For Whitenoise
These three houses are on the block directly behind the Grand Pacific but to the right if you're facing the ocean. I used to live on the next street and I loved watching the transformations on the different homes. Most had been neglected for many years and you wondered how they ever managed to stay up.
This first one went through a transformation the likes I've never seen. It went through a couple of buyers before someone actually decided to restore it properly rather than slapping on a coat of paint. At one time it was bright shocking mauve. It was beyond hideous! It was rather frightening. The house also sagged dangerously to the left and I'm sorry to say I don't have pictures of the before. It's now a bed and breakfast.
This is one of my very favorite homes in Victoria. Maybe it was because I saw the daily transformation but I just adore it. Before it became a bed and breakfast there used to be an art table in the window that faces front. I think this helped solidify my love for the place. I just thought painting and playing in that house would be incredible. How could a person not be creative in a house like that?
This house I put here because it makes me sad. When I lived in the area an elderly gentleman lived there and it's hard to imagine but he always had the place looking neat as a pin and his garden was his pride and joy. He used to have irises of every colour imaginable and I would go and sketch them. One time when I was sketching he came outdoors and then showed me all around his garden and made me tea. After that he invited to come by anytime to sketch and I didn't have to stay on the sidewalk but could go right into his garden. This was great because then I also got to paint them right on the spot. When he passed away his children sold his house and now look at it. Every house on the street is all spiffed up and then this place is an absolute disaster. I'm only glad he never had to see the destruction of his garden. 
16 comments:
Thanks, Toccata. I appreciate the pics. You live in a beautiful city!
That house is gorgeous...I could so see myself on that porch in the summertime!!!
And it's a shame about the other house. I feel the same about Dad's neighbour's house (I just got back from cutting his grass). "Yuki" was a Japanese gardener whose yard was spectacular. He grew apple/pears, asparagus, beans, carrots, etc. He also had flowers. He kept everything immaculate and when he passed on and his place was sold, the new owners let it all go and it's completely overgrown now with weeds (Dad curses because the seeds keep blowing into his garden. He and Yuki were "a team" and traded secrets/samples out back).
Firstly, congratulations on post 101! Now THAT is a milestone.
That first house makes me all homesick for London, ON, where there were many similar gorgeous old homes.
How sad about the final post pic.I was quite shocked when I went by my childhood home a few years ago; although the trees had grown into a virtual forest (which I loved and dad would have as well), the rest of the place was not up to snuff. But I guess we have to move on.
Deb, and I have the same thought, I would love chillin' on that porch, watching the world go by.
i love that wraparound porch.
the houses in my neighbourhood aren't that nice except this one house, that totally stands out. the owner passed away and i was worried. but her daughter moved back home from australia to take over. the only big change she made was the addition of a trampoline for her kids. i can live with that.
and congrats as well.
Whitenoise, you're welcome. I only hope you get to fly here again real soon.
Deb, it's tough to see a home and yard deteriorate. It always surprises me when someone buys a home with a beautiful garden that they would let it go.
Barbara, change is so hard especially when it comes to our childhood homes.
Junky, me too. I would love to have my own wrap around porch.
668, Victoria is kind of odd in that you will have a beautiful home right next to a home that looks like it's ready to be condemned.
i use to have a front porch on the house i owned in winnipeg, much smaller than that, about 20' x 5'. It was great sitting there, the city sidewalk was only about another 8' away so you would see peope walk by and chat. The whole are was like that, front porches, small lots, huge elm trees...
Congrats on post 101!
Lovely pictures, it reminds me of the museum I worked in this summer (an old heritage house). I need a porch. I have a stoop, but that just doesn't cut it.
Yes, I want that house! The last one looks like an English council house - a far contrast from the majestic one above...
Those first two houses are amazing, omg. It is really sad about the third house. :O(
Congrats on post 101!!
I so want to be sitting on that porch with a cup of coffee in one hand and a glass or red wine in the other.
The pictures you post always bring a bit of beauty to my day, Toccata. Thank you.
I did a double-take when I saw the last picture-- that house is a dead ringer for the one I lived in in Salt Lake City over 25 years ago.
Ooooo that qualifies as a VERANDA I would think!
Nice...
I didnt know you lived in Victoria...me too.
that, is a nice B&B :)
Just popping by to say hope you're feeling better.
:)
What a great place. Most houses over here are shite :[]
Sorry guys, I've been sick and my head kept feeling like it wanted to burst so reading was just out of the question. I will try and get caught with you all this week.
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