Last summer I showed you an 1885 Victorian for sale in Kansas City, Missouri, for $150,000. It’s known as the James W. Bryan house, and this picture of it was published in the Scientific American Architects and Builders Edition in 1887. The publication reported that the house cost $7,500 to build.
Sadly, the house and its neighborhood are no longer what they used to be. Here’s how it looks today:
I just learned about a couple who found the original plans for this house from the 1880s and decided to build a new version in Nebraska. Here’s how theirs turned out:
Is that cool or what? And they have a beautiful website devoted to it where you can read all about their venture: Castle Victorian. (You can see interior photos of the original house, built in 1885, here.)
If you could build a new house from old plans, which era would it be from? I think it would be fun to recreate this one!
(Castle Victorian photo by Light-Works Studio. Thanks to Derek for the info!)
{ 51 comments }
Oh man, hard question! I think I would love to build an old English cottage from maybe the 1800s or so if there are floor plans out there for them. I’ve always dreamed of a little cottage in the woods with a big garden and plenty of time to soak in all the beauty around me.
That house is incredible, by the way. I definitely wouldn’t mind a Victorian, Italianate style house, or a bungalow. There are too many to choose from!
.-= Sarah @ Dream in Domestic´s last blog ..An Engaging Announcement =-.
Wow! That’s beautiful! I’ve always wanted to rebuild a house that I lived in when I was just a wee little one. It had been built in the 1800′s and had once been a post office and a motel. Half of the house didn’t even have electricity! It burned down many, many years ago, but I still remember all the details.
.-= Christine´s last blog ..What the & =-.
If I could recreate any house it would be the Heck Andrews house in Raleigh, NC:
http://www.consultwebs.com/ncphotos/images/raleigh_historic/heck_andrews_5579_550_dpwm.jpg
It’s been empty for a quarter of a century now, and is in really bad shape. I’d renovate it in a heartbeat if I could. I had the opportunity to go inside it at one point and just fell madly in love with it. As you go up the stairs to one of the upper floors, it opens into an enormous rounded library, the doors to each outer room between the shelves. It just happened that it was August (sweltering) when I went in it, and it was as cool as if it was air conditioned. Bliss!
.-= Kelley´s last blog ..Granny and the Skywalker =-.
That is awesome. I wonder how much it cost them to build it today…? I saw that it cost ~$51k just to get the site prepared- wow. Sooooo cool though.
I would totally build the kit house from The Notebook.
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..I keep my pots out in the open =-.
Yep, I’d totally build something like this. *swoon* I’m going to have check out their website. Very interesting.
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Fantastic house! I love it.
But I have a question — if this house was truly Victorian, wouldn’t it have been built in a city? (If that was possible, of course.) From the little I know of architectural history, a house out in the country would have been a farmhouse, not this city-type house. I love the house but it seems a little “off” to me for this reason… its in the “wrong” place.
I agree that the remote location is unusual but by no means unheard of. We live in southern Virginia and you do see some true Victorian “castles” built in the country — they’re rare but they are there. The most outstanding one that comes to mind is in Suffolk overlooking the Elizabeth River (off Rt. 17). There is some fairly recent (looks to be 1960s to present) waterfront property type development around it but it’s nowhere near any actual “city” (Suffolk is very large in geographic area; used to be Nansemond County). When it was built it had to have been totally off by itself. And, IMO, it is at least as grand as the house pictured. I have also seen some other nice Victorians away from the nearest towns in Nottoway Co. and Southhampton Co.
What a gorgeous house!! Tough question, though. I feel like I would be happy in so many different styles of houses that I would have a hard time picking one! Although I agree with Amanda’s comment (above)…The Notebook’s house was pretty darn sweet. I guess the style I picked would depend where I was building it!
Although i have to say, I always loved Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s little 17th century English cottage. But I would have to adjust the plans to add bathrooms, I think
.-= Kate (Little Beach Bum)´s last blog ..Guess Where I’m Going =-.
I would LOVE an old farmhouse style rebuilt. Although, I don’t think that I could swing the 1.06 million for the building costs! Not counting the purchase price for land!!! I hope for their sake that they were intending on selling it the entire time, because it would be HEARTBREAKING to have to sell if you weren’t! The details were A.MAZ.ING!
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That is GORGEOUS. If I had the $929K, I’d buy it in a heartbeat!
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The details on this house are amazing…I find them more interesting then the house as a whole! Victorian is not my style, but I really admire the beauty of a job well done.
As for the style I would replacate? Boy that’s a tough one. Since I’m not an expert on design, I don’t even know what to call it. I lean toward the mansard roofs and something French but country, with large windows and great views. ..and chandeliers with sheep out side my door.
Now I feel the need to go look up designs from different eras. Thanks a lot.
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Take a Picture Of That Bear! =-.
