MacBrave's Journal: Old Houses

This past weekend we helped our friends move. They moved from a small ranch into a 130 year-old, 2 story Victorian.

This got me thinking. For my entire short 37-year life the houses I've lived in have all been 50+ years old. Now this doens't count college dorms or apartment complexes.

I grew up in an approximately 100 year-old house (my parents still live there). For about a year during my college years myself and 3 friend rented a 50+ year-old house. While living in Michigan we lived in aparment complexes or townhouses. We currently own a 75+ year old house.

Of course old houses have their 'challenges' compared to new homes. Stuff like non-level floors and ceiling. Old electrical wiring (recently installed new outlets and switches in our kitchen. Three different types of wiring was found) and plumbing. Big, cast-iron floor registers and fresh-air return in the floor instead of the walls. Old drafty windows. The list can go on and on.

But IMHO the atmosphere, detail, and workmanship showned in many older homes put most newer homes to shame. We simply love the woodwork, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. The leaded glass windows. The french doors. The built-in linen closet upstairs. The quirky 'secret door' in my son's bedroom that leads up to the attic. Again the list can go on and on.....

So, what are your takes on older vs. newer homes?