For someone who has lived in rented apartments all my life (and primarily studio apartments), I can't help but sometimes romanticize about certain houses I see that would be considered my Dream House.
This is what I mean by "earthy"...
I love all the large windows that allow for natural light...
I could spend hours in this bathroom, soaking in that clawfoot tub...
(rear view)
I'm also a wannabe architect because I've always been fascinated with structure and design. I could stand and stare at a house that caught my eye for ten minutes or more, looking at all the details that went into creating it.
My taste in a house varies in the architectural styles I like. It goes from Victorian, Gothic, Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Renaissance, to Industrial.
But one thing about my taste that is pretty much the same across the board is that I am very attracted to a house with history rather than something new. Additionally, I like a house that has an "earthy" quality.
I've mentioned before in one of my previous dream house posts, that I truly believe a house (particularly an older house) carries the DNA of each previous owner. Every house contains a certain "energy". And for me, I can feel that energy when looking at a house.
I enjoy spending time perusing Instagram accounts that feature houses they find attractive, or houses they've constructed and/or designed themselves.
Today, I would like to highlight a few houses I found on IG that when I looked at them, I instantly thought, "Yup...that's my dream house!"
Let's start with my very, very favorite. I adore both the architecture and design of this house. And what really makes me go, "WOW!" is the gorgeous stonework and landscape. To die for!
Take a look...
(photo credit)
This house is a perfect example of bringing the great outdoors inside so that it feels as though you're living in both worlds simultaneously...
Concluding this post, I would like to add three additional houses that would be my favorite winter (Christmastime) dream house - inviting, warm, and cozy.
House 1 (photo credit)
(front view)
I have to include this one last photo that is not a house, but rather the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, covered in snow.
Because you all know how much I LOVE winter. And SNOW...❄❆❄❆❄
Have a beautiful rest of your week, everyone!
*Note: This will be my last post until after Christmas. I'm in retail, so it's a busy time for me. But believe it or not, I cherish this time of year, even in retail. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🤶💚
Ron, I certainly see WHY these are your dream houses. Gorgeous! Especially that first one. Oh my god, I want that house for my very own! Like you said, it's the best of both worlds - indoor and outdoor simultaneously. The landscaping is just stunning!
ReplyDeleteHouse #3 in your second group is adorable. And you're right, they all have a comfy, cozy, and warmth about them.
And yes, to the Eiffel Tower. Beautiful image!
I know this must be an insane time for you being in retail, so I understand taking a blogging break until after Christmas. I will send you positive vibes that you get through it.
Wishing you a VERY Merry Christmas! Happy I found you! xo
Romanticize is right, Ron! That first house is SO romantic. It looks like a house you'd see in a dream. It's surreal! I am in love with that backyard area. Can you imagine having coffee out there in the morning, reading the newspaper? Love the kitchen as well. And like you, I could soak in that tub for hours and just stare out the window. My skin would look like a prune. LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou have excellent taste. ALL these are beautiful. The wintertime/Christmassy houses are so cozy. I would like to sit by a fireplace with a glass of wine, listening to Christmas songs, while staring at the Christmas tree lights on Christmas Eve.
Bless you, dear man for these next few weeks. I know retail has to be intense right now. And I'm sure it gets more intense as Dec. 25th gets closer. Glad to hear that you cherish this time of year in retail.
Merry Christmas, Ron! Looking forward to your return. I love winter and snow too.
Ron I totally forgot to ask in my first comment if you saw the 7th episode of "Fellow Travelers" It was fantastic! I don't want the 8th episode to come because I don't want it to end!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did, Daniel, and it was FREAKING fantastic! I saw it Sunday night. I don't want the 8th episode to come either because that means it over. And I read that there will not be a second season because they want to leave it as a "mini-series" - BUMMER:(
ReplyDeleteHey there, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it beyond romantic? You're right, it does look surreal. Almost like a painting. The backyard is such a beautiful little haven. Do you know what I love about the kitchen besides EVERYTHING? The table and chairs. They look like something you'd see on an episode of 'Little House on the Prairie' Lol! I once lived in an attic apartment in Orlando, Florida that had a clawfoot tub like the one in the photo. It also had a shower curtain rod around the top of the tub so that you could take a shower as well.
"I would like to sit by a fireplace with a glass of wine, listening to Christmas songs, while staring at the Christmas tree lights on Christmas Eve."
YES! Great idea!
