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Century-old homes are living, breathing pieces of history. Their architectural design, building materials, craftsmanship, and remnants of past residents beautifully reflect the era in which they were built. Thanks to the people who appreciate such historic homes, they are being honored and taken care of so they can continue to withstand the test of time.

In fact, there’s a whole community of them online where they can share their experiences and tips on homes that exceed the 100-year mark. Called Century Homes, this Reddit community unites antique home owners and lets others take a peek at what it's like to live in one. Scroll down to immerse yourself in the old home charm, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that you could see yourself residing in!

While you’re at it, make sure to check out a conversation with a century home owner and founder of Old House Dreams, Kelly DeLong, who kindly agreed to tell us what it’s really like to own a historic home.

#1

Ladies And Gentlemen, I Present To You, The Spectacular “Gamwell House” Built In 1892 By Architects Longstaff & Black

Ladies And Gentlemen, I Present To You, The Spectacular “Gamwell House” Built In 1892 By Architects Longstaff & Black

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#2

When You Live In A Town That Thrived On Lumbering, You Get Floors Like This

When You Live In A Town That Thrived On Lumbering, You Get Floors Like This

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A century home owner and founder of Old House Dreams, Kelly DeLong, tells Bored Panda that her fascination with old houses started in her childhood.

“When I was a child, my mom would drive us through the neighborhoods of Marietta, GA, to admire the beautiful old houses. As a teen, we lived in a home built around 1910 with hardwood floors, old windows, and high ceilings. That cemented my love for historic homes. The sound of creaky hardwood floors, the soul that original windows bring to an old house, high ceilings, and wide center halls all make my heart flutter,” Kelly fondly shares.

#4

I’ve Been Trying To Capture The Essence Of Each Season From This Spot, ~160yrs Old

I’ve Been Trying To Capture The Essence Of Each Season From This Spot, ~160yrs Old

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The century-old home where Kelly, her husband, dog Sissy, and two cats, Bleep and Little Kitty, live was built earlier than 1901 and has a beautiful family history that they are now preserving.

“Our home has been in my husband's family since the day it was built, likely earlier than 1901, though that’s as far back as the county records go,” she says. “We've been told that two elderly sisters had this place built to live out their widowed days. The foundation beams are whole tree trunks, bark still clinging in spots, and the structure is held together with square nails and wood pegs.” 

#7

Our 96 Year Old

Our 96 Year Old

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Pernille
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does it have a tower if it is only 96 years old? Is it a copy of an old house ? Where I live a house that is 96 years old is considered a new house.

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They jumped at the chance to buy it when it went for sale for the first time since it was built. “My favorite part of the home is its plank walls, some as wide as 24 inches! My husband would say his favorite feature is the 700-square-foot front porch.”

#12

Closed On This 1864 Beauty Today, My Daughter Is 5th Generation Of Our Family In This House

Closed On This 1864 Beauty Today, My Daughter Is 5th Generation Of Our Family In This House

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When they purchased the home, it didn’t have much of a kitchen, just a sink, a stove, and a fridge that has seen some better days, so they had some updates to do. “We’ve since added cabinetry, and my husband built a farmhouse-style table for the center of the room. A previous owner had given the living room an “inside porch” with rock pavers; those were the very first to go! “

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#13

After 3 Months, 200+ Hours And A Lot Of Learning, The Doors Are Back On The Front Of Our 1864 Home, Ready For Another 150 Years Of Service (Detailed Album In Comments)

After 3 Months, 200+ Hours And A Lot Of Learning, The Doors Are Back On The Front Of Our 1864 Home, Ready For Another 150 Years Of Service (Detailed Album In Comments)

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#14

Foyer Of Our Recently Purchased 175 Year Old Farmhouse

Foyer Of Our Recently Purchased 175 Year Old Farmhouse

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#15

Bought A 1889 Three Bedroom Build Just On The Edge Of Downtown And So Thrilled!

Bought A 1889 Three Bedroom Build Just On The Edge Of Downtown And So Thrilled!

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Besides being a century-old homeowner, Kelly also runs the Old House Dreams website, where she shares specially selected historic real estate for old house enthusiasts. She created the site out of love for old houses, old windows, original woodwork, worn floors, and other various details that old house lovers would notice. 

#16

Victorian House

Victorian House

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sbj
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The garden looks gorgeous and I would want to put the house number on that little rock

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#17

Eastlake Pocket Door Plate Restoration

Eastlake Pocket Door Plate Restoration

1890victorian Report

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cerinamroth
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so lovely to see craftsmanship like this. You don't get it very often in this world of "fast is better" any more.

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#18

Went With A Bolder Color Choice In Our Bathroom And I Think It Turned Out Pretty Good!

Went With A Bolder Color Choice In Our Bathroom And I Think It Turned Out Pretty Good!

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Val Carriere
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The colour goes well with all the white , it seems to warm things up

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Old House Dreams has been running since 2009 and has amassed over 200 million page views, shared over 24,000 properties, and encouraged many individuals to turn their old house dream into reality. As the website reads, “Properties featured on OHD are chosen specifically for their original features and history. From Queen Anne’s needing complete restoration to move-in-ready Craftsman homes, OHD covers a range of styles from the Colonial Era to the Mid-Century."

