Vintage Home Inspiration

Now for something a little different: A historical house tour. 

Our family spent the day at Malabar Farm in Mansfield, Ohio, home of Pulitzer Prize winning author Louis Bromfield. Aside from the expansive land, barns full of animals, trails and ponds to explore, you can also take a tour of "The Big House", Bromfield's home with his wife and daughters in the forties. The house is famous for being the site of the wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

I love this house. I love how it's big without feeling that way. I love that it has slanted ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors and lovely built ins. I love how there are windows everywhere. I didn't visit today with the intention of making a post about it, because usually I find historical homes a little stuffy and not my style, probably because most historical homes are from the 1800's. This one, being last decorated in the forties and fifties, has a feel that is almost familiar, reminiscent of my grandparents' homes and having a relaxed, we-don't-take-ourselves-too-seriously character. It is definitely not updated and a little bit rough around the edges in some places--worn carpets and furniture, aged bathrooms and kitchen features. But still, so, so lovely.

So here are the photos I collected today. I wasn't able to photograph every room (I really need a wide angle lens), but enjoy a mini tour. Special things to look out for (b/c I'm too tired to caption photos) pretty ceramics, mixed metals in the finishes, the built in doggy door in Bromfield's "man cave" as well as other evidence of how much he loved his dogs (over 70 of them through the years!), his incredible desk, and the game table from the 1600s. Oh, and my dad. We were on a tour of about 15 people, and I managed to keep my photos pretty much human free except for him. I caught him taking his own photos.

Also, sprinkled throughout the house is evidence that it is a museum, such as notes on the furniture, gated rooms, and unattractive green plastic/metal chairs throughout. Pretend those aren't there. ;)

If you're ever in Mansfield, I highly recommend visiting and taking the tour. There are cool stories behind many of the things in these pictures. It was also fun to do a Google search of Louis Bromfield and see a bunch of pictures of him and his family in this house.

 And now I need more pretty houses to photograph.