Bet you that house cost a pretty penny! I have a collection of pre -WWII Cape Cod style house plans. They are really very sweet and practical too. Would love to build one of those
There are so many types of homes I like …I don’t think I can choose. LOL!!!
It’s a tie for a San Francisco Row House, Country Cottage from the 1900 or a 1940′s Cape Cod style. I guess I just like homes with character.
Thanks for sharing this lovely home!
Susan
.-= Susan @ pinkportugueseroses´s last blog ..Weekend Cake =-.
I LOVE old houses, granted our was built in 1916.
But one of my favorite sites is…
http://www.historicaldesigns.com/plan/index.php?pclass=12&action=searchresults
Old house plans. .. love them. We plan on building an old farm house!
.-= Momma Rhyne´s last blog ..Dreams change – Castle to Homestead =-.
If I could recreate any house, it probably wouldn’t be from a TV show… But just a big, old house. Not big as in, mansion size, but big rooms, high ceilings, gorgeous fireplaces, bay windows… Maybe Victorian or 1930′s or something.
If I had to pick a specific place, it’d be Meg Duerksen’s house…. http://megduerksen.typepad.com/photos/where_we_live/index.html
I love it so much!
Just checked that out, and I loved it! Thanks so much for the link! More open and more light than a Victorian.
That’s quite an undertaking too recreat the past. My advice to anyone who wants to do it, far be it on a smaller or larger scale. Use actual plans from the time period as these people did. Beware of re-creation plans. There is a fine line between a recreation and a wannabe. There are hundreds of book with actual plans from many time periods available at Dover publication. Pick a plan you like and have them re-engineered and modern conveniences added by a licenced Arcitect. It helps if you have a Designer with an eductaion in Architectural History. Many people have misconceptions of what is appropriate for a particular period style home. In a re-creation situation, you need to be dead on with every detail. Also, keep in mind that many areas have height restrictions. Before you fall in love with a house with a 3 story tower, check your local building codes.
.-= Derek´s last blog ..Magazine Photo Shoot =-.
Call me crazy, but if I ever had the chance to build a new house from old plans, it would be a Sears Kit House! I don’t know what it is about those little cottages – I just love them!
When we were shopping for our 2nd house, we looked at 2 houses that were Sears Kit houses. I loved, loved, LOVED them! Great, efficient layouts. Just the right amount of space. We ended up with a different type of house, but I loved those Sears houses…
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One of my life goals is to build a replica of the white Colonial Revival house that was used in the movie The Money Pit:
http://i37.tinypic.com/66dtax.jpg
It was on the market recently but unfortunately recent owners have made some awful and probably irreversible “updates.” So, if I ever have the means, I will have to build my own version.
I would like to either live in Clara’s house in Nebraska from the movie Lonesome Dove or that Noah built for Allie in The Notebook…
Fantastic post! Love it!
I want a thatched roof cottage like they have in England from the 17th century. There are many still standing and they just charm the heck outta me.
.-= Jocelyn Stott´s last blog ..Happy Pictures =-.
That house is spectacular. I love the look of Victorian homes. Older homes just have more detail and unique features. Great post thanks for sharing this
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I live in the Johnson County area of the Kansas City metro. There is a subdivision in Olathe/Overland Park called Heritage Hills West where they have built new homes that mimic different types of period homes, and they are on large lots. I’ve always said that would be where I moved if I won the lottery and stayed in the area. Perfect combination of character and amenities.
ooo–tough question!!! Maybe something with the style of a true Colonial.
Odd…They list construction cost as $1.06 Million, not including the land. But the MLS listing puts the price at $929,000. That’s quite a loss for such a project. I wonder why it is listed so low??
What a beautiful victorian home. I love all of the details.
If I were to build a house from old plans it would definitely be a victorian home. I love that era. As for which one, I think it would be cool to do the one used in the “Cheaper by the Dozen” 1950 movie. I love that house. The movie house shares the same outside as Meet Me in St. Louis, but the inside is totally different. Too bad the house is not real.
I just saw Meet Me in St Louis again this weekend on TV. Must watch everytime. I would love to recreate a French country farmhouse. Or the house from 101 Dalmations, the Disney cartoon. Have you seen how cute it is?
Oh wow!! That house is amazing!!! It looks straight out of some very chic storybook, love it.
.-= hip hip gin gin´s last blog ..Calla Haynes =-.
Being a southern girl, I’m partial to Greek Revival or Low Country architecture!
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Over the Rainbow…The Tablescape =-.
Wow…this was a really intriguing post. I clicked all through their website and watched the video. I’m mostly intrigued as to why they’re selling it though. It’s such an undertaking to build something so detailed, and now they’re selling it for less than they even spent on it. (Boo to the housing market.) But the website doesn’t really mention that part of it. I’d be intrigued as to the heating and cooling costs on that guy as well…
Also, I did a similar post on old houses / house plans not too long ago. I mention which is my favorite there. http://houseobsession.wordpress.com/2010/08/05/my-newest-dream-house/ (It’s a craftsman bungalow, of course.)
