Thursday, May 28, 2020

Old Florida

Summer Thornton

As many of you know, I moved from Alexandria, Virginia where many homes in the Old Town section date back to the 18th century. The neighborhood I lived in, Belle Haven, was built in the 1920s.

Yesterday, I discovered a neighborhood here that I have fallen in love with. It is on the water and dates back to 1924 with many original Spanish Mediterranean homes. This room above by Summer Thornton in Naples, Florida captures the feel of the homes, with arches and beamed ceilings. I love the bird prints and potted palm and the blue and white Chinese porcelain.

I am not a fan of all the fake Tuscan all over this part of Florida, but these historic homes are absolutely delightful. Yesterday I looked at one from 1924 and another from 1925. The neighborhood is beachy and funky and historic. They have fireplaces and Mexican tile and arches and such incredible style. The foyer of one has gorgeous Cuban tile.

One even has a cottage on the property that I could turn into an Airbnb or rent out. The cottage is adorable and would be such fun to decorate as well as the main house. It is walking distance to the beach.

But the idea of a 100 year old home sounds a bit intimidating. I am not Bob Villa. Please weigh in on the 100 year old house notion. Have any of you bought a home that old? The ones I am interested in have been completely renovated with new roof, kitchen, bathrooms, etc., assuming the electrical, plumbing, etc. all check out. I just don't want a remake of the movie The Money Pit. But I am very intrigued by the idea of a historical home in Florida.


34 comments:

  1. Houses don't have expiration dates like cartons of milk. A well built 100 year old house shouldn't have any more problems than a newer built house providing it has been maintained and the necessary updates to the mechanical systems have been done. Things like roofs, HVAC systems, electrical, and plumbing will eventually need replacement, but they will also need replacement in a newer house. I've lived in historic districts and "century" houses for the past thirty years, houses that were approaching or over 100 years old. There is no equal in terms of aesthetics. And very often the older houses were built to last, unlike newer houses that are built to last maybe 30 or 40 years. Bottom line, find a reputable house inspector you trust and let them go over any house you're considering with a fine toothed comb. If you make an offer, make it contingent on your house inspection. Depending on the size of the house inspectors usually charge around $300 - $600, but it is the best money you can spend for peace of mind. It might be that you discover a house you're in love needs electrical updating, or needs plumbing pipes replaced, etc. These are not deal breakers and the costs can be factored in when you make your offer or counter-offer to the seller.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such great wisdom on everything. I do have a roof inspector, home inspector, and pool inspector here - you need three inspectors in Florida if you have a pool. Thank you!

      Delete
    2. ...and you will need a termite/ infestation inspection before you close. Also required in Florida.

      Delete
    3. Yes, newer homes here are poured concrete, but with older homes it is a big deal. Thanks.

      Delete
  2. I live In Southside Virginia where textiles and tobacco was the backbone of the cities economy. The West End area where I live is surrounded by homes built in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The moldings, high ceilings, big front porches, sun rooms, and sidewalks makes this area so special. My home was built in 1911. When we purchased our home we were fortunate it was in good shape but needed modern updates like the bathrooms and new windows. We added central air and surprisingly a laundry room. We bought the home from a widower and she never had a washing machine and dryer. Our home is well built and solid. You can't in my opinion find the charm in newer homes that exists in the older homes. Good luck with your home search.



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love where you live - such a charming area of Virginia. It never occurred to me I could find something historic here so I am totally rethinking everything. But old homes are completely my taste. Thanks for sharing your experience.

      Delete
  3. We live in a 16 year old neighborhood, all houses between 13-16 years old. Our well pump went years ago, major crack appeared almost out of nowhere in driveway, stone pillars are starting to crumble, and 2 years ago I felt like getting a home inspection done just to see. Our brick chimney had never been flashed. A couple builder friends couldn't believe they never noticed it, but I knew it didn't look right and it seemed like there might be water coming in a times. Very expensive repairs. This is an expensive neighborhood built by a reputable builder. Anyway, here's the point - during this same time period my in-laws, who live in a well cared for 200 year old home, did not have ONE problem. They're always doing aesthetic work, but not one problem. Their home is beyond charming. You take the best precautions, then I guess it's a bit of the roll of the dice. Whatever you decide will be right. Cathy Temple

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing this. I am gaining more confidence to explore this. In Alexandria, there are many homes that are 250 years old that are fabulous and beautifully built.

      Delete
  4. We bought a house built in 1910 about 9 years ago. It is solid as can be. We renovated extensively but only based on taste not because it needed repair. We are old house people and our former homes have been older as well. The area sounds terrific and the style of the homes gorgeous! nancy.keyes.design

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree completely about older homes. I lived in a very old home in Georgetown that was incredible. It even had a pool in the middle of DC! It never occurred to me that it would be an option here. The old homes here may be even less problematic since there are no basements.

      Delete
  5. Certainly will be better built than the McMansions they built over night and that are intended to last about 20 years.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I live in an old plantation house in rural Georgia. The house has been decently maintained over the years and has needed updated HVAC systems, a new roof, nothing that wouldn't come with maintaining any home that isn't brand new. Nothing can ever replace the charm and quirky details that come with a house this age---it even has a name! I think you either love old houses or you don't; I feel like mine has a soul and I will hate leaving if circumstances cause me to. I think it's a privilege to be able to pass it on in good shape to whoever the next owner will be; I won't get started about caring for old oaks, that's a whole other comment.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My daughter and her boyfriend love Florida. It would make me so happy to leave it to her. I have a dozen live oaks on this property but not old.

