By Camilla McLaughlin | BH Prestige Magazine
Historic or historical are often confused, sometimes used interchangeably. According to Webster’s, historical refers to matters relating to history while historic denotes having great and lasting importance. When it comes to homes, including old or antique homes, both terms are used. But no matter the term, owners, agents and passionate old-house enthusiasts (often called “purists”) see these gems from a bygone era as historic. “Without a doubt, there is a passion for history and the homes of historical figures that create an emotional connection in people,” says Eric Mitchell with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner Realtors in Greenville, South Carolina. “There are some folks who just won’t buy an older home, even 10 years old. There is, however, a contingency of people that marvels at an older home — the architecture, the materials, the obvious sturdiness. These are factors that create a connection to the past and create an emotional bond.” “Buyers in the market for an old home tend to be looking for a lot more than just a certain number of beds and baths, square footage, a garage, etc. Typically, at the top of their lists are going to be things like original hardwood floors, antique hardware, stained-glass windows and old fireplaces,” explains Kristin Visser with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties in Ogden, Utah. “The more original features the home has, the more interest it seems to pull in. These buyers are drawn to the history of the home and want to be able to feel that as they walk through. If you can add the story of the property or the neighborhood along with it, you’re really going to see people just enamored with the idea of caring for a piece of history.” Often, the historical perspective sells a house as much as the physical attributes, shares Karin Andrews with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty in Williamsburg, Virginia, who specializes in historic and waterfront homes. Whether its architecture, links to a specific style or heritage, or the tale of how and why it was built, almost every house has a story to tell. Add in a notable owner, architect or a pivotal role in the development of a region, and those stories are apt to be as captivating as the house itself. Historic Icon in New Canaan In New England, homes dating from the Colonial era are referred to as “antiques.” Consider the Hoyt-BurwellMorse, one of the oldest homes in New Canaan, Connecticut. Tom Nissley with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, who is listing the property (also known as 8 Ferris Hill Road), says the home, built around 1731, is a significant icon in local history