You're right, as December 25th gets nearer, the intensity increases. It's all the last minute shoppers who waited for the last minute, so they are freaking out about what to buy. But honestly? I still adore this time of year. I was born for retail, I guess. Ha!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a great holiday season! See you soon!
X
Good evening, Abby!
ReplyDelete" I certainly see WHY these are your dream houses. Gorgeous! Especially that first one. Oh my god, I want that house for my very own!"
Ha! I know, isn't it to DIE for? I love everything about that house, including the landscape. I looks like a house you would see in Tuscany, Italy with a vineyard!
I found that #3 photo last night. Isn't it adorable? The house is in New Hampshire, which is a place I've never been, but would LOVE to visit.
The Eiffel Tower is such a romantic spot in Paris. And even more so, draped in snow. Sooooooooo romantic!
"I know this must be an insane time for you being in retail, so I understand taking a blogging break until after Christmas. I will send you positive vibes that you get through it."
Aw....THANK YOU! It can get hairy at times, but honestly, I truly love this time of year in retail. And I also love listening to the Christmas music in the store. Most of my fellow workers can't stand it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Have a fabulous holiday season!
X
Oh Ronnie, that first house is like a fairytale! I want to go inside and never leave. I love the stonework (including those stone floors), the French doors, the wood beam ceilings, the greenery, and yes, all that natural light. I'm swooning!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I prefer a house that has an earthy quality. When I was still living in NY, I loved going out to the Hamptons because the houses there are stunning.
Your Christmas dream houses made me homesick for winter. Not the same here in Florida. I miss the seasons.
That final pic of the Eiffel Tower is gorgeous!
I'm sure you're quite busy right now, being the holidays. All those shoppers purchasing gifts and in a hurry. I love to shop, but I could never do retail. People get on my nerves. LOL!
Feliz Navidad, dear friend! xoxo
I'm in total harmony with your preference (and taste) in architecture, Ron! LOVE these houses! You mentioned "industrial" which I like also. There is something so beautifully rustic, raw, and gritty about that style.
ReplyDelete" I truly believe a house (particularly an older house) carries the DNA of each previous owner. Every house contains a certain "energy". And for me, I can feel that energy when looking at a house." -- I agree. I can feel that as well.
In that first house you shared (which is dreamy, btw), I wonder if the stone floors are heated?
#3 house is adorable. I like the splashes of red against the dark wood.
Have a wonderful Christmas, Ron! And don't work too hard. xo
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteSwooning indeed! Me too. Are those stone floors gorgeous? I love French doors (and large windows) too. For all that natural sunlight to beam through.
"When I was still living in NY, I loved going out to the Hamptons because the houses there are stunning."
OMG, I freaking love the Hamptons. I was only there a few times, but the homes are stunning! Did you ever see the movie, "Something's Gotta Give"? The house they used in the movie (Diana Keaton's character house) was in the Hamptons. I loved that house. And it was right on the beach.
I hear you! The Christmas holiday is not the same in Florida. I never thought I would say this because I truly enjoyed my time in Florida, but I need to live in a place that has seasons.
"I love to shop, but I could never do retail. People get on my nerves. LOL!"
HA! Trust me, people can get on my nerves too. But the nice customers outweigh the bad ones.
Feliz Navidad to you too, Denise! Have a great holiday! See you soon!
X
Good morning, Candice!
ReplyDelete"You mentioned "industrial" which I like also. There is something so beautifully rustic, raw, and gritty about that style."
OMG, I ADORE the look of industrial! My love affair started with industrial when I lived in NYC and visited the Meatpacking District, which reeks of industrial. Rustic, raw and gritty are the perfect words to describe it.
" I wonder if the stone floors are heated?"
It's funny you asked that because someone on Instagram left a comment, wondering the same thing. I'm sure they are heated.
Love #3 too! So Christmassy!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Happy Christmas to you!
X
I saw that online as well. In that case, I'll just keep rewatching it every month. Lol!
ReplyDeleteMe too! 😂
ReplyDeleteRon, my husband and I DROOLED over that first house. OH. MY. GOD....I see why it's your dream house. Ours too! I wonder where it is located. Did they mention that? What I really love about it is that it's not an overly large house. It has more of a cottage feel. Those widows and doors are incredible. All that natural sunlight!
ReplyDeleteSo you've lived primarily in studio apartments? Have you ever wanted a larger space? What's great about a studio is that it's low maintenance and affordable. Particularly now, with the price increases in apartments AND houses. It's insane what they're are for. I can't even imagine living in NY anymore. It was expensive before, but even more so now.
