TL;DR
ELLE Decor has highlighted 12 historic American homes from its archives, showcasing their architectural significance and recent restorations. These homes span centuries and styles, offering insights into American history and design evolution.
ELLE Decor has published a feature showcasing 12 historic American homes from its archives, highlighting their architectural significance and recent restorations. This curated selection spans several centuries and styles, emphasizing the enduring influence of American history on residential design and the ongoing efforts to preserve these landmarks.
The featured homes include notable properties such as Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy’s Victorian summer house in Hyannis Port, a 240-year-old Georgian manse in Claverack, New York, and a Connecticut farmhouse from 1740. Each property has been carefully restored or preserved, often blending historical accuracy with contemporary updates. For example, the Kennedy home has been updated by designer Ann von Kreuter, maintaining its historic charm while modernizing the interiors, as documented in ELLE Decor October 2025.
Similarly, the Ludlow Homestead in Claverack, dating back to 1786, has been restored by actors Peter Spears and Brian Swardstrom, who aimed to preserve its original architecture and period-appropriate furnishings, featured in ELLE Decor December 2014. Other homes include a 1740 farmhouse in Connecticut, modernized with eclectic European and American antiques, and a 1940s bungalow in Los Angeles, owned by designers Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes, which retains its original features while incorporating collected pieces and textiles.
The collection also features larger historic estates like an 1850s Italianate mansion in Hudson Valley, renovated after fire damage, and a 1930s Georgian Revival in Weston, Connecticut, originally commissioned by a Rockefeller heir. These properties demonstrate a range of architectural styles—from Victorian and Georgian to Craftsman and Tudor Revival—and reflect different periods of American residential history, often with recent renovations aimed at balancing preservation with modern living.
Why These Homes Highlight American Architectural Heritage
This collection underscores the importance of preserving America’s architectural history while adapting these homes for contemporary life. It illustrates how historic properties can serve as tangible links to the past, offering insights into regional styles, craftsmanship, and social history. The featured renovations demonstrate a commitment to maintaining authenticity while incorporating modern comforts, helping to sustain these landmarks for future generations. For readers, these homes exemplify the enduring value of historic preservation in American design and culture.
The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore & Care for Furniture
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Historical and Architectural Diversity of Featured Homes
The homes span from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, reflecting key periods of American architectural development. The Victorian Kennedy house represents 20th-century political history, while the Georgian manse and farmhouse showcase colonial and early republic architecture. The 1850s mansion and 1930s Georgian Revival highlight the romantic revival styles popular among America’s elite, and the Craftsman bungalow reflects the Progressive Era’s emphasis on craftsmanship and modesty. This diverse selection illustrates the evolution of American domestic architecture and the ongoing efforts to preserve these structures amid changing tastes and urban development.
“Restoring the Kennedy home was about honoring its history while making it livable for today’s family.”
— Ann von Kreuter, designer
Zhuluck 2Pcs Antique Bronze Ring, Vintage Style Drawer Knob Ring with Back Plate Antique Black Bronze Drawer Pull Dresser Cabinet Knob Kitchen Door Knob Hardware Cabinet Dresser Cabinet
VINTAGE DESIGN: Antique bronze ring pulls with decorative back plate add classic elegance to your furniture with their…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Remaining Questions About Preservation and Modern Use
Details about the full scope of recent restorations are still emerging, and it is not yet clear how many of these properties are open to the public or privately owned. The long-term preservation strategies and whether these homes will serve as museums, private residences, or hybrid spaces remain to be confirmed. Additionally, the specific challenges faced during restoration—such as sourcing period-appropriate materials—are not fully detailed.
Architectural Digest at 100: Century of celebrity homes, iconic designers, and evolving American taste from Architectural Digest's archives.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Future Plans for the Featured Historic Homes
Further updates on these properties are expected as owners and preservationists continue to refine their restorations. ELLE Decor plans to provide additional tours and detailed features on select homes, highlighting ongoing preservation efforts. There may also be opportunities for public engagement or events at some of these historic sites, depending on ownership and local regulations.
How the Working-Class Home Became Modern, 1900–1940 (Architecture, Landscape and Amer Culture)
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Are these homes open to the public or privately owned?
Most of the homes are privately owned, but some may host public tours or events. Specific access details vary by property and are not fully confirmed at this time.
What styles of architecture are represented among these homes?
The collection includes Victorian, Georgian, Colonial, Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Italianate styles, reflecting the diverse history of American residential architecture.
Are there any plans to turn these homes into museums?
There are no publicly announced plans to convert these homes into museums; most are private residences or family-held properties, with ongoing preservation efforts.
What challenges are involved in restoring historic homes?
Restoration challenges include sourcing authentic materials, maintaining structural integrity, and balancing modern living needs with historical accuracy.
Source: Elle Decor
