34 Enchanting ‘Century Homes’ That Tell Stories Of History And Character
Step into a world where history and architecture blend seamlessly through these 34 enchanting ‘Century Homes.’ Each home tells a story of its own, revealing the rich tapestry of history, charm, and character that has stood the test of time.
From Colonial to Victorian, Georgian to Craftsman, these homes showcase not only architectural wonders but living testaments to the communities and individuals who have left an indelible mark on history. Explore these remarkable homes and uncover the stories that continue to inspire and captivate.
1. The Emlen Physick Estate
The Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May, New Jersey, is a grand Victorian mansion built in 1879. Its intricate woodwork and striking exterior make it a standout example of the Stick Style of architecture. Inside, you’ll find period furnishings that transport you back to the 19th century.
The estate’s lush gardens add to its charm, offering a serene escape. This home is not just a visual delight but a historical treasure.
2. The Winchester Mystery House
In San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery House is an architectural enigma. Built by Sarah Winchester in 1886, this sprawling mansion features winding staircases and hidden doors, reflecting her fascination with spiritualism.
Its 160 rooms are filled with peculiarities, making it a source of endless intrigue. The house’s eccentric design is a testament to Winchester’s unique vision and provides a glimpse into her mind.
3. The Biltmore Estate
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately-owned home.
Constructed in 1895, this majestic mansion boasts over 250 rooms, including a grand banquet hall. Its lush gardens and breathtaking mountain views create a picturesque setting. The estate’s opulent design and rich history offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Gilded Age.
4. The Gamble House
The Gamble House in Pasadena, California, is a stunning example of American Arts and Crafts architecture. Built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble, this home features exquisite woodwork and craftsmanship.
The interior showcases beautiful stained glass windows and custom furnishings. Surrounded by lush greenery, this house embodies harmony with nature. It’s a masterpiece of design and a testament to the ingenuity of its creators.
5. The Hearst Castle
Perched on a hilltop in San Simeon, California, the Hearst Castle is a symbol of opulence. Built by media magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1919, the castle features grand rooms adorned with art and antiques.
Its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean add to its allure. With its blend of architectural styles, the Hearst Castle stands as a testament to the extravagance of its era and the vision of its creator.
6. The Monticello
The Monticello, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is an iconic neoclassical mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson. Completed in 1809, this home features a distinctive dome and elegant interiors. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it remains a symbol of Jefferson’s architectural prowess. The Monticello is not only a home but a reflection of Jefferson’s ideals and a testament to his enduring legacy.
7. The Mark Twain House
The Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a charming Victorian Gothic residence built in 1874. Its steep roof, intricate woodwork, and colorful façade make it a visual delight.
The house is adorned with personal artifacts and memorabilia, providing insight into the life of Samuel Clemens. A living tribute to Twain’s genius, it reflects his creativity and lasting influence on American literature.
8. The Lyndhurst Mansion
The Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York, is a grand Gothic Revival masterpiece. Built in 1838, its turrets, spires, and sweeping lawns make it an architectural marvel. The lush gardens enhance its charm, offering a tranquil retreat.
The mansion’s interiors exude opulence, featuring exquisite period furnishings that capture the essence of 19th-century grandeur. Lyndhurst remains a timeless marvel, enchanting visitors with its architectural elegance and rich history.
9. The Fallingwater
Fallingwater, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, is a modern architectural marvel nestled in the woods of Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Its cantilevered terraces, built over a waterfall, seamlessly blend with nature.
The innovative design and integration with the landscape make it a masterpiece of organic architecture. Fallingwater continues to inspire architects and visitors alike with its harmonious connection to the natural world.
10. The White House
The White House, located in Washington, D.C., is an iconic neoclassical mansion that has served as the residence of U.S. presidents since 1800. Its grand columns and expansive lawn make it a symbol of American leadership.
The White House is filled with history and grandeur, hosting dignitaries from around the world. As the epicenter of U.S. political power, it remains a testament to the nation’s enduring democratic principles.
11. The Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, located in Mount Vernon, Virginia, is the stately home of George Washington. This neoclassical mansion, completed in 1758, features a grand porch overlooking the Potomac River.
The house is filled with artifacts and furnishings from Washington’s time. Mount Vernon is not just a home; it’s a symbol of Washington’s legacy and the nation’s early history, attracting visitors from around the globe.