LOVE those wintery/Christmas homes too. God, they are so inviting.
Good taste, sir! If I ever decide to move into a larger house (instead of a rowhouse), I'm taking you with me. You'd be excellent company in helping me decide.
That house with the holly and red ribbons is so cute! And I love how the drapes hang in the windows.
Wishing you the MERRIEST of MERRY Christmas, Ron! May the force be with you this holiday season LOL! See you after Christmas!
X
OMG ALL OF THESE ARE MY FAVORITES. And as soon as you said "earthy," I knew exactly what you meant!
ReplyDeleteMy tastes in homes have evolved over time. The last house, which I believe is the salt box style is one of my favorite styles of houses. So adorable.
I love floor-to-ceiling windows with lots of natural light and an earthy feel. Basically what you said. The light and greenery in those first few houses? I would never leave my house.
All of this is fantastic, my friend. But I'm sure your apartment is absolutely lovely as well. I know it's true because you're in it. 😘❤️
Hellooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I drooled as well! In fact, I was drooling over MANY of the houses on this IG account. The two guys who have that account are home and designers. Their stuff is gorgeous! No, they didn't mention the exact location of the house. But I think the two designers are from the Chicago area.
"What I really love about it is that it's not an overly large house. It has more of a cottage feel."
Meeeeeeeee too! It not overly large at all. Like you said, more of a cottage feel. It's the perfect size!
Yes, primarily studio apartments. HOWEVER, my first-ever (renting my own) apartment was a one-bedroom in Orlando, Fl. And so was my second apartment there. But after that, it's been studio's. Which I really like because as you said, low maintenance and affordable. And I live alone, so how much space do I need? The only thing I want in the future apartment is a full-size kitchen because I love to cook. The one I have now is a kitchenette and it's started to feel very cramped.
And OMG, let's not even talk about NY prices. That's why when I wanted to move back there in 2019 and couldn't find a studio for under $1,800.00 a month, I'm like, NO WAY!
Yes, I would LOVE to do house/apartment hunting with you. Earlier this month, my dear friend Marge took me with her to help her decide which apartment she was going to rent in Chestnut Hill. She finally decided on one.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Wishing you, your husband, and family a faaaaaaaaabulous Christmas!
See you soon!
X
Hey there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteAren't they ALL fantabulous? Yes, I love, love, love a house with an earthy feel. Being an air sign (a Libra) I like any thing that feels or smell earthy because they ground me. All of my favorite colognes are based in earthy notes (sandalwood, cedarwood, amber, musk, etc.).
"My tastes in homes have evolved over time. The last house, which I believe is the salt box style is one of my favorite styles of houses. So adorable."
Mine as well! That's why my taste varies so much. Isn't the saltbox style house ADORABLE? I feel in love with it the second I spotted it.
"The light and greenery in those first few houses? I would never leave my house."
Ha! Me neither! I love natural light. Even my current apartment has LOTS of windows, so I get natural light all the time. And my apartment is on an upper floor, so I have nothing blocking my view.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a superb rest of your week!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
X
Ron, I'm right there with you in loving houses that bring the outdoors in! I love a huge front porch (verandah!) with ceiling fans and comfy chairs. I love a big enclosed patio (sunroom). But that claw-footed bathtub is NOT my idea of luxury -- why, I can only imagine getting inside that thing and trying to wrestle myself out, ha!
ReplyDeleteDon't you think many houses look lovely with just a smattering of snow on them? I suppose it's our idea of "home for the holidays." I know when I was living down south, I rather missed the cold (but now that I'm in the midwest, I'm absolutely loving these December days when the temps climb into the low 50s -- and I'm not missing snow one bit, though with Monk, I'd rather clean snowy paws than muddy ones!!)
Merry Christmas, my friend, and have a happy blogging break. I've got most of my buying finished, so retail folks here won't have to worry about me bothering them during their busy season! xx
Those are dreamy houses, but the lighting really makes them pop! My fave is #2. I’ve always loved a brick Tudor and the Christmas decor is so elegant. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a plain old brick ranch (light tan bricks) and our first home was a generic white siding colonial with black shutters. Our current home is our ‘dream home’ and very unusual. It’s long but narrow. Light brick and tan siding with a bay window in a small tower design (similar to a Victorian) for Middle Child’s bedroom on the second floor. It’s a custom design with no others like it in the neighborhood. We just love this house and feel very fortunate to have found it.