      Delete
  7. I've never commented. But am a long time follower. I was hoping you'd find that part of Venice! Buy the House!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm an old home lover, too. Can't breathe without the tall windows and high ceilings that nearly all old homes have. That said, in FL it's all about termite damage. It's not if you have them, but where and when you have/had them and how, historically they've been dealt with. Many old homes down here are wood with a covering of stucco, once thought to protect against termites, but only really serves to hide the damage. When we bought our 1920s home, we had to literally replace it, board by board. We thought we knew about termites and FL going in, but were still surprised to find every single piece of lumber in it was eaten from the inside out and had to be replaced. But we loved it. It is a constant struggle to keep them at bay, still, it wouldn't keep me from buying old again. Just a heads up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your advice on this, definitely a concern.

      Delete
  9. Go for the dream house and enjoy it. If you do the Air BNB option we can all enjoy it too...assuming life is normal again in time.

    ReplyDelete
  10. The only downside to the older homes in FL is termites. The older homes are built with wood and we know what termites like. Add getting the best termite inspection you can get to your list. Assume that there have been some at some time, most older houses have had them. As long as it has been repaired and treated you should be ok.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm glad others,locally informed, sounded the alarm for the Termites! Moisture and wood are are termites idea of heaven. I'd also look at the flooding history of this area. The words close to the water set off my "Danger! Danger! Will Robinson" meter with the increasing—will continue to increase—rising water levels. I, of course, am typing this in my office in Lawrence, Kansas where we are now under a flood alert, and we acknowledge a year ago our area was hit by a F-4 tornado as in everything in its path was flattened! You are a smart cookie and by your admission, thorough in your research. I'm sure you'll make the best decision for what's right for you. The home above is lovely. The bones of a home do speak.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, new concerns here to grapple with. Yikes.

      Delete
  12. Your picture very much reminds me of the older Spanish style homes built in parts of Los Angeles, such as the Beverly Hills area. Sadly, many people have bought up these beautiful old homes, only to build bigger, more ostentatious homes. I love old homes too, and I have a home that is 85 years old, built in 1935, and I have to say, it's built like a fortress. Because of the quality of construction, it stays cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. It's still an old house, and eventually things wear out and need maintenance or replacement. Old homes do come with their idiosyncrasies, but also their charms, something that you just can't duplicate in newer homes, no matter how much money you spend. They do have their disadvantages though. They were built when resources, such as water and electricity, were cheap and plentiful. If they are large, heating and cooling can be costly. If they have an old established garden and you live where water is an issue, that too can be expensive to maintain, but I suppose you could say the same for newer homes. I'm not in the real estate business, but certainly you would want to do a full and complete inspection of the house so you know what you are getting into.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As to water, most irrigation systems here are on wells, so you don't pay for that water which is helpful.

      Delete
  13. Knew immediately what you meant by Old Florida. Just LOVE it. Have no fear about a 100-year old house. And I'll come stay in the Airbnb!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Renovating a 100 year old home is totally different from buying one that has been well renovated!! I wouldn't shy away from one that checks out at inspection and if it's survived in FL for 100 years through all the weather that can happen there then I'd buy it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, assuming the renovation is not just cosmetic. This will be interesting!

      Delete
  15. I agree with all the comments about termites. And remember there are 2 different kinds of termites here. Each has a different treatment. Having said that, I just sold my 100 year old home in an historic district in Tampa. I lived there for 20 years and loved every minute of it. You have to be willing to put up with the quirks of an old house but that's what gives them their charm. Once you get to know your house you know what you need to keep your eye on, like any house really. In most cases, your neighbors will also be people who love old houses and are happy to share their list of repair people....
    that was key for me because half of the time i lived there i was single. Get a really good inspection by someone who primarily inspects old Florida homes. Then remember pretty much anything can be fixed with enough money! Good luck and go for it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Another few things to consider when buying an old home in Florida - have the windows been replaced with hurricane rated windows and has the home been insulated. I moved from TX to a new FL home that has hurricane windows. My A/C bills in TX were $600/mo. and here are under $200 in the heat of the summer.

    ReplyDelete
  17. An older house sounds wonderful with all the charm and provenance. My son's house (built in the 1940's in NJ) still has the original building permit on the basement wall. I considered an older home to be renovated, but went with the new construction though certainly not a McMansion. So many surprises await when you begin to tear into those walls during a reno. I incorporated lots of classic elements to include herringbone brick walkways and lanai, carriage light fixtures, polished nickel, etc. Our house is so very well insulated I hardly have turn on the HVAC system. One advantage to new construction. Totally agree with the previous commenter...high quality windows and insulation are a must here. Termites here fly unlike the variety in Virginia that must come up through the ground through a damp source. So many considerations before making a decision!

    If you are fond of the Old Florida vibe, consider a stay at the Gasparilla Inn on the barrier isle of Boca Grande not far from you. Sooooo very gorgeous there; my dau was married there. They close during the summer season however.

    Whatever you decide will be wonderful, for sure!

    best, teaorwine

    ReplyDelete
  18. That Summer Thornton project is one of my absolute favorites.
    I live in an 1894 home in Chicago. All the renovations we did were to remove bad design decisions from the 60s-80s.
    The closets in older homes can be problematic

    ReplyDelete