The drive over to Leeds from our house is about 30 minutes and I’ve driven it many times since we’ve lived here. Peter’s mom and Grandma Eleanor live over that way and so the main road from here to there is very picturesque and just a beautiful scenic drive. Closer into the small town of Leeds, I’ve passed by this house many times and noticed the historical sign out front. One recent day driving over, I noticed that the sign said that this beautiful old home is a museum, so I stopped by and took pics. It wasn’t open at the time, but I walked around and got some nice photos. You can read the sign to get an idea of the history of this house.
It’s a beautiful white farmhouse style home and as you can see dates back to 1863. I love to see homes like this that are restored and kept alive for future generations to enjoy.
A beautiful wooden front door greets visitors coming up the steps.
I love the sweeping front porch with 4 rocking chairs across it. I can imagine the rocking that’s gone on here over the years. This house sits right on the main road going into Leeds.
Large shutters
Closeup of the beautiful door.
And the front railing of the porch.
This old brick red chimney has seen a lot of fires, I’m sure.
The little garden area to the side is very quaint too.
I thought these blue/white checked curtains were precious.
And on the back porch hangs the tools of the house, probably well used over the years.
Two outbuildings are in the back, probably a barn and maybe a tiny guesthouse, I’m using my imagination.
This old bell sits in the middle of the yard. Not sure what the significance is for it. I’ll have to stop by there again one day when they’re open so I can see inside this pretty place.
On down the road is another place that has caught my eye for a long time. It’s called The Sonnet House and I decided to drive in there this time and take some pics. We couldn’t tell what this place was, but watched as a parking lot was built and things began to change. It almost looks like a church on the lefthand side with the steeple, but then the farmhouse itself is SO pretty.
I saw they had a sign up with a website, so I checked it out and it’s a special events house now. Built in 1924, it’s been renovated for parties, weddings, and receptions. You can check it out here.
I’m glad I finally found out what this place is used for. It’s a gorgeous piece of history too. I’ve got some more fun Grandma Eleanor stories to share with you next week, as well as a peek into their attic. And I finally got a pic of the aqua chair. You will not want to miss that!
Hope you enjoyed sightseeing with me in Alabama!
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Rhoda,
Thanks for the Alabama house tour! Loved seeing those two well preserved homes.
You asked about the bell in the yard of House #1. Not sure about that bell in particular, but here’s what I know about them…
Years ago, those bells were used on plantations and farms to signal the farm hands. The ringing could be heard in the fields. In cities, they had steam whistles on some factories that would tell you when to come to work, when it was noon, when the lunch hour was over, and when it was quitting time. The farm bell was the country equivalent of a factory whistle.
In terms of these bells, in addition to using them for every day signals, they could also be used in case of emergencyl like when a barn or house was on fire. Throughout the South during the War Between the States, both church and plantation/farm bells were sometimes melted for bullets.
Hope this helps!
XO,
Sheila 🙂
I love those old farmhouses! Love the porches, the windows around the doors, everything!
I would love to sit in those old rockers and try to imagine who else has sat there and what their life must have been like… lovely old farmhouse and so lovingly restored.
The second home is so, so gorgeous. It must be absolutely beautiful inside. Must go and check out the website.
Thanks for the tour!
Nel
I love the window with blue gingham curtains. The old farmhouse is beautiful.
So charming!
That’s not very witty of me, hu?
I love, love the style of the Bass house. It’s my total favorite, and doesn’t really exist around me, which makes me love the style more (I always want what I can’t have 🙂
Great photos…and I can’t wait for Grandma Eleanor stories!
what a neat way to brighten my day! loved the pics and info ~ do share some more!!
Hi Rhoda,
Love the outside tour of the homes. My favorite pic is the birdbath in the garden.
Thanks for sharing.
Diane
oh I love to come house travelling allover the States in blogland lol!
particularly enjoyed this tour, love the deck with the chairs and most of all the blue check curtains, right up my street…
I would love to come visit, we are planning a trip to the states at the end of next year and I’m hoping to get down south…
Sarah
OMG; what lovely photos, I just love old homes that have be restored. Such history in them. I thank you for the sight seeing tour, loved it.
have a great friday.
Hugs;
Alaura
What a fun post! I love seeing places like this and learning a little about them. Thanks, Rhoda! -Julia 🙂
Hi Rhoda! What fun for me to armchair travel to Alabama and what amazing character and style in those old homes!
Thank you for coming to visit my blog and I hope to hear from you again sometime!
-Kari
~Reese & Marie~
Love those front doors and the old red brick chimney. Neato!
Rhoda..I bet you were itching to get inside that house. I would have loved to see that ceiling.
Next time you go to Leeds check out “The Straw Hat” do a search for it on my web site, search Leeds-great shop. Cute things. Sale is good. And the ladies that work there wonderful.
Such beautiful houses. I love them both. They don’t have too many of those out here in Colorado…at least not that old and charming!
Carrie
Oh how beautiful — both of them! Thanks for sharing, Rhoda. 🙂
xoxo,
Mary
Hi Rhoda,
I have a cousin who lives in Leeds. One of these days I am going to get down to visit her and when I do I cannot wait to meet you! I love your blog and look on it daily.
God Bless, Genah
I have something for you over on my blog. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
hope you dont mind- but I just tagged your beautiful white pumpkins in my post. I loved the idea of painting them!!!!