There’s nothing more valuable than learning something new. Especially if you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Having grown up in an American Foursquare post-Victorian style home, I have learned several lessons that I would like to share.
They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To
They really don’t make things like they used to. Having grown up in a vintage house, things like hardwood floors, sealed up fireplaces, large wooden doors, and stain glass windows were something of the norm. It was just home. It was what I was used to. It wasn’t until I got older did I realize how different my home was from everybody else’s. The quality and standards back in the day were much better than they are now. Things were built to last, whereas today things are built as cheaply and quickly as possible.
For example, growing up whenever we had hurricanes or winter storms, I never felt scared that something would happen to our home because the foundation and structure of houses built back in the day were strong.
Another great thing about growing up in a vintage home is the interior “artwork.” The top panes of the living room and front door of my childhood home are decorated with stained glass.
Time to Bundle Up!
When you grow up in an old house, things get pretty chilly! Insulation wasn’t where it is now back in the day.
In fact, during a renovation of our home, we’ve actually found old newspapers inside the walls that served as insulation. With old houses, you are subject to how the ventilation system is located and often how strong it is. Not to say that in my childhood home I’m constantly freezing, however, you do have to bundle up a bit more.
We make do by adding electric heaters in the living room, stock blankets throughout the home, and have even stuffed towels and sheets inside the cracks of the sliding doors in our sitting room.
Vintage Appreciation
Growing up in an old house by default , teaches one to appreciate things that are old.
Things of historical significance or value is instilled in my heart. I personally , hate seeing historical buildings being demolished to make way for some new apartment complex or set of office buildings. In our household we were taught to value vintage items and style.
Many of the furniture and items laying around the house are vintage or older.
Conclusion
Older homes are more likely to be a little bit on the expensive side. And often come with a lot of repairs, but if you want something that is priceless and something of historical significance, look no further than your turn of the century house. So, hop onto Zillow or wherever you look for homes to buy, and who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky?