Gotcha!Finally, after months of futile snapping, here is an image that begins to hope to dare to possibly approximate what a Craftsman house actually looks like in person. (Though still not exactly. I am beginning to feel like one of those obsessed types who try to snag a shot of the Loch Ness monster. Or ghosts in The Rialto.)
Isn't it gorgeous? I don't think I'll ever stop marveling at these historical gems. South Pasadena simply glitters with them.
15 comments:
Wow, I agree, this is gorgeous.
Glitter is the perfect verb. The lines and superb thought that went into its architecture is wonderful. I think what I like most are the rich natural colors. The trees and shrubs add a lovely natural frame to the structure. I love the shape of the columns when they are larger at the bottom and get thinner toward the top.
:~)
I dunno. I think I like the ones with rough stones and wood left in their natural colors better — much more interesting texture. Ah well. To each his own.
These style of houses really are different to me. Certainly non such like in the UK. The primary colours are zinging with vibrance. I could think of many a neighbourhood that would benefit from this cutie. Obsess away if the results are like this.
The difficulty in capturing the glory of these homes is the roof-line. Like a blinking eyelid in a photo, it slants down just enough to cast a shadow on the top of the facade. This creates a secretive air that is at odds with the warm "homeyness" of the house.
However... When I was 12 (a good age to attract poltergeists) my 2nd floor bedroom was in a room with a window like this one. At night after all the lights had gone out, a rocking chair in the room would begin to rock. No one believed me about this, so I had to learn to live with the spirit. It must have been a child, because it was very benevolent. But whenever I see one of these protruding, 2nd floor windows (a dormer?) I remember my visitor.
I would enjoy sitting in one of the Adirondack chairs on the right side of the front porch with a cup of coffee and the morning paper. The second story porch is too small, but the front porch is a peaceful place to watch thw world go by.
Oh, great. So I've got "The Shining" on both sides of the family tree, then?
Nothing better than sitting on the porch of a Craftsman watching a thunderstorm. The well covered porch comes in handy then.
I love the warm colors!
I think if you grew up in a Craftsman house you couldn't help but have the sense that you're living in a grounded yet very open welcoming world.
At least, that's what I get from your really wonderful photo.
I like the idea of architecture that isn't too free and easy , you need to get to know it to learn its secrets. I think you've captured it well in this shot.
Great shot. When you blow it up you get a wonderful peek at the porch. I'm amazed at the colors you find; we don't have these bright reds and greens even in Pasadena that I know of, at least not in quantity.
I will quibble with the word "glitter," only because Craftsman seems so anti-glitter to me. But I do know what you mean.
Why does a craftsman feel so cozy, safe? Why does it look like a feather bed? Why do I feel it is filled with big brothers, happy dogs, a lazy cat, and the smell of turkey cooking in the kitchen? I really don't know. But it does, to me.
They really were the pinnacle of home design. I love the cool shadow of the porch, and the connection to the trees.
Just beautiful! love the porch and your comparison to the Loch Ness monster :)
The Hiker from up the hill has accurately described what is special about Craftsman homes. They are all she's described, and more. I like the description of the dogs and catk, and a turkey cooking in the kitchen. I can't imagine a better place for a big family Thanksgiving dinner than a large dining room with a big window looking out over the big front porch and a swinging door into the kitchen where the turkey is ready to be carved.
Hi all,
Thanks for sticking with me on my hunt for the perfect Craftsman photo.
Yak, how have I known you for over 20 years and never heard your GHOST STORY!?!? You, my friend, are just like these multifaceted structures-- just when you think you know everything about them, something new is revealed.
You have all described well the way I feel about these beautiful homes. There is just something so ... homey about them. (And those porches!)
As to verbs... Judy vibed to my choice of the word glitter, but Petrea rightfully raised a hackle because, she is right, they are not flashy or showy. I think what I struggle to describe is how South Pas is adorned with so many of these homes, She wears them like jewels. Everywhere you turn you see Craftsman after Craftsman, each one a perfect example of the period, each one painted a different set of beautiful and harmonious colors, each one brilliant with texture and depth and flecked with the little light-catching extras like jewel-toned stained glass. These houses don't shock like diamonds ... they gleam like opals. Glitter? Maybe not. Shimmer? Shine? Glow? Definitely.
You are all wonderful for enabling my obsession. I thank you!
Until tomorrow...
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