Then and Now – 9 Beautiful Mansions That Were Saved

7) Vetche-Cortelyou Mansion

Not many people would call this house a mansion by today.’s standards. But, when compared to the log cabins that many farmers of the day were living in, a two-story brick house with many rooms could have been considered a mansion, as evidenced by the above engraving. The house that stands in Brooklyn, Kings County, NY today, though, is not exactly the same house. Reconstructed in 1934, this historic house was originally built in 1699 by Claes Arenston Vechte. It was then owned by various members of the Cortylou family.

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As the site of both a British Revolutionary War retreat and the clubhouse for the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Vechte-Cortylou House has significant historical importance. Today, the structure that was rebuilt (using some original materials from the site) is the main attraction for the Old Stone House Park.

8) Wirick-Simmons House

A Greek revival home in Monticello, FL, this historic house has seen some rough times. Built in 1831 by a preacher named Adam Wirick who married a wealthy widow, the house was sold to W.A.W. Simmons in 1872. From the images taken in 1962, it is clear that the structure was in need of many significant repairs.

The Wirick-Simmons House was purchased by the Jefferson County Historical Association in 1964 and restoration began in 1967. This house is now the headquarters of the JCHA and tours are given of the period-correct interior, replete with authentic furnishings. Not only has this structure been saved, but it has been brought back to its former glory.

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9) Victoria Mansion

Also known as the Morse-Libby Mansion, this grand building was built in the Italianate style in 1860. This immense home features chestnut-paneled walls in the dining room and even has a Turkish smoking room. Not lacking on indulgences, the mansion was constructed by the successful hotel owner, Ruggles Sylvester Morse, as his summer home. With opulence in every detail, its hard to believe that this mansion was at risk for demolition.

Abandoned in 1929 by then-owners, the Libby family, the mansion was then flooded in 1938. By 1940, the property was slated to become a gas station! The building was saved by Dr. William H. Holmes, who bought it with the intent of making it a museum. With many of the original architectural elements and furnishings intact, this lovely home still serves as an excellent museum to the public.

In a time when new construction seems to be the name of the game it’s nice to see that some old buildings have made it safely into the 21st century. Hopefully, these elegant and interesting mansions will stand for many years to come. And, if you love old houses then check out an abandoned house time capsule right here.