A Bungalow Then and Now

If the original owners of your house came back to visit the house today, would they recognize it?

Probably not!

Beautiful houses are built but over the years homeowners change them into something unrecognizable that they were never meant to be.

Look at this lovely Bungalow.  This photo looks like it was taken not long after it was built.  Way before Home Depot and This Old House TV show gave people ideas to “improve” or “update” their house.

The words “improve and update” really helped big box stores sell people junk to put on their house and made them really think they were doing good.

Well the owners of this Bungalow in Colts Neck NJ didn’t fall for this!

I fooled you! The photo above is a current photo I graphically modified to look old.  Yes I added the car too.

This house has kept its integrity all these years.  Hats off to the homeowners.

Now here is the house in it’s current state which is still very original!

A few of the original windows were changed and yes, that is important, but all else seems to remain the same.

Important points that make a big difference to take notice of:

• The detailed texture of the real wood shingles.  Vinyl siding would make this house look so bland.

• The simplicity of no foundation plantings – so similar to “real” old photos.

• Lattice under the porch would help but really a lot of people just didn’t bother with it then.

• I really like the tire track driveway.  Just hard sand or tan pee gravel is all you really need.

It’s possible that this house could have been modernized and then restored to what we see now, but it remains a great example of an original house on a country road with many large estates nearby.

Sure a lot of us like fancy trim but a nice clean design and simplicity where simplicity belongs makes a great neighbor.

Are you wondering if your house has lost its character?  We can show you how to bring it back.  Check out Old House Guy Services!