Have you ever pictured yourself living in a beautiful, time-honored house? Looking up its mysterious past, wondering about people who lived there, imagining scenarios that took place right there in the living room? If the answer is yes, there’s a perfect place on the internet that might let you vicariously live out your fantasies of owning a property that’s shrouded in secrets.

Enter the subreddit called ‘Century Homes’, where history fans who value buildings that have reached or exceeded 100 years of age have a place to showcase these wonders. “We enjoy sharing stories and seeking advice to help us be great stewards of our historic homes,” the moderators write in the description.

From breathtaking architecture to pleasantly surprising interior details, members of this online community invite us to admire the facades and take a walk inside their dwellings. We at Bored Panda have collected some of the most stunning and captivating pictures for you to appreciate, so continue scrolling and upvote your favorite ones!

Psst! If you’re interested in even more buildings that have withstood the test of time, check out our earlier post on the most interesting historical places spotted around the world.

#1 Moved Into Our New Home This Week. Built In 1878

Estimates on square footage vary between 7 and 10k. My family and my sister’s family bought it together so all 3 generations could be under one roof

Image credits: bbdoublechin

#2 Was Sorting Through Some Old Brick That Was Left Over From Our 1890’s Townhouse, And Came Across This

Image credits: chuchubott

#3 San Francisco Victorian Home

Image credits: Common-Alfalfa-8588

The ‘Century Homes’ online community has been around for quite some time now. Created in 2011, this wholesome and helpful corner of Reddit has already amassed over 114K members at the time of writing.

The page has found the secret to success on the platform because it has become the perfect place for history and architecture lovers to ask for advice, share their insights, and have meaningful discussions about their passion — century-old homes. Many of the posts there provide clever and extremely useful renovation tips accompanied by stunning pictures of Victorian houses and intriguing objects left by the previous owners. Once you look at these images, it’s hardly surprising why the subreddit keeps on growing.

#4 My Homage To The Wallpapers We’ve Removed

Image credits: djflossy

#5 Spotted This Door Hardware On An 1880 Home For Sale In Ontario, Canada

Image credits: TheTim

#6 Then And Now Of Our New (To Us) Home. Built In The 1870s, Scotland

Image credits: Bullfinch88

Buying a historic home can be a thrilling experience, and the moderators of the subreddit are open to hearing stories and tips from the owners who want to embrace the character of their beautifully crafted dwelling. While they ask to keep the posts related to century homes, they also understand that many systems found in buildings that are more than 100 years old may be found in newer homes as well. “For instance, if you have Hydronic Heat in your 50-year-old house — it is ok to post a question here,” they wrote.

Another rule on the subreddit asks users to refrain from sharing excessive sales or self-promotion posts. However, you’re welcome to mention your blog/vlog as you work through renovations on your historic residence, “but MODs have the right to ask you to limit posts or have a cooldown time between posts.”

Moreover, the subreddit has some great resources for those who are in the market, have just purchased, or are already living in a historic home. From contacts for replacement windows to contractors that specialize in century homes, be sure to check out their page if you need some guidance.

#7 We Bought Our First Home, Built Around 1920, And Have Been Slowly Doing Some Work. But I Definitely Would Never Change Our Original Entryway Tile

Image credits: SSTralala

#8 Mexia, TX

Image credits: ST1NS0N

#9 Just Closed On This 1920 Craftsman (?). In Great Shape. Just Needs Some Paint And Floor Refinishing Before Moving In

Image credits: DAN1MAL_11

While not everyone has the means to become a steward of a century-old home, that shouldn’t stop you from sharing your love for historic architecture with this online community. Maybe you stumbled upon a charming building while house hunting. Perhaps you know a gorgeous time-honored structure right there in your area. Both the moderators and the members of this online community enjoy admiring old homes from every corner of the world, so everyone is welcome to share their findings with the group.

#10 Pink Grey Victorian House

Image credits: Suspicious-LOveeeee

#11 We Bought A Ridiculous And Amazing House From 1891

Image credits: ZipBoxer

#12 1896 Queen Anne. My Dream House We Bought In 2016!

Image credits: gwynvir

For those exploring the possibility of buying a house, there is nothing more enticing than the chance to own a piece of history. After all, time-honored buildings can provide us with a tangible link with the past. And as you’re scrolling through this list, you’ll notice just how mesmerizing they look both outside and inside. You’ll also probably realize how important it is to make them functional for future generations and save them before the bulldozer comes knocking.