12. The Oak Alley Plantation
The Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, is a picturesque antebellum plantation known for its iconic oak-lined pathway. Built in 1839, the plantation’s Greek Revival architecture and lush surroundings evoke the elegance of the Old South.
The house’s interior features period furnishings that offer a glimpse into the past. Oak Alley’s enchanting beauty and historical significance make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.
13. The Taliesin West
Taliesin West, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece. Built in 1937, this architectural school and home features low, horizontal lines that blend with the arid landscape.
The use of native materials and innovative design make it a pioneering example of organic architecture. Taliesin West continues to serve as a hub for architectural education and inspiration, reflecting Wright’s enduring influence.
14. The Mount
The Mount, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a grand estate designed by novelist Edith Wharton in 1902. Its classical European influences are evident in its elegant architecture and lush gardens.
The mansion reflects Wharton’s sophisticated taste and literary talent. The Mount is not just a home but a reflection of Wharton’s creative genius and continues to inspire writers and visitors with its timeless beauty.
15. The Breakers
The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island, is the epitome of Gilded Age opulence. Built in 1895 for the Vanderbilt family, this palatial mansion features opulent interiors and breathtaking ocean views. Its Italian Renaissance design and lavish decor make it a symbol of wealth and extravagance.
The Breakers stands as a testament to the grandeur of its era and continues to captivate visitors with its splendor and history.
16. The Longwood
The Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi, is a unique octagonal mansion with a Byzantine-style dome. Built in 1860, the house was left unfinished due to the Civil War. Its grand exterior and intricate brickwork make it an architectural curiosity.
The first floor is completed, offering a glimpse into antebellum life. Longwood’s unfinished state adds to its mystique, making it a fascinating piece of Southern history.
17. The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens in Miami, Florida, is a Mediterranean Revival villa built-in 1914. Its ornate gardens and stunning views of Biscayne Bay create a serene oasis.
The villa’s opulent interiors reflect European elegance, filled with art and antiques. Vizcaya’s blend of architectural styles and natural beauty make it a cultural gem, attracting visitors seeking tranquility and inspiration amid Miami’s urban landscape.
18. The Drayton Hall
The Drayton Hall, located near Charleston, South Carolina, is a well-preserved example of Georgian Palladian architecture. Built in 1742, this plantation house features classic symmetry and elegant proportions. Its historical significance is enhanced by its untouched interior, offering a rare glimpse into colonial life.
Surrounded by scenic grounds, Drayton Hall is a testament to architectural preservation and remains a cherished piece of Southern history.
19. The Ernest Hemingway House
The Ernest Hemingway House in Key West, Florida, is a charming Spanish Colonial home built in 1851. Its lush gardens and unique resident cats, many of which have six toes, add to its allure. Inside, the house is filled with Hemingway’s personal belongings, offering insight into the author’s life.
As a literary landmark, the Hemingway House continues to inspire writers and visitors with its rich history and creative spirit.
20. The Victoria Mansion
The Victoria Mansion in Portland, Maine, is a lavish Italianate villa built in 1860. Its ornate interiors, including a grand staircase and intricate plasterwork, showcase 19th-century luxury.
The museum’s rich furnishings and decor offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its original owner, Ruggles Sylvester Morse. As a preserved historical site, the Victoria Mansion continues to enchant visitors with its architectural beauty and history.
21. The Pittock Mansion
The Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon, is a French Renaissance-style home built in 1914. Its panoramic views of the city and surrounding forested hills enhance its appeal. Inside, the mansion features elegant interiors with period furnishings.
The Pittock Mansion reflects the vision of its original owner, Henry Pittock, and stands as a testament to his success and legacy. It’s a beloved landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Portland’s past.
22. The Houmas House
The Houmas House in Darrow, Louisiana, is a graceful antebellum mansion built-in 1840. Its elegant columns and lush gardens evoke the charm of the Old South. The house is filled with period antiques and artwork, offering a window into the region’s history.
The Houmas House stands as a symbol of Southern heritage and continues to welcome visitors with its timeless beauty and hospitality.
23. The Graceland
Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is the iconic home of Elvis Presley. This stately Colonial Revival mansion, purchased by Elvis in 1957, features music-themed interiors that reflect his legendary career.