.-= House Obsession´s last blog ..Kids stuff so adorable that it will make your womb hurt… =-.
This is quite amazing! The builders are my heros. The attention to detail is superb!! I actually got chills watching the video. Thank you for posting this topic!!
Wow. Gorgeous!
.-= Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com´s last blog ..The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall Book Review Mini =-.
Awesome.
I always dreamed of building a “new/old house”. We live in a pretty cool, old house (nothing extravagant)and I was beyond thrilled to discover the original blueprints rolled up in a closet. There are about 20 pages, blue (of course) with a raised stamp. They show every little detail…elevations, floor plans, the cabinets, lighting, railing and banister details. I love that they have stayed with the house since it was built in 1921.
The house is interesting for sure. And the land is amazing. I’m not really a Victorian fan but I appreciate it nonetheless. Did you notice that it’s for sale? It seems like a pretty risky venture considering it’s so personalized.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Here’s the Rub =-.
That is super cool! Its even cooler because I have this book of Victorian floor plans and that one is in it! If I can find it I’ll try to send some of the other plans to you.
Wow that’s a tough question. I’d love a classic Cape Cod house. I’d also love a farmhouse, a colonial, a Frank Lloyd Wright Falling Water…. and the list goes on. I don’t know if I would ever be able to pick just one.
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Hi Julia, I love your blog! I’ve just discovered it today and I completely understand your house obsession. Sometimes my fiance and I will just drive around neighborhoods to look a houses for entertainment. I especially love old historic houses, every time we drive past one I wonder about it’s history.
I’ll definitely come back to visit. I’m new to the blogging world so pay me a visit occasionally if you find some time.
.-= Tatum´s last blog ..Oh The Holidays =-.
A Cliff May ranch. One with a couple of stalls attached by a breeze-way.
We just built our house in 2008 it’s a little country victorian.
That’s a tough question! I was going to say a big Craftsman/shingle lakehouse, but someone mentioned Sears homes…it would be cool to use plans from an original kit. Then again, I do love me some elaborate Victorian architecture…and a romantic stone cottage…and a good classic farmhouse. See how hard this is?!
.-= Cheri@IHeartOldHouses´s last blog ..Fine Print =-.
I want to rebuild the Coastal Living Idea House in NC that was recently destroyed by fire. I loved everything about it. There was a gorgeous staircase and lots of white painted woodwork with built-ins. So much sunlight poured in and it just seemed to beg for guests. Such a tragedy that something so unique was destroyed.
That’s such an amazing idea! I love that they were able to pull it off!
My duplicated house? It would have to be the Clue house (although, I’m pretty sure it doesn’t actually exist….). Hidden passageways, secret compartments….I love the possibilities that would bring.
You should check out Mel Gibson’s Tudor Mansion Julia has on this blog. It kinda does look like the Clue house
!
most definitely from the 1930-mid 40′s
I love your stories on victorians! The recreation is truly a masterpiece. I live in the Kansas City area and the original is stunning. The area has come back quite a bit and I have scouted other victorians for sale in the area.
http://www.reeceandnichols.com/MO/Kansas-City/64124/homes-for-sale/421-GARFIELD-Avenue-49399537/popup
http://www.reeceandnichols.com/MO/Kansas-City/64124/homes-for-sale/1908-Maple-Court-48687545/popup
My wife and I own the “New-Old Victorian house” that is for sale in Nebraska. Thanks for all of the positive comments. It was a joy to create and we have enjoyed living in it for the past eight years. Visitors to the website are spending an average of 11-minutes reading through the story behind the project and most view every page. We have had visits from every state, and many foreign counties. One-third of the visitors follow the link to the video tour. Appearing on this site has produced quite a strong spike in web traffic. Thanks for taking the time to read and view our tribute to Victorian Architecture. It is true that we built the website with the ultimate goal of reaching a broad audience regarding our house and eventually it’s sale. It has been fun sharing the story, hearing form people who have either dreamed about, or done, a similar project. It is our hope that the eventual new owners will purchase the house understanding the unique characteristics that make this a one-of-a-kind property. Feel free to pass on the website, we welcome the exposure.
Don and Bridget Farrall
This is the best of both worlds- A house with old charm and new bones!
I love Victorian architecture and of course the Tudor style. I just love homes that look like they could be in a storybook …
.-= Melanie @ The Tiny Tudor´s last blog ..Junk in my Trunk- Garden Stool =-.
Love this story! I would TOTALLY rebuild The Biltmore. LOVE that place…though I’m sure if I researched a little more, I’d have a list a mile long of other houses! Thanks for posting!
.-= Melissa S.´s last blog ..Great News =-.
Fantastic post! How I really wanted to have this kind of property, it was very inviting and captivating. The architectural designs are great. Big thanks and I am looking forward on your next awesome post.
Charles A
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