I grew up in a small town in Indiana on Lake Freeman. I have lived in California for over 40 years. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in such a magical place with such wonderful people. Steve and I do not get back very often but we just returned from a family reunion and Steves’ 45th high school reunion. There are so many lovely homes on the lake and in the small town itself. Here are some of my favorite homes and gardens from small town middle America.
This house (which I believe was originally owned by the Guthrie family?) I passed it everyday when I walked home from school. It lay neglected for many years until the family that owned the local paper restored it and added a lovely addition. There are so many beautiful trees surrounding it;it is hard to get a good shot.
Another pretty home (located right next door to our dear friends) was lovingly restored many years ago and the new owner’s are honoring it’s provenance as well.
Right next door is our friends’ house. Their home and garden though lovely on the outside, is filled with museum quality antiques. The inside will take another complete post!
If you follow me on instagram you saw these pictures of their beautiful gardens
This house belongs to one of our old neighbors It is located a couple of doors down from my dad’s old place. It was torn down a few years back and two McMansions built in its’ place. This house is one of the prettiest on the lake.
Pictures do not do this home justice. It is just as beautiful lake side as it is street side.
Many of the most beautiful homes on the lake have been built on a beautiful stretch of the lake that was once farm ground adjacent to my dads’ property. This is one of my favorites.
You know that I love a great Barn Style House. This is a poor picture but the house is shingled with a fabulous cupola on top. I would love to see the inside of this beauty.
I have great memories of times spent on the lake.
My cousin lives on Lake Shafer and has a beautiful cottage style garden.
There are many older homes in town that are being restored; and sadly many that appear to have been deserted and/or neglected. The O’Connor house, built in 1909 by Monticello’s first mayor, is ready to crumble. I heard that the Historical Society would like to help save it but the current owner is not interested. It was such a beautiful home when I was young.
A trip to Indiana would not be complete without visiting my dads’ farm.
What a beautiful place! The homes are charming—and I need those hydrangea in my garden!
xo, lissy
Lissy I bet you have mounds of beautiful hydrangeas in your garden!!!
I feel like I just took a mini tour…how beautiful! The houses are grand, and those views and gardens, oh my!
Thanks Julie! So glad you enjoyed a visit to my little hometown!
BEAUTIFUL.
AS you know mY MOTHER is from INDIANA and I have fond memories of visiting my GRANDPARENTS in LAFAYETTE.MY AUNT worked for L.S.AYRES……………I experienced FIRE FLIES,barns and SPRING WATER HOUSES…………SO COOL INSIDE.
Elizabeth L.S Ayres was my favorite store! We ate at Arni's Pizza (where the old Ayres was) on our way home!1
Cindy, Steve and Jenna…what a great visit in Monticello! Lots of memories from our time growing up on Lake Freeman. I can almost see your Dad pulling us with the boat as we were skiing. I, too, enjoy going back and seeing lots of the "old houses," but the lake in it's calm, mirror state in either early morning or evening is my favorite sight. I'm hoping that someone will be able to restore the O'Connor home. It has always been such a lovely structure. Thanks for showcasing this little Indiana town! cheryl
I agree Cheryl! Maybe Dave Bramlage will snap some pretty photos of the lake early morning!
Such a pretty area, Cindy. I hope you showed your dad this post.
Cindy,
What a pretty community. I love the homes you've shared and the lake looks so pretty.
xo,