear-hearts who share similar interests, like an interest in beautiful old homes.  Recently, I was chatting (via email) with Linda.  Linda has visited Louisiana bunches of times to tour the beautiful plantation homes along the Mississippi River.  She shared some photos she's taken of several of the homes, including Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. … [Read more...]

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Tour Two Beautiful Historic Homes, One in New York and One in Georgia

March 8, 2013 by 53 Comments

I love historic homes.  Before I ever landed on my first blog site back in 2008, I used to get my house fix by "touring" houses online via real estate listings.  Of course, it's much easier now to tour all the gorgeous homes and interiors you're little heart could desire, but I still have to stop by some of my fave historic home sites periodically to check out what beauties have recently come on the market. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours



Historic Swiss Ski Cabin Renovation & Restoration

September 24, 2012 by 59 Comments

Welcome to the 192nd Metamorphosis Monday! How was your weekend?   Do anything fun?  Are you enjoying these beautiful fall days or do you live in an area where spring is just getting underway?  It's been really pretty here in Atlanta.  I spent the weekend going out to eat and to the movies with a friend.   Then I worked on a little project, a project I hope to share soon. For this Metamorphosis … [Read more...]

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



The Charming Town of Cape May

June 24, 2012 by 37 Comments

I love it when readers email pictures of projects they've made, before and afters and wonderful home tours!  Michele visits the wonderful town of Cape May, NJ each summer and she recently shared a few pics with me from a recent trip.   Oh, how I'd love to see this town in person and go inside these cute shops!  My bucket list gets longer and longer. Beautiful gardens and charming … [Read more...]

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Historic Tyson-Stedham Home Restoration

May 14, 2012 by 35 Comments

Welcome to the 173rd Metamorphosis Monday! Greetings!   Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Several folks have been asking over the past few months for an update on the restoration process of the historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia.   If you've been reading BNOTP for a while, you may remember this old home was in pretty bad shape when Dustin, of Van de Fleet Designs and Restoration, first began … [Read more...]

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Historic Home Tour: An 1880 Victorian Mansion, Beautiful & Bright

April 28, 2012 by 31 Comments

I subscribe to several "old house" websites featuring information about historic homes available for purchase.  Though I doubt I'll ever own an historic home, I do love to tour them pretty much every chance I get.  I drool over their large windows, deep moldings, high ceilings and rich history.  If there's a ghost story attached, it's all the better. But this post isn't about ghosts, instead it's a tour … [Read more...]

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Brumby Hall: Tour the Upstairs of This Historic Home

January 3, 2012 by 13 Comments

In early December I had the opportunity to tour Brumby Hall while on a Christmas Historic Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia. One of the homes open during the tour was Brumby Hall. I previously shared a tour of the downstairs of this beautiful home HERE and a tour of the two dining rooms HERE. In case you missed those previous tours, here's a brief history of this historic home. In the previous posts, we … [Read more...]

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



Elegant Dining in Brumby Hall

December 29, 2011 by 30 Comments

Welcome to the 175th Tablescape Thursday! Early this morning I posted a tour of the downstairs of beautiful Brumby Hall.  If you missed that tour, you'll find it here: Brumby Hall.  For Tablescape Thursday, I'm taking you into the dining rooms.  Yep, Brumby Hall has two dining rooms, probably due to its function as a special events facility now. This dining area was at the very back of the home. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Christmas Decor, Christmas Holiday Home, Christmas Home Tours, Christmas Table Settings, Christmas Tablescapes, Historic Homes, Home Tours, Tablescape Thursday, Tablescapes Holiday Tablescapes, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , ,



Beautiful, Historic Brumby Hall: Take the Tour

December 28, 2011 by 22 Comments

This week between Christmas and New Years is such a special time.  In a way, it feels like time is standing still.  For some, life may have returned to normal with normal working hours and schedules.  But if your household is anything like mine, you're still reveling in all things Christmas with New Year's Eve/Day waiting in the wings.  My family is still here visiting and the memories we're making are … [Read more...]

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



Tour the Historic Whitlock Inn

December 16, 2011 by 25 Comments

Recently, a friend and I went on a Christmas historic home tour in Marietta, Georgia.  Included in the tour was the beautiful Whitlock Inn.  This Victorian home was built in 1900.  A brief history found online states, "One hundred and ten years ago, the M.G. Whitlock House, the famous 150 room Marietta resort, burned to the ground. Before the Civil War, it was a popular showplace for tourists taking the … [Read more...]

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



Colonial Williamsburg at Christmas

December 14, 2011 by 55 Comments

Recently, my friend, Mary, visited Colonial Williamsburg.  While there she took photos of some of the wonderful outdoor Christmas decorations she saw on Duke of Gloucester Street, which is the main road through Colonial Williamsburg.  I have never been there during the Christmas season, but I do so want to go.  Have you ever been at Christmastime? Mary said, "The arrangements go up right after … [Read more...]

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



Christmas Historic Home Tour in Marietta, Georgia

December 9, 2011 by 33 Comments

Last Saturday I went on a Christmas (historic) home tour in Marietta, Georgia with a friend.  We had so much fun! The weather was great...not too cold, just cloudy.  I took a lot of exterior pics and was able to capture bunches of pics inside two beautiful homes included in the tour. I'll share the interior shots soon, but for now, here are the sights we saw along the way.   The … [Read more...]

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



Savannah Georgia: A Home Tour

August 13, 2011 by 50 Comments

When I visited Savannah earlier in the Spring, I was with a friend who loves gawking at beautiful homes as much as I do.  We pulled onto a side street and despite the humid, hot temps, we hopped out of our air conditioned car and strolled a few blocks admiring the beautiful old homes.  Now, that's house love! One of the first things we came across was this wonderful gate.   I'm loving those pineapple … [Read more...]

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A Bath Restoration and Renovation

August 1, 2011 by 33 Comments

Welcome to the 132nd Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I'm excited to share another fabulous update for historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia.  Dustin, owner of Van de Fleet Designs and Restoration has been bringing this 1912 Arts and Crafts bungalow back to life over the past few months. (If you're new to this ongoing restoration, you'll find links to all the … [Read more...]

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You’re a Grand Old Flag: Touring Main Street America

July 2, 2011 by 35 Comments

In celebration of Independence Day, I thought we would take little tour of "Main Street America." These beautiful, historic homes all have one thing in common...they are all flying the colors! I love seeing an American flag blowing in the breeze from a wonderful old porch. These homes are from various places in the southeast. Some are in Greenwood and Columbia, South Carolina and Asheville, NC but … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Historic Homes, Home Tours, Independence Day Decor, Independence Day Holiday Home, The Holiday Home Tagged With: , , , , ,



Historic Cottage Restoration, Part V

June 27, 2011 by 51 Comments

Welcome to the 127th Metamorphosis Monday! Happy Metamorphosis Monday! For this Met Monday, I'm excited to share another update on the historic Tyson-Stedham home in Adel, Georgia. This beautiful Arts and Crafts home will be turning 100 years old next year. Wow! Unfortunately over the past 99 years, previous owners had made renovations that were not in keeping with the original style of the home. Dustin, … [Read more...]

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