The home’s opulence and charm attract fans from around the world, eager to experience Elvis’s lifestyle. Graceland stands as a tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and remains a cultural landmark with timeless appeal.
24. The Wyck House
The Wyck House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic Quaker home built in 1690. Its simple elegance and beautiful rose garden offer a serene respite in the bustling city. The house is filled with original furnishings and artifacts spanning three centuries.
As one of the oldest homes in America, the Wyck House stands as a testament to enduring family legacy and Quaker values, continuing to inspire with its historical richness.
25. The Castle Hill on the Crane Estate
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts, is a grand English-style mansion built in 1928. Its sweeping lawns and stunning ocean views create a picturesque setting. Inside, the mansion exudes elegance with its luxurious furnishings and decor.
Castle Hill stands as a testament to the grandeur of the early 20th century and continues to captivate visitors with its beauty and history, serving as a popular venue for events and celebrations.
26. The Paley Center for Media
The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California, is a modern architectural gem dedicated to the celebration of media arts. Its sleek glass and steel design house interactive exhibits and collections showcasing the evolution of television and radio.
As a cultural hub, the Paley Center offers visitors a dynamic experience, blending technology and history. It stands as a tribute to the influence of media in shaping society.
27. The Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
The Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, Ohio, is a Tudor Revival masterpiece built in 1915. Its beautiful gardens and grand hall reflect the opulence of the early 20th century.
The mansion is filled with period furnishings and artifacts, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of its original owner, F.A. Seiberling. As a historical landmark, Stan Hywet continues to enchant visitors with its architectural grandeur and rich history.
28. The Meadow Brook Hall
Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan, is a grand Tudor-style mansion built-in 1929. Its lavish interiors, including a grand ballroom and elegant dining room, reflect the wealth of its original owners, Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson.
The surrounding gardens add to its charm, providing a peaceful retreat. As a historical landmark, Meadow Brook Hall continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and storied past, serving as a venue for cultural events and celebrations.
29. The Dumbarton Oaks
Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., is a historic estate known for its beautiful gardens and Byzantine-inspired interiors. Built in 1801, the estate’s elegant design and lush landscapes offer a serene escape from the urban surroundings.
The house is filled with art and artifacts, reflecting the cultural interests of its former owners. As a center for scholarship and research, Dumbarton Oaks continues to inspire visitors with its rich history and intellectual legacy.
30. The Hermitage
The Hermitage, located near Nashville, Tennessee, is a stately Federal-style plantation house built in 1819. This historic home of President Andrew Jackson features period furnishings and artifacts, offering insight into his life and era.
Surrounded by expansive grounds, the Hermitage remains a symbol of Jackson’s legacy and the early American republic. As a preserved historical site, it continues to educate and inspire visitors with its rich history.
31. The Marble House
The Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, is a palatial Beaux-Arts mansion built in 1892. Its opulent marble interiors and lavish decor reflect the wealth of its original owner, Alva Vanderbilt. The house’s grand design and historical significance make it a symbol of the Gilded Age.
As a preserved historical site, the Marble House continues to captivate visitors with its architectural splendor and rich history, serving as a venue for cultural events and tours.
32. The Filoli
Filoli, located in Woodside, California, is a grand Georgian-style country estate built in 1915. Its formal gardens and elegant architecture reflect the opulence of its era.
Inside, the mansion is filled with period furnishings and art, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of its original owners, the Bourn family. As a historical landmark, Filoli continues to enchant visitors with its architectural beauty and storied past, serving as a venue for cultural events and tours.
33. The Casa Loma
Casa Loma in Toronto, Canada, is a majestic Gothic Revival castle built in 1914. Its turrets and sweeping views make it a breathtaking architectural wonder.
The castle’s opulent rooms and secret passageways captivate visitors with tales of its past. As a cultural landmark, Casa Loma stands as a testament to the grandeur of its era and continues to enchant visitors with its beauty and history, serving as a popular venue for events and tours.
34. The Hillwood Estate
The Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C., is a grand Georgian mansion built-in 1926. Its extensive art collections and beautiful gardens reflect the elegance of its original owner, Marjorie Merriweather Post.
The mansion’s opulent decor and rich furnishings offer a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its era. As a cultural landmark, Hillwood continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and storied past, serving as a venue for cultural events and tours.