Ron, I wish you A Very Merry Christmas! Lots of love! XO
Helloooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete"Im right there with you in loving houses that bring the outdoors in! I love a huge front porch (verandah!) with ceiling fans and comfy chairs. I love a big enclosed patio (sunroom)."
YES to all of that! And whenever I hear the word verandah, I immediately think of the TV show "the Golden Girls" because they had a verandah in the house they shared, which was so beautiful!
"But that claw-footed bathtub is NOT my idea of luxury -- why, I can only imagine getting inside that thing and trying to wrestle myself out, ha!"
OMG, too funny! I personally don't see it as "luxury", I see it as a really cool "vintage" piece. I had one in my studio apartment in Florida. I couldn't believe how comfortable it was. Your body just fits in there perfectly wrapped. I think it's the way the way they mold them.
Yes, I LOVE the look of a house with snow on it. Like you said, it gives that cozy "home for the holidays" feeling.
We haven't had much snow. Only one day, and lasted 15 minutes. However, it has been cold lately (30s day/20s night), which (as you know) I LOVE.
OMG, you have your Christmas shopping finished? You GO, Debbie! That's awesome! You sound like a woman I work with who started her Christmas shopping in October! She was done by November!
Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you, Monk, and Domer a very Merry Christmas!!
See ya' soon!
X
"My fave is #2"
ReplyDeleteYes, don't you just LOVE that house? A Tudor style is so inviting that it beckons you to come inside, pour yourself a glass of red wine or cognac, and have a seat by the fireplace! Yes, the decorations are so elegant.
I had such a hard time choosing which houses because there were so many I LOVED.
"I grew up in a plain old brick ranch (light tan bricks) and our first home was a generic white siding colonial with black shutters."
I actually like the look of a Colonial house. They were very popular when I was a kid.
"Our current home is our ‘dream home’ and very unusual. It’s long but narrow. Light brick and tan siding with a bay window in a small tower design (similar to a Victorian) for Middle Child’s bedroom on the second floor. It’s a custom design with no others like it in the neighborhood. We just love this house and feel very fortunate to have found it."
That whole paragraph made me smile because I could feel just how much you LOVE it. I think it's awesome that your found your dream house!!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and your family A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS too!
And LOTS of love....xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!
Oh Ron, I would live in anyONE of these houses in a second! That first house is so dreamy! Glorious and intimate all at once. It looks like a tree house. Yes, to the clawfoot bathtub!
ReplyDeleteThe other houses you highlighted are beautiful as well. Charming, inviting, and comfy-cozy. God how I love the #2 house!
I've been to Paris and the Eiffel Tower, but never during the winter months. That photo is spectacular!
Thanks for sharing the beauty, Ron! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! See you when your return! x
Good morning, Clair!
ReplyDelete"I've been to Paris and the Eiffel Tower."
That's awesome! I've been to Europe, however, not to France. It looks so ROMANTIC! Isn't that tub fabulous?
Yes, you're right, that first house does look like a tree house! I agree, for as glorious as it is, there is such a beautiful intimacy about it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Have a VERY Merry Christmas too! Only TEN more days!
X
Ron, you and I have something in common. I too am a wannabe architect! As a matter of fact, I seriously comtemplated changing majors in college, but then chickened out. Like you, I am fascinated with all the details that went into creating either a house or a building, or even landscaping architecture.
ReplyDeleteIndustrial is also my list of styles. I don't know if you've ever been to Pittsburgh, but I love that city because of its industrial look. Such a cool looking city. One of my favorites.
The first house is just gorgeous. I love a space with lots of windows and light. I too prefer an "earthy" look. As well as a house with history. I'm not into modern though.
Your wintery Christmas choices are excellent as well. I love the splashes of red in house #3. It's a picture perfect holiday photo, with the girl walking by in a red coat!
Beautiful capture of the Eiffel Tower. I'm looking forward to getting some snow here this month. I would love it on Christmas Eve!
Merry Christmas, Ron! Here's to a great 2024. Cheers!
Hey there, Robert!
ReplyDeleteYou're kidding me. REALLY?!?!? That's too damn funny! I never went to college, I went to trade school. And also acting school. But I have always had such a passion for looking at books about architecture. I even dated an architecture at one time. LOL!
My mother's family (her father and three brothers) were all landscape architects. It was a family-owned business they had for YEARS. All their sons went into it as well.
"I don't know if you've ever been to Pittsburgh, but I love that city because of its industrial look. Such a cool looking city. One of my favorites."
