Claremont Property Porn

I love the architecture in Britain; I think it's one of this country's best points.  That said, most of the housing tends to be pretty boring.  In a given area the houses all look pretty much the same, using similar building materials and a narrow range of designs.   There are sound reasons for this and I can name some places in the US that really could have done with some planning control, but that is a rant for another day.

Today I want to share some of the loveliness that is Claremont, CA.

I appreciate that not all of these are terribly special houses.  It's just that they look loved.



I'm not even sure what 'Harvard Steps' is about; is it a house? a business? a college building?  It just struck me, that's all.

There is a wide variety in the size and in the materials used, though almost all were frame houses rather than brick or stone.  Perhaps it is this that allows such variable design to be possible.  It's probably easier to change the outside appearance of a frame house to differentiate it from its neighbours.

And of course the lush trees add a huge amount of character to the area.

One could practically build a liveable house in some of those giant old trees!

It wasn't just me that was struck by it all; Bill snapped a fair few photos himself:

I'm not big on river rock as a building material as a rule, but it seemed to be a popular feature around here and I have to say it works in small doses.  I wonder if it was part of the arts and crafts design? 

 I love this 'suite' of porch furniture.  All the shaded porches around here speak to the wonderful outdoor life that is possible in a pleasant climate.

I think small windows in unexpected places give a bit of mystery to a place.  They make me think there is an attic full of old chests to explore.

Every area has its fixer-uppers; I've been told I fall in love with houses for their potential.   Some folks have ended up with spectacular homes, finding and fixing the right house in the right location.

My own experience is that these projects are better left to more industrious types, but I can still dream.

Also, I can tell you, this philosophy applies far better to houses than to men.   Never, ever, fall in love with potential, only what is already there.  People just don't make good projects.