This historic Victorian home in the Oread Neighborhood of Lawrence was built in 1887.

Lawrence is a city rich in history, and with 11 officially designated historic districts, the city offers ample opportunities for those interested in purchasing historic homes.

Sean Williams, a realtor with Realty Executives in Lawrence, said that the unique characteristics of historic homes do not make them inherently better or worse than newer homes – just different.

Williams said that one attribute of historic homes that makes them desirable to some buyers is that they are often located in close proximity to attractive locations. This holds true in Lawrence, where the oldest homes are centered around the downtown area and the University of Kansas. Other characteristics that draw buyers to older homes are unique, high quality design, materials and workmanship, said Williams.

“The homes in Old West Lawrence, for instance, were the homes of the moneyed and powerful folks of yesteryear,” said Williams “They tend to have great materials, great design, and features and conditions that people just don’t understand anymore.”

Some examples of rare or extinct materials and design features that Williams said one might find in older homes include chestnut or Philippine mahogany wood, intricately carved wood embellishment or trim design, handcrafted hinges and door knobs, double hung windows with “wavy” glass, and lath and plaster walls.

Homes that are located in officially designated historic neighborhoods are held to a strict set of standards on additions and renovations, which some homeowners find limiting. However, Williams said that these standards protect the historical integrity of neighborhoods, which ultimately has a positive effect on resale values.

Williams said common characteristics of older homes that turn off some buyers include a tendency toward smaller lots, a lack of attached, two-car garages and price.

“I have dozens of people who call me looking for a place that is within walking distance of downtown, but then balk at the price because they can get much more house around the perimeter of Lawrence,” said Williams.

Brick streets, which run in front of many historical homes, are another example of how an affinity for older homes is truly a matter of personal taste. Williams said that many people find the rumble created when cars drive on the bumpy texture of the bricks annoying. Historical purists, on the other hand, love the authenticity of brick streets.

“The more you learn about older homes, the more you either embrace them , or discard them as not your cup of tea,” said Williams. “It’s a style thing.”