Historic Homes

Capen House

I'm sad when anything old and beautiful falls.  Even a tree.  When I see a several hundred year old breathtakingly beautiful building and I ask Dave why we never see new buildings like that he always answers - "Too expensive."

 A decade ago, Casa Feliz, an historic house on breathtakingly beautiful Interlachen Avenue in Winter Park Florida, was saved at the last minute and moved to the edge of the golf course so that the new owners of the original property could build a mansion that rivals Downton Abby.

Now another old home on this lovely avenue is fighting the wrecking ball. It's the 128 year old Capen House.  It originally belonged to James Capen, one of the city's founders.

Casa Feliz

Winter Park is a city of historical homes, or used to be.  They're dropping like flies and are being replaced by McMansions.  Why does it matter?  Syndicated columnist Marni Jameson reminds us that, five years ago, Winter Park was ranked 38th  by National Geographic in the 100 top historic places in the world, based on authentic and well-preserved architecture.  That's in the world, folks!

Below are HGTV's Nicole Curtis' 6 reasons why you should care:

Because tearing them down is wrecking our history.  In Italy and France you see 300 year old buildings housing subways, restaurants and McDonalds.

Because it's bad for our Earth.  All that glass and plaster goes into landfills.

Because you can never replicate these houses once they're gone.  The woodwork alone came from 200 year old trees.  And made by hand.

Because we don't need new homes.  We need to take care of what we have.

Because we're losing our uniqueness.

Because of their quality.  They've weathered the storms of life.

I hope nobody decides to knock me over and haul me away just because I'm old.


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