When I was a kid one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday afternoon was to have my parents take me for a drive through neighborhoods to look at houses. Even at a young age, I was fascinated by charming homes. I guess I was a weird kid! We’d slowly wind up and down streets, gazing at front porches, doorways, windows, shutters, lanterns, all the things that make houses look inviting. Sometimes we’d drive through massive gates to get a closer look at a mansion, before getting scared off by giant dogs!
So, because my dream of a sweet escape has always been lovely homes, even more than traveling to far off lands (although in recent years traveling has become more and more intriguing while the upkeep of those dreamy houses is slowly losing its appeal!), today we are escaping through a few of the neighborhoods I grew up in or lived in during my adult years.
I’ve been privileged to live in beautiful neighborhoods that satisfied my romantic fairytale ideals of my youth! Enjoy the festive fall decor and your Sunday afternoon Drive By!
This one (below) was my parents house when my kids were younger:
Thank you for the wonderful tour!
Donna
Loved the tour, the homes all look so inviting.
Oooh, thanks for posting these pics! I love to look at houses. When ever Artie and I spend time in a new town, I have him drive me around just to enjoy looking at the homes. Love! Esther
M-
I love Sunday drives, before we bought our home this was a common occurrence to look at architecture details. Love these photos. We’ll be in touch!
Kara
Hi Melissa! I have tagged you to play the “Me Meme” game. See my blog for details. Have a lovely day sweetie!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)
Ouuu I too love to drive thru older neighborhoods and admire the homes!
Thank you for the tour….it was fun!
I look forward to more!
Hugz, Dolly
Just found your blog and immediately recognized Portland. Great blog, I will be back to visit. Fellow Portlander!
WOW! What gorgeous homes. I saw at least 5 that I’d love to build on our property. I’ve saved them and will add them to my dream house book!
Hope you have a great week.
Blessings,
Sandy
Driving around looking at homes was also a weekend activity enjoyed by my parents when I was a child. This brings back fond memories. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, this neighbourhood is gorgeous Melissa! And your photos are unbelievably crisp and clean!
You are a girl after my own heart. I loved doing the same thing as a child!!
So I’m not the only one who loves doing the drive-by-houses??!! Yay!!
I so so so SO adore your American-style houses!! Here in Australia, they don’t look like that!!! If I lived in the neighbourhood you photographed for this post – I’d spend every spare minute driving around LOL!!
Thanks for your visit btw. Am really enjoying your blog!
Melissa, I have always enjoyed looking at homes, too, as a child and as an adult…the ones you’ve shown us are simply amazing. They have such character and charm…not like the cookie cutter homes typically built today….just lovely!
you should showcase your decorating tips and style on Radcribs.com http://hometour.radcribs.com
I loved to do this as a child, too, and STILL love to do it. Now I’ll just have to take my camera along with me!
i still drive around lookign at beautiful houses and im 21. i wish i lived in a country that had more old beautiful houses like the ones you posted. i live in australia and i love houses/streets from other countries!!! excellent website!