Exquisite Homes and Gardens in Northampton, MA

June 17, 2020
74 Comments
Posted in: architecture, Gardens

Hi Everyone,

Thank you so much for all of your sweet, supportive comments. I’m still going to try and answer all of them, but that will have to be tomorrow.

I also have vowed not to spend 20+ hours on this post as I have for the last two weeks.

But, before I get into the exquisite homes and gardens in Northampton, MA, I want to give you guys an update.

I am looking for a place to rent here in Northampton, for real.

However, I’m also gelling in my mind what it is I need. (and want)

Well, there’s a whole list of must-haves and hope to have. But, I think that’s a different post.

Some of you are concerned that I will be able to tolerate the harsh New England winter. Gosh, I lived for five years in Wisconsin. And, I can always escape to someplace warm for a few.

One item on my wish list is a fireplace. And, there ARE fireplaces, but they no longer work.

Okay, onto the topic at hand– the exquisite homes and gardens of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Above, I brought down the map again, so you can see where I am.

For now, if you’d like to read more about Northampton, please check out their Wikipedia page.

All of the photos below were taken by me with my I-phone. (except for two of a historic building) I believe that Cale and I have hit just about every neighborhood. We haven’t hit every street, however.

Northampton was first settled in 1654 but only became a city in 1883. And, that period through the very early 20th century is when most of the current homes were built. The style of these homes is late Victorian, also known as Queen Anne Victorian.

Although some homes are made of brick, the majority are of clapboard or shingle.

However, there are also some 18th-century Federal and colonial homes, as well as other styles of architecture.

Northampton is a city that, in 2010, had a population of 28,500. However, I understand that recently, they are estimating that the community has swelled to close to 100,000.

Just kidding.

Well, sort of. I imagine that the population has grown, but we’ll have to wait and see by how much.

Please enjoy some of my favorite homes and gardens in Northampton, MA.

This photo was from the first walk that Cale and I took on May 18th. As you can see, it was the height of spring.

The building above might belong to Smith College, or not. I’m not sure. But, it’s very close to the campus. And, very close to where I am currently staying.

Across a green lives this beauty.

I have often fantasized about having an entrance ladened with wisteria.

Further up the road are some MASSIVE Victorian houses like this one. Most of the big houses have been broken up into small one or two-bedroom apartments.

This home is a typical Queen Anne Victorian in Northampton. I believe this one is near the Hungry Ghost.

23 Round Hill Rd is a superb example of a Gothic Revival home. It was built in 1860.

via Wikipedia – Round_Hill_Rd_23_Northampton_MA

This how the Walker Evans home looked a while back. It appears that they needed to rebuild the center gable. I imagine the way it is now is both sturdier and far easier to build. I love it painted all-white.

A colonial near Smith College.

A magnificent Greek Revival. But what’s up with that balcony on the second floor? Aren’t we missing a railing?

Gorgeous!

People in Northampton take time to “smell the roses.”

Lots of peonies in the last few weeks.

Same house, but a different view. Most of the time, I prefer to shoot photos on a mostly cloudy day. But, it’s nice to have some bright sunlight for a change.

Quintessential Queen Anne Victorian

And, one of the super-old-super-huuuuuuuge trees. (with my son, Cale who’s 6′-3″)

One of Northampton’s beautiful bike paths.

Another Queen Anne beauty

Okay. Remember the goat? Farming is big in Northampton. Yes, IN the city. Mini farms like this one. And, also community gardens. I love that.

Cale lives on the southeast side of the city. And, near him is this larger farm.

This beauty is on the way from my place to Cale’s house.

I couldn’t resist snapping these two women lunching outside.

The other day Cale and I went for a walk. He needs a LOT of exercise, so he left me, and I walked back on my own. However, my poor feet started screaming at me. And, so I took a rest here. That was when I decided that I needed to live here.

The Daughters of the American Revolution. This building dates back to 1753.

I think I shared this image before. But, I just love it.

I’m not sure if this is an old home or a new home. But, I love the symmetry.

The other day, Cale and I took a trek down the historic district on Elm St.

Oh, man, the houses! You can read more about the architecture here.

Huntington Mansion – Northampton, MA – Italianate – home – Elm St

This one was for sale a while back. I believe it is divided up into three homes. Most of them could use some work.

Above and below are the same sublime property on Elm Street.

Just beyond is a Federal or Colonial period home.

A magnificent Federal home.

A classic Colonial Revival

There is an apartment available in this Queen Ann Victorian home. I was supposed to go and see it. However, the manager had a death in the family and is now in Florida! It might be too small for me, anyway. However, I am seduced by the fireplace mantel. However, the kitchen is quite tiny, and there’s no dishwasher. I know. I’m spoiled.

And, Cale is interested in an apartment in this lovely old house.

I hope you have enjoyed this sampling of homes and gardens in Northampton, MA.

Does the entire city look like this?

Well, most of it, but not all of it. There are some less desirable streets and houses. There are even a few modern eyesores. However, they are the exception. But, what I love about Northampton is its diversity.

There is a community. And, one that takes tremendous pride in its rich history and diversification. I am looking forward to learning more about this beautiful city in western Massachusetts.

If you’re interested in learning more about Northampton and its beautiful architecture, please check out this fabulous blog, Lost New England– N’Hampton.

xo,