#13 This Is Our House In Regional Victoria (Australia). We Are Slowly Restoring It To Its Former Glory

Image credits: HortonEggHatcher

#14 We Found Some Cat Paw Prints In The Original Concrete In Our 116 Year Old Home

Image credits: MissScarlet0

#15 Saw This Sign In An Old House Today And Figured You Folks May Get A Kick Out Of It

Image credits: honkyg666

If you wish to pursue living in one of these beauties, it might be daunting to know that restoring your little slice of history is far from a small undertaking. Dealing with old structures and building materials requires extra care and knowledge because old houses can sometimes be full of surprises. However, when a renovation is done right, all worries quickly fade away when you’re left with a dreamy home.

#16 Woodwork And Lighting In Our 1896 Tudor-Ish

Image credits: baoziwowzi

#17 Found While Insulating My Attic

Image credits: victrolarepair

#18 If You Want To Move To Southern Illinois For Only $235,000 This 1899 Beauty Could Be Yours!

Image credits: Anxious_chihuahua

Scott Sidler, owner of a historic restoration company and founder of The Craftsman Blog suggested taking the “house sandwich” approach to remodeling. “Start with the roof and make sure it’s not leaking, and after that, focus on the foundation to make sure it’s solid,” Sidler told Apartment Therapy.

“It may be out of level, but as long as it isn’t continuing to settle, you’re good. Then focus on everything in between.” That involves taking care of siding, windows, doors, and the interior. “After the envelope of the house is in good shape then you can move to the inside and take your time with remodels since you’ve got a protective shell,” Sidler added.

#19 One Of The Most Gosh Dang Beautiful Homes In The Area

Image credits: pambannedfromchilis

#20 Our 1885 Door That Needed Desperate Love. We’re Blown Away By The Finished Result!

Image credits: samualord

#21 Finally Finished Cleaning Up Our Old Fireplace. Took Some Time, But Well Worth It. She’s A Beaut! Got It As Clean As We Could And Decided To Go With Metal Effects Oxidizing Copper Paint

Image credits: dizzy4121989

Moreover, remember that purchasing and living in an old house is a commitment. “If you’re going to buy a historic house because you love the old wavy glass windows and the spirit of the floors, you must understand that you’re not going to be able to have some of the creature comforts that come with 21st century living,” interior designer and architect Steven Gambrel told Curbed.

“I would do anything on earth to maintain that wavy glass in the windows, even if it means having a drafty room,” Gambrel said. “I would just put on another sweater. But, if you’re not that person, then that’s not the right house for you.”

#22 My 1450’s House

Image credits: Otherwise-Extreme-68

#23 Closing In A Month! 1932 Tudor, First Time Home Owners. Lots Of Work To Be Done But We’re So Excited!

Image credits: Kohlcas

#24 My And My Fiancé Just Closed On An 1898 Brick Beauty!

Image credits: Lobsterplant

#25 Speaking Of Fretwork, The Arch In My (Slightly Funky) 1880 Folk Victorian

Image credits: Windvogel

#26 Found A Suitcase In A Wall, This Is The Contents

Image credits: pendletonpackrat

#27 1500’s Fireplace Surround In My 1640’s Cottage

Image credits: Tokaloshie

#28 Our House Was Built In 1844 And Is On Our County’s Underground Railroad Map. The Original Owners Were Abolitionists And Held Regular Meetings Here. The Tale From The Historical Society Is That This Capped Off Tunnel In The Basement Was For Escape. It Currently Goes Back 10-12 Feet

The original owners were abolitionists and held regular meetings here. The tale from the historical society is that this capped off tunnel in the basement was for escape. It currently goes back 10-12 feet.

Image credits: deegethesqueege

#29 The Kitchen, Bedrooms And Bathrooms Will Need A Full Makeover But This Week For $390k We’re Closing On This 1.5 Acre 5500 Sqft 1903 Colonial With 5 Bedrooms, A Butler’s Quarter, A Library, A Sunroom And A Fully Finished Attic With 2 Additional Unofficial Bedrooms

Image credits: Thr0wAway101011

#30 My Friend Wanted To Buy An Underground Wine Cellar And It Came With Two Old One-Room Houses (17th And 18th Centuries)

Image credits: The_eggs_of_Margot

#31 Interior Shots Of Our New (To Us) 1878ish Queen Anne Home With Three Family Units From The Same Family Pooling Resources

Paid ~550k USD. 3 kitchens, 7.5 bath, 9 bed. 2.5 hr drive to Toronto.

Image credits: bbdoublechin

#32 The Before, In-Progress, And After On Our 1860’s Workers Cottage

Image credits: Equal-Afternoon-7473

#33 Before And After. Why Would Anyone Paint These!?

Image credits: jonsnow0276

#34 Our Gate Lodge – 1790, Scotland

Image credits: SanjayBeast

#35 Moved In 2 Months Ago. Decorated The Reception Hall In Our 1908 Home

Image credits: c0wlick

#36 We Had A Tintype Photographer Shoot The House Today

Image credits: dwright1542

#37 Undoing Years Of Paint

Image credits: here__2__there

#38 1925 Eastern Shore Farmhouse: Finally Tore Up Last Owner’s Kitchen Tile, And Look What We Found

We restored original wood floors throughout the house prior 10 years back, but this floor (and it’s condition) was a very welcome surprise.