OMG, I cannot believe you mentioned Pittsburgh because that's a city I have always been attracted to because of how industrial it looks. I hear it's a great city too. Nice, friendly people. I love all the bridges and water that surround the city. VERY cool-looking!
Me neither. I'm not into modern architecture. Feels too cold.
"It's a picture perfect holiday photo, with the girl walking by in a red coat!"
I know, right? Soooooooooooo Christmassy!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Robert. Always great seeing you! And yes, I'm hoping for a white Christmas Eve as well. To me, that would be magical!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
X
Ron, these homes are INCREDIBLE! That first one looks like something out of a romance movie! Dreamy! Breathtaking! What's not to LOVE about that house? You're spot on too. It's the best of both worlds. I'd live there is a second!
ReplyDeleteAnd the other three is equally as inviting. Each one of them made me smile. I love this time of year too. And I plan on savoring it all winter!
Wishing you the BEST EVER Merry Christmas, dude! See you when you return. And peace be with you in retail. LOL!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDelete"That first one looks like something out of a romance movie! Dreamy! Breathtaking! What's not to LOVE about that house? "
My feelings exactly! Romantic, dreamy, and breathtaking! I live there is a second too!
Isn't this time of the year fantastic? I love the shorter days, gray skies, cold air, making soup, and cuddling with a nice fleece blanket and pillows when I sleep. I'm going to savory it as well!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Wishing you and your girlfriend a faaaaaaaaaaaaabulous Merry Christmas!
See you soon!
X
Being from NY myself, I can tell you (especially over the past 3 years), the prices of homes and apartments have gotten out of control. I love my native city, but they make it so that only the rich can live there.
ReplyDeleteYou got that right! Only the RICH can afford to live there. When I think of what I paid for a studio in NYC back in the 70s and 80s compared to now....it's insane.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Ron and happy *almost* Christmas! I cannot believe it's the 22nd already! I'm so not ready for our celebration on the Eve, but needed to catch up a bit here and then I'll rush to finish wrapping and shopping. LOL
ReplyDeleteWow, that first house...love it! I, too, like a variety of architectural styles. The stonework on that one is amazing! And the greenery... perfect! It's managed, but in a way that makes it look both rustic and elegant. And the one with the red door, lamp post, and bows... Christmas all the way!!
Thinking of you, what a crazy week this must be in retail! I know you love it!
Merry Christmas, Ron!! xo
Goooood morning, Mary!
ReplyDeleteSo great to see you! Happy *almost* Christmas to you too! I know, can you believe how FAST December has been flying by? And not just December, the whole of last year!
"Wow, that first house...love it! I, too, like a variety of architectural styles. The stonework on that one is amazing! And the greenery... perfect! It's managed, but in a way that makes it look both rustic and elegant. And the one with the red door, lamp post, and bows... Christmas all the way!!"
AGREE with every single thing you said! Yes, rustic and elegant!
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by during this busy time of the year, my friend! Wishing you and your family a faaaaaaaaabulous Christmas Eve, and Day, and New Year!
Cheers and x
Ron, your choices of dream houses were all beautiful and I am so with you on the ones with the snow scenes. All of these homes have a very welcoming feeling. Until we moved to the mill apt, we were homeowners in NJ and VA and there are many times we miss that feeling, but then not the upkeep.
ReplyDeleteI hope that your holiday retail season is not too crazy and that you will take time to enjoy (sure you will) this festive season. Thanks for all your informative and interesting post over the past year. While I may not comment on every one, I do read and enjoy your viewpoints and writing style, so a big Thanks!
Patrick and I wish you a very Merry🎄and all the best for the coming New Year🎉.
See you in blog-land in 2024
Hellooooooooo there and MERRY CHRISTMAS, D!
ReplyDelete"I am so with you on the ones with the snow scenes."
Aren't they so comfy, cozy-looking? I love this time of year. I only hope that Jan and Feb bring us some snow because we had about 5 minutes of snow one day in early Dec.
Yes, I hear you about apartment living. So much easier that the upkeep of a home.
"I hope that your holiday retail season is not too crazy and that you will take time to enjoy (sure you will) this festive season."
It was really not that crazy this year, I was surprised. The most intense days were the two days right before Christmas, with all the last-minute shoppers in a panic because they waited until the last minute and can't find what they want.
"Patrick and I wish you a very Merry🎄and all the best for the coming New Year🎉."
Thank you! Wishing YOU a very Merry Christmas and the best for the coming New Year! I can't believe it's almost 2024!?!?
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!
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