Welcome to a new series I’m starting today.
One of my favorite pastimes is browsing real estate. I spend a lot of time on listing sites, following real estate accounts, and—before the pandemic—even popping into open houses. It’s a joyful form of escapism and a great way to explore architecture and interiors from different eras and places.
Since my husband and my best friend share this hobby, and people seem to enjoy the home finds I post on Instagram, it felt natural to collect some of my favorite discoveries here on the blog.
“Homes I Want To Live In” is a lighthearted series modeled a bit after my “Rugs I Didn’t Buy So You Should” posts. I’ll gather interesting homes I encounter—across regions, styles, and price ranges—and share what catches my eye.
About The Series!
A few notes before we dive in.
I search listings without worrying about price or condition. Some homes are fully restored and expensive, others are fixer-uppers brimming with potential. In this first post you’ll see properties ranging from around $200K to nearly $6M.
I’ll aim for variety, though you’ll notice certain styles I favor. I also love imagining homes outside of my usual taste—sometimes it’s fun to daydream as an alter ego who decorates differently.
The series is about appreciating architectural details, craftsmanship, and historical character more than commenting on neighborhood or market value. I’m also using these rounds to learn more about style names and historic elements—recently I picked up The Elements of Style and I’m excited to study it.
If you’re an expert in a particular style or region featured here, I’d love to hear your perspective.
Now, here’s a selection of homes I’d truly love to live in.
A Tudor Home with an Epic Library Wall in Los Angeles, CA
Asking price: $3,749,000
Tudor houses have moved up my list of favorites. This one’s library steals the show—floor-to-ceiling shelves, a rolling ladder, and a window that frames the room beautifully. Add diamond-pane leaded glass and a dramatic entryway and it feels straight out of a storybook.
Many Los Angeles Tudors skew neutral in their styling; I’d love to add more color and personality while preserving the architectural details.
You can learn more about this property here.
An 11-Acre Property with a Pottery Studio in Fletcher, VT
Asking Price: $238,000
This charming 11-acre parcel is owned by Sugar House Ceramics and includes a tiny cabin and a pottery studio—an ideal setting for someone who loves craft and solitude. Vermont’s landscape adds to the appeal, creating a peaceful, rural retreat.
You can learn more about this home here.
A Colorful Home with Stunning Wood and Tile Work in Yucatan, MX
Asking Price: $339,000
This house stands out for its handcrafted doors and exquisite tile and woodwork. An artist owned the property and painted bold colors throughout, giving the home a lively, personal atmosphere. I especially love the kitchen hood and the attention to detail in every surface.
I imagine a playful variation—painting each room a distinct color instead of painting every wall differently—to create deliberate, room-by-room contrasts.
You can learn more about this property here.
A Half Timbered Home in Pint Audemer, France
Asking Price: €315,000 (Roughly $366,000)
The exterior of this half-timbered home feels like a page from a fairytale, especially with those blue shutters. The facade looks almost illustrational, and I keep double-checking the photo to be sure it’s real.
A little interior TLC and thoughtful wallpaper choices could make the inside match the exterior’s charm.
You can learn more about this property here.
A Victorian Brownstone with Potential in Brooklyn, NY
Asking Price: $1,795,000
This 1899 multi-family brownstone in Bed-Stuy is full of promise. The original floors look gorgeous—here’s hoping they can be restored. Old New York homes like this one have unforgettable staircases and architectural flourishes that make them irresistible.
Some creatives convert grand double-door entries into dramatic pocket doors to create a single-family flow; projects like that showcase how flexible these bones can be.
Learn more about this property here.
A Spanish Revival Home in the Los Feliz Neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA
Asking Price: $5,998,000
We walked past this Los Feliz home recently and the facade stopped me in my tracks. Photos don’t capture how striking the deep green accents and the grand entrance feel in person. The interior has classical bones I’d happily update with lighter, brighter furnishings while keeping the original architectural details.
Small details—like woodwork that extends beyond a doorway or built-in bookcases—are what make this house feel grand and thoughtfully crafted.
Learn more about this property here.
An Early 1900s Apartment in Rotterdam
Asking Price: € 275,000 (Roughly $320,856)
This apartment’s pocket doors, fireplace, handprinted details, and stained glass made me swoon. I’d preserve as many original features as possible, repairing only what’s necessary for safety and comfort. The result would be a beautifully authentic living space.
Learn more about this property here.
A 40 Bedroom Abbey on the Contenin Peninsula, France
Asking Price: € 780,000 (Roughly $909,838)
A 40-bedroom abbey might be more space than most people need, but its scale and historic details—ornate molding and impressive fireplaces—are unforgettable. It’s striking that a property of this size can be more affordable than a modest house in some U.S. markets. With so many rooms, it would also be easy to spread out and maintain distance if needed.
Learn more about this property here.
Which of these is your favorite?
More Houses I Want To Live In…
- Houses I Want To Live In Vol. 2
- Houses I Want To Live In Vol. 3
- Houses I Want To Live In Vol. 4
If you love browsing homes too, tell me about your favorite websites or Instagram accounts in the comments—I’m always on the lookout for new places to discover and share.