Image credits: StonkU2

#39 1915 Colonial

Image credits: Billypillgrim

#40 This Beautiful Home Was Restored In Brush Park, Detroit MI

Image credits: JCPhotography_mi

#41 Gable Front And Wing Folk House, New Jersey. The House Was Built In 1853, Shortly After Completion Of The Jersey Central Railroad. We Are So Fortunate To Call It Home!

Image credits: Exact_Account9408

#42 My Phone Hutch And Phone. Phone Still Works

Image credits: rscmonkey

#43 C1600s House We Moved Into Has An Old Fashioned Bread Oven Built Into Fire Place (Kent, UK)

Image credits: lukese123

#44 Plate Warmer Rediator In Our 1888 Home

Image credits: BigguyZ

#45 Skinny House In Boston, Ca 1862 – Article From 1920 Plus Current Days Views Of Front, Back, And Backyard From Roof

Image credits: Btrex

#46 I Love The Entryway/Foyer Staircase In Our 1926 Colonial

Image credits: drdiddlegg

#47 For Sale In New Carlisle, IN

Image credits: stapra

#48 Spadena House – Witch’s House In Beverly Hills

Image credits: ros-ubhal

#49 Hamilton On Has Some True Masterpieces. Yes, It’s A Private Home

Image credits: ehlpha

#50 We Just Moved Into A 400-Year-Old Home. Excited To Be The Steward Of This Wonderful Place, And Learn How Best To Take Care Of Her

Image credits: Administrative-Task9

#51 Wife And I Just Closed On This 1890 Victorian Beauty

Image credits: tolashgualris

#52 We’re Closing On This 1947 Grocery Store W/ A 2br Apt Above

Image credits: mothspon

#53 Was Replacing My Vanity And Found This Gem Behind The Wall

Image credits: jacove

#54 Wallpaper Found In My Closet – Ontario, Canada

Image credits: ClearHead11111

#55 Stripped The Paint From The Hardware On My First Of Four Doors. I Believe They’re Original To Our 1912 House

Image credits: NokomisProud

#56 What’s The Name For This Art Nouveau Hallway Feature At The Ceiling?

Image credits: purified_piranha

#57 Our New-To-Us 1912 Foursquare Has Hundreds Of Old Books In The Attic

Image credits: swidge

#58 My Mom’s 1920’s Apartment In The South Of France. I’m Obsessed With The He Shutters And Stone Ladies On The Facade

Image credits: reddit

#59 She Just Turned 101 And Looks As Gorgeous As Ever

Image credits: SuurRae

#60 We Are Hesitant To Make An Offer On This 1887 House

It’s beautiful but we are scared of the maintenance and $$$ that’s such a house would need to keep it’s charm. everyone around us told us it would be a money pit. What do you think? also, what style is this?

Image credits: dibidybop

#61 1903 Satin Birch Breakfront Stripped & Refinished

Image credits: mattbkphilly

#62 This Was The House I Grew Up In. Built 1924 On 21 Acres Of Woods. Used To Be A Hardware Store On The Bottom Floor With Living Quarters Upstairs

Image credits: eeconnor

#63 Our 1845 Home – Greek Revival Double Gallery Sidehall

Image credits: FastDrill

#64 The Staircase In My Parents 1890 Queen Anne Victorian Home (Illinois)

Image credits: Tibujon

#65 My Big Blue Victorian House – Queen Anne Style

Image credits: loliemess_reads

#66 Doing Some Painting And Carpet Removal In Our 1920s Dutch Colonial When We Realized These Stained Glass Windows Were Underneath The Wood Paneling

Image credits: p_hil

#67 My Great Grandparents 1890s Farmhouse. It’s Nothing Terribly Special But It’s Been In Our Family For Almost 8 Generations And I Absolutely Love It! (As A Side Note, Most Of The Ivy Was Taken Care Of!)

Image credits: Sentient_LaserDisc

#68 It May Not Be Original To The House, But It’s One Heck Of A Place For A Coffee

Image credits: ehlpha

#69 My Kitchen Floor Insulation Revealed!

Image credits: Garlic_and_Onions

#70 Under Contract On An 1896 Victorian In Illinois!

