I love looking at beautiful houses. I always have. As a child I dreamed of living in a fairytale castle; today I live in a modest, new house in a straightforward neighborhood. I’m grateful for my home, even though it’s far from perfect.
I don’t have an ornate fence, a stone walkway, impeccable landscaping, an iron gate, or charming lanterns framing a storybook front door. While those things are lovely, I’m content without them.
I’ve lived in beautiful homes and wonderful neighborhoods, and I’ve learned that living within your means feels far better than striving for a house you can’t afford. I don’t covet those grand homes—I simply appreciate their beauty.
I enjoy a good Sunday drive-by. After a few hours of admiring other homes, I go back to my own comfortable life in my normal neighborhood—happy and content.
To celebrate the season, let’s enjoy this gorgeous fall day in Seattle!
It was such a lovely late-September day that most of this tour was a walk. My oldest and youngest came along, and their company made the stroll even more enjoyable—louder, but better. Trying to be sneaky with a bouncing 10-year-old is a challenge, but it was worth it.
My red cowgirl boots weren’t the quietest footwear for sneaking around. Sneakers would have been better for scaling fences and slipping through bushes—but I’m only joking. This was all harmless neighborhood admiring.
I am very discreet when I am trespassing.
Isn’t this a lovely little nest? But there’s more—come on, let’s keep walking.
Yes—another wing! The house keeps revealing itself.
It feels more like a villa than a house, painted in the most delicious shade of yellow. But keep walking—there’s even more to see.
Sigh. Hello, truly massive villa.
It wraps around the back with a balcony that overlooks…
Ta da! The Seattle skyline—what a view (if the villa didn’t block it).
On to another neighborhood. The villa was impressive but a little too large for my taste. Let’s see what else is out there.
This is more my style—a charming curved picket fence.
This little gate and its sweet sign are precious. Do you ever name your house? I’ve always thought it would be fun—mine might be “Spider Manor.”
This courtyard is elegant. I wanted to peek inside, but the gate was locked—no sneaking in. Even if it weren’t locked, I wouldn’t enter without ringing the bell; there might be big dogs inside.
This one feels like a hobbit or fairytale house—so charming. That pointed door is irresistible.
Zooming in with my camera for a closer look.
I’ve always wanted a porch like this—so pretty and inviting.
This cute entry and dormer show how much personality unique architecture can add to a home.
So many homes are tucked behind gates and hedges.
Look at the vines climbing the brick—already changing color for fall.
Too bad the homeowners weren’t around when a delivery arrived—I might have caught a peek inside when they opened the door.
This blue-shingled house is stunning. I can imagine an attic studio at the top—perfect for painting, crafting, or a quiet mom cave.
The views from these hills are incredible—imagine a cruise ship visible from your front yard. The scenery alone makes these neighborhoods special.
We’ll continue our Sunday drive next week. There are more charming houses to show you, including one with oversized chess pieces displayed in the front yard and another that became my husband’s favorite. Tomorrow we’ll return with inside tours.
Where do you go on Sunday drives in the fall?
These houses are in Queen Anne and Magnolia in Seattle.
Do you enjoy Sunday drives as much as I do? If so, you might enjoy browsing past drive-by posts and discovering more neighborhood treasures.
Now go find more of the 31-day participants and enjoy their autumn inspiration.