Courtesy of Hooked on Houses
The Smiths' beautiful home in Meet in St. Louis has long been on our list of favorite movie houses. Sadly, though, the Second-Empire style confection was built on a Hollywood set, so it lives on only in our dreams. Yet while we might never ride in a horse-drawn carriage alongside Rose and Esther, or dance to "Skip to My Lou" with the boy next door, we can certainly live vicariously in a Victorian house of our own all dressed up for the holidays. Some of the homes below are on the pricey side, but the holidays are a time for dreaming big, right?
Courtesy of YouTube
KENNEBUNK, MAINE
Courtesy of Kennebunk Beach Realty
We can just picture little Tootie curled up inside the one of these dormer windows, listening to Judy Garland sing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The perfect symmetry of this ca. 1860 Maine home adds to its overall elegance. With candles in every window, a wreath on the front door and a fresh coat of gently fallen snow, it would be the type of setting we'd never want to leave.
For more information and photos, visit Kennebunk Beach Realty.
Asking Price: $739,000
Listing Agent: Gail Ann Arnold, Kennebunk Beach Realty; (207) 967-5481
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK
Courtesy of Select Sotheby's International Realty
Meet Me in St. Louis could just as well have been filmed in Saratoga Springs, New York – a small city renowned for its Victorian architecture. According to the listing, this Second-Empire style home is the former residence of a famous ballet professional and artist. It's located just one block from Saratoga's bustling, historical downtown, which transforms into a winter wonderful each holiday season.
For more information and photos, visit CIRCA Old Houses.
Asking Price: $995,000
Listing Agent: John Burke, Select Sotheby's International Realty; (518) 928-2233
BANGOR, MAINE
Courtesy of ERA Dawson-Bradford
Dressed in red velvet and on her way to the Christmas ball, Esther Smith would look ravishing descending the curved staircase inside this Maine home. We're smitten with the original hardwood floors and period chandeliers found throughout.
For more information and photos, visit CIRCA Old Houses.
Asking Price: $295,000
Listing Agent: Pauline Rock, ERA Dawson-Bradford; (207) 947-6788
SEARSPORT, MAINE
Courtesy of Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty
They just don't build 'em like they used to, do they? Packed inside the "McGilvery House" are several marble mantels, gorgeous curved interior doorways and nine bedrooms! This exquisite, ca. 1863 home has been well maintained over the years. It sits adjacent to a large carriage barn, in case you decide to whip out the hot chocolate and host a neighborhood sleigh ride or two.
For more information and photos, visit Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty.
Asking Price: $399,000
Listing Agent: Janet Moore, Legacy Properties Sotheby's International Realty, (207) 780-8900
CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY
Courtesy of Jersey Cape Realty
That roof! Dating back to 1869, this Cape May treasure is Victorian elegance personified. We're especially fond of the cresting at the top, which is one of our favorite features of the Smiths' home. The inside, too, is dressed in period style.
For more information and photos, visit Jersey Cape Realty.
Asking Price: $999,000
Listing Agent: Jim Zeitler, Realtor, Jersey Cape Realty; (609) 884-5800
GARDEN CITY, NEW YORK
Courtesy of Emerald City Realty
It's time to quote "The Trolley Song:" Zing, zing, zing went our heartstrings! This ca. 1873 home is located just outside New York City. We love everything about it, from the original double front doors to the mansard-capped tippy-top!
For more information and photos, visit Emerald City Realty.
Asking Price: $1,499,000
Listed By: George Gavalas, Emerald City Realty; (631) 419-7075
DELAWARE, OHIO
Courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens, BigHill
The historical city of Delaware, Ohio has much to offer old house lovers, not least of which is this spectacular, ca. 1853 brick beauty. It's got it all: elegant crystal chandeliers, antique French furniture and a mix of decorative and wood-burning fireplaces. Over the years, the home has played host to author Carl Sandburg, Lord Caradon, Marcelline Hemingway and many other famous guests.
For more information and photos, visit CIRCA Old Houses.
Asking Price: $399,000
Listed By: Stephanie VanGundy, Better Homes & Gardens, BigHill; (614) 890-9900
RHINEBECK, NEW YORK
Courtesy of J Ettenson Realty
The sale of this stunning home is currently pending, but that won't stop us from gawking! Known as the "John O'Brien House," it was built ca. 1875 and was the first house in the charming village of Rhinebeck to use gas lighting. The 6,693 square feet are decorated with pocket doors, a three-story mahogany staircase, moldings, ceiling medallions and period mantels.
For more information and photos, visit J Ettenson Realty.
Asking Price: $995,000
Listed By: James Ettenson, J Ettenson Realty; (845) 876-7355
Writer Elizabeth Finkelstein is a self-proclaimed old house addict on a lifelong hunt for her perfect historic home. From big Victorian fixer-uppers to tiny colonials to mid-century modern masterpieces, Elizabeth believes that the best homes show the charm of having been loved over time. She chronicles it all on her website CIRCA, which showcases beautiful old houses for sale across the country.
Follow Elizabeth on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
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Elizabeth Finkelstein
Writer Elizabeth Finkelstein is a self-proclaimed old house addict on a lifelong hunt for her perfect historic home. From big Victorian fixer-uppers to tiny colonials to mid-century modern masterpieces, Elizabeth believes that the best homes show the charm of having been loved over time. She chronicles it all on her website CIRCA Old Houses, which showcases beautiful old houses for sale across the country. See more at CircaOldHouses.com.