Image credits: basenji_lincoln

#71 The Front Door In Our 1928 Cottage

Image credits: ProgrammaticallyHost

#72 The View Straight Through

Image credits: crf865

#73 What’s The Weirdest Thing You’ve Found In A Crawl Space? I’ll Go First:

Image credits: Coastal_Elite410

#74 Just Closed On My First Home – A 1920 Bungalow. Not Sure If This Fireplace Is Original To The House, But I’m In Love With It

Image credits: fluorescent-grey

#75 The Sharp House In Santa Paula, Ca. It Was Built In 1890. It’s Been Featured In A Handful Of Movies

Image credits: hi_buddy_waz_sup3539

#76 My Beautiful Home. Built In 1863 By A Civil War Doctor, Then Becoming A Train Station After His Death

Image credits: reddit.com

#77 A Snowy Pic Of My 1819 Home

Image credits: Shanamat

#78 Found Some Treasures In The Wall During Renovation This Afternoon (1856 House)

Image credits: AwsaMillsie

#79 When You Pull Up Nasty Carpet And Find The Original 1941 Hardwood

Image credits: TopRamenisha

#80 Check Out This Floor!!!

Image credits: Maleficent_Ad_4435

#81 Putting In An Offer On This 1904 Greek Revival/Tudor-Y Foursquare, 1.3k Sq Ft

Image credits: gonehomes

#82 Our New England Home Turned 229 Years Old Today. Built By Charles Mann, A Farmer Who Resided In This Home With His Wife Abigail And Four Children

Image credits: SnooDonuts2341

#83 Recently Moved In This 1917 Craftsman. Definitely Our Dream Home

Image credits: psydwayz303

#84 I Just Love The Dining Room Of Our New 1904 Victorian!

Image credits: Walterwhiteboy

#85 Stained Glass From My 1908 Foursquare

Image credits: erbykirby

#86 Yellow House Repainted. Now With White Portico

Image credits: Thumper09

#87 I Saw Someone Throw An Old Door Mostly Covered In Cardboard Into The Landfill Pit. I Spotted A Bit Of Colored Glass Poking Out From Under The Cardboard So I Rescued It. Couldn’t Be More Excited After The Reveal. Anyone Have Any Insight?

Image credits: haleycaulfield

#88 First Home. The Work Begins!

Image credits: AllAmericanGentleman

#89 Floorboards In Our 1727 House. (Banana For Scale)

Image credits: Contrariwise2

#90 1900 Little House By The Creek

Image credits: photopcoltrane

#91 Our 1920 Colonial Revival W/ Interior Shot

Image credits: deralingus

#92 A Collection Of 1800s Home Designs With Floor Plans From One Of My Home Library Reference Books, Published In The Mid 1880s

Image credits: Organic-Condition_

#93 One My Favorite Details In Our C.1860 House

Image credits: Shepdeuce

#94 Wallpaper Found In The Dining Room Behind The Doorbell Chimes

Image credits: dlangille

#95 Just Entered Contract On An 1890s Victorian In San Francisco Without Seeing The Attic. What Do You Think We’ll Find?

Image credits: thecolorofthesky

#96 So Happy To Hang Out On This 1909 Four Square’s Porch

Image credits: NarwhalNoise

#97 Our Water-Access 1925 Fishing Camp In Remote Canada

Image credits: reddit

#98 Moved Into My 1890 Traditional Four Square (I Think That’s The Style) On Lake Erie This Week. Looking Forward To Maintaining It

Image credits: SHIELDnotSCOTUS

#99 Painted Lady 1820

Image credits: klipshklf20

#100 An Old House Requires Nonstop Maintenance And Cleaning… Saturday Mornings Are The Designated Cleaning Day

Image credits: reddit.com

#101 Check Out This Wallpaper I Found After I Removed One Of My Light Switch Covers

Image credits: doctorbunz

#102 Bringing My 1896 Folk Victorian Back To Life

Image credits: mtnowak1

#103 Just Beginning Our First Full Year In This 1910 Tudor With Matching Carriage House

Image credits: photophunk

#104 I Can’t Resist Submitting What I See As The Caboose To The Potty Train. A Four Holer! Including: Large, Medium, And Two Small With Added Step For The Young’ins

Image credits: EarlGreyHikingBaker

#105 I’m Under Contract For This Lovely 1920 Bungalow

Image credits: Perpetual_learner8

#106 Before And After For Those Who Like Stripping Paint

Image credits: Dr_Brian_O-Blivion

#107 Found Behind The Stair Trim When We Did My Gut Rehab 9 Years Ago. DIT

Image credits: bigmattyc

#108 Found Some Nice Rocks Holding Up Our 1840s Farmhouse While Investigating Water Leaks In The Crawl Spaces

Image credits: liamvt21

#109 This Is Our 1866 Danish Farmhouse. There’s A Lot Of Work To Do, But This Is Our Little Slice Of Heaven!

Image credits: gruselig

#110 About To Start Exterior, 1911, Any Ideas?

Image credits: de55555

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