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These Vintage Houses Are True Time Capsules of Another Era

By

Michelle Nati

, updated on

December 20, 2024

Not everyone is looking for a new house. In fact, many people are looking at old houses for sale as a unique place to live or a source of design inspiration.

These vintage houses are true time capsules. They have changed little since they were built and are a true window into the past. 

The Ennis House in Los Angeles, California

The Ennis House exterior

Zillow

The Ennis House in Los Angeles was built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1924. It is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is a state and city cultural monument.

You might recognize its unique look. The famous house has been featured on television and in movies, including "Blade Runner."  

1920s Elegance

The living room

Zillow

The home is made from 27,000 interlocking granite blocks designed by Wright.

 

 

Overlooking Los Angeles

The view

Zilllow

The house almost didn't survive. It suffered significant structural damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

 

A Proper Restoration

The long hallway

Zillow

In 2011, supermarket billionaire and preservationist Ron Burkle bought it for $4.5 million with the promise of renovation.

Luxury Defined

The dining area

And it remains a work of art. The home has over 6,000 square feet of living space, which includes a detached guesthouse. 

 

Cozy in Concrete

One of the bedrooms

Zillow

The Ennis House is the largest of four concrete-block houses that Wright built in Los Angeles. Much of its furniture was also designed by the architect. 

A Vision Restored

The billiards room

Zillow

After restoration, the house was up for sale again in 2018 for $23 million. 

Unlike Other Houses

The kitchen

Zillow

The Ennis House is unlike other Frank Lloyd Wright homes in that it's bright with high ceilings. Most of his creations are low and dark inside.

New Owners

One of the bathrooms

Zillow

The home sold in 2019 for $18 million. It used to host tours, but they have been temporarily suspended. 

A Mid-Century Modern in Hamburg, New York

The exterior of mid-century modern in Hamburg, New York

Realtor.com

This house in New York State has been in the same family since it was built in 1953. 

A Unique Look at the Past

The carport

Realtor.com

Because of this, its interiors have not changed much since. 

 

A Retro Color Palate

The staircase

Realtor.com

According to the owner, everything is original, down to the avocado carpets.

A Jaw-Dropping Fireplace

The living area with a fireplace

Realtor.com

The house was designed with Frank Lloyd Wright in mind and includes built-ins and bleached mahogany everywhere. 

A Classic Bathroom

One of two bathrooms

Realtor.com

The home is for sale for $669,000, which is about $400,000 more than houses in the area. 

Built to Last

The family room

Realtor.com

The 3,479-square-foot home’s interior is made from concrete and steel. 

Room to Cook

The kitchen

Realtor.com

The kitchen floor is made from imported Italian marble.

Cabinet Space Galore

The kitchen from the other side

Realtor.com

The cherrywood cabinets were made from trees grown on the property. 

Brass Railings Throughout

Stairs to the lower level

Realtor.com

The home was used to entertain, both inside and out. 

It sits on a 3.34-acres perch and even has a private lake with a dock.

Tiki Elements

The lower level

Realtor.com

The family room features flagstone floors, cypress and large windows.

A Swinging 1960s Pad in Hershey, Pennsylvania

The home exterior

Zillow

Marlin Umberger, an esteemed builder in the Hershey area, created this home in 1959.

Space-Age Elements

The front door

Zillow.com

The sunburst design on the door is very indicative of the time period.

The Little Details

Interior foyer

Zillow.com

Umberger was also a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and designed the mid-century modern ranch with him in mind. 

Room to Spread Out

The  living room

Zillow.com

The open living room features, high ceilings, built-in speakers, and large windows.

Open and Airy

The view

Zillow.com

The wall of windows gives warmth to the large space.

The Charming Kitchen

The kitchen

Zillow

The home's kitchen is fully equipped and has plenty of counter space, and even a built-in desk.

Room to Play

The basement rumpus room

Zillow.com

The basement rec room is massive with a brick fireplace, a full bath, and its own bonus room.

Wood-Paneled Excellence

The den

Zillow.com

This spacious room has vaulted and beamed ceiling and is a perfect writing space. 

Retro in Red

The bedroom

Zillow.com

It has a bedroom big enough for your round bed.

Delicate Decor

The bathroom

Zillow.com

This is one of two full bathrooms with a decidedly mid-century vibe. 

A 1970s Throwback in Minnetonka, Minnesota

The home's exterior

Realtor.com

This home was built in 1970 by architect Arthur Dickey. It features over 5,500 square feet of living space.

A Bold Entryway

The front door

Realtor.com

Stained glass frames and bright orange double doors welcome you into the house. 

Untouched for Over 50 Years

The living room with fireplace

Realtor.com

The home has been cared for by the original owner and has vaulted ceilings, walnut built-ins, stained glass, and a two-sided copper and brick fireplace.

Understated Comfort

The living area

Realtor.com

The living room is part of the home's open floor plan.

This Small Kitchen Gets the Job Done

The kitchen area

Realtor.com

While the kitchen is not very big, there are several cabinets, and the counter space is plentiful.

A Dining Room Filled With Built-Ins

The dining area

Realtor.com

The home boasts five bedrooms, a home office, and five bathrooms.

The Two-Way Fireplace

The second living area

Realtor.com

The second living room looks out on the property's lush greenery. 

Curved Air

One of the bedrooms

Realtor.com

The bedrooms boast curved walls, high ceilings and built-in storage cabinets.  

That '70s Wallpaper

Built-in vanity

Realtor.com

While the house is mostly brick and wood, it does feature some color in its bold wallpaper. 

A Place to Entertain

The family room

Realtor.com

The home also features an indoor pool, sauna and even a dance floor. 

A 1980s Desert Home in Indian Wells, California

The exterior of the mansion

Redfin.com

If you're looking for desert excellence, this timeless classic built in 1989 has it all.

A Pastel Palate

The living room

Redfin.com

True to the decade, the design scheme is pastel with a little neon thrown in.

A Disco Vibe

The main room

Redfin.com

Neon and a mirrored ceiling make the main living area look even bigger than it is. 

1980s Arcade Style

The game room

Redfin.com

The previous owners also owned a casino in Las Vegas, and the billiards room reflects that vibe. 

A Room With a View

Pastel pink carpeting

Redfin.com

These floor-to-ceiling windows brighten the home and give its color palate contrast.

Shocking Pink

The kitchen

Redfin.com

A secondary party kitchen has the requisite marble and neon. 

A Multicolored Marvel

A breakfast nook

Redfin.com

This brightly colored nook is perfect for morning coffee and a view of the desert. 

A Place to Get Ready

A glam room

Redfin.com

The glam room has a nail station and hair salon. 

An Oval Bathroom

The bathroom

Redfin.com

Glass blocks offer privacy in the main bathroom. 

Relax in the Indoor Jacuzzi

The jacuzzi

Redfin.com

What desert home would be complete without a jacuzzi? This one has one that is unforgettable.

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