#19

I’m Just Glad The Landlords Spared The 1890s Tile Around The Fireplace

I’m Just Glad The Landlords Spared The 1890s Tile Around The Fireplace

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#21

My Ancestors Built This Place In 1840. It Sat Empty For 50 Years Before I Began Work 5 Years Ago

My Ancestors Built This Place In 1840. It Sat Empty For 50 Years Before I Began Work 5 Years Ago

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For those who are interested in buying an old house, Kelly recommends hiring multiple inspectors and making them show you the issues in person. “We once had an inspector who insisted we had the worst termite infestation he’d ever seen. Another inspector, however, took us under the house to show that the damage was old; there were no termites, and any issues had either been fixed or weren’t critical,” she shares.

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#24

It’s Just A Rental, But I’m So Happy To Finally Be Able To Share A Century Home Here!

It’s Just A Rental, But I’m So Happy To Finally Be Able To Share A Century Home Here!

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Lastly, she advises against doing everything at once when you acquire the home. “Take care of the major issues, like foundation or roof repairs, but go slowly with painting, stripping, decorating, or making changes that feel urgent. An old house shouldn’t be treated like a modern one—let it speak to you rather than jumping into a full-on renovation. When you feel overwhelmed by all that needs doing, pause and remember that this home has stood for a century or more—it will still be there after you take a breath. Recall what first drew you to it, and let that guide you forward.”

#25

I Like How They Kept So Much Of It Original

I Like How They Kept So Much Of It Original

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Jules
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can just picture crinolined ladies walking around this house 😍

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#26

Mornings Like This Take The Sting Out Of Long Midwest Winters

Mornings Like This Take The Sting Out Of Long Midwest Winters

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#27

I Think They Have Finally Gotten LED Bulbs Perfected

I Think They Have Finally Gotten LED Bulbs Perfected

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WindySwede
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just buy the right type, form, socket and colour temperature (Kelvin)? 👍

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#30

No Creepy Basement, How About Cool Accessory Buildings? I Have This 110 Year Old Water Tower

No Creepy Basement, How About Cool Accessory Buildings? I Have This 110 Year Old Water Tower

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#31

This Is My House; A Converted Church Originally Built In 1866. Still A Lot Of Work To Do, But It Is Starting To Come Together!

This Is My House; A Converted Church Originally Built In 1866. Still A Lot Of Work To Do, But It Is Starting To Come Together!

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#33

In A Few Months, We’ll Have An Amazing Home!

In A Few Months, We’ll Have An Amazing Home!

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Pernille
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You must have amazing builders, and an unlimited budget if that is ready in a few months. To me it looks more like a few years.

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#35

At 22, I Lived In A 1920s Single-Room-Occupancy In San Francisco. It Was Messy And Imperfect, But It Was Mine

At 22, I Lived In A 1920s Single-Room-Occupancy In San Francisco. It Was Messy And Imperfect, But It Was Mine

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#37

Maine Street, Quincy Illinois. What Style Is This?

Maine Street, Quincy Illinois. What Style Is This?

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M. Y. Black
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sort of Queen Anne Revival....We have a few in San Francisco..

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#38

Our Circa 1896 Home. I Just Found This Sub And Wanted To Share. Not A Registered Historic Home So Free To Try This Modern Take On Exterior Paint. Most Love, Some Hate. We Love!

Our Circa 1896 Home. I Just Found This Sub And Wanted To Share. Not A Registered Historic Home So Free To Try This Modern Take On Exterior Paint. Most Love, Some Hate. We Love!

eatyoursupper Report

#39

Closed On My First House Today At Age 21! She’s 132 Years Old Built In 1890. Can’t Wait To Take On Various Restoration Projects And Let The Original Beautiful Details Shine Through Once More!

Closed On My First House Today At Age 21! She’s 132 Years Old Built In 1890. Can’t Wait To Take On Various Restoration Projects And Let The Original Beautiful Details Shine Through Once More!

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#40

Purchased This House Today, Re-Keying This Lock Tomorrow So I Get To Keep This Beauty!

Purchased This House Today, Re-Keying This Lock Tomorrow So I Get To Keep This Beauty!

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#41

My Wife And I Closed On Our Century Home Two Days Ago. I’ve Been Stalking This Subreddit For So Long And Am So Happy To Finally Have My Own Century Home!!!!!!!

My Wife And I Closed On Our Century Home Two Days Ago. I’ve Been Stalking This Subreddit For So Long And Am So Happy To Finally Have My Own Century Home!!!!!!!

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#45

Double Outhouse On The Property Of My "New" 1900 Home. Figured Someone Here Might Find It Cool

Double Outhouse On The Property Of My "New" 1900 Home. Figured Someone Here Might Find It Cool

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#48

Everytime I Walk Up My Stairs I Admire The Craftsmanship And 5 Spindles Per Stair

Everytime I Walk Up My Stairs I Admire The Craftsmanship And 5 Spindles Per Stair

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Pernille
Community Member
1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone thought ahead when making that, I know so many children that have got their head stuck in-between bannisters, myself and my sister included. It seems that every child has to do this stupid thing at least once.

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#50

We Redid Our Bathroom!

We Redid Our Bathroom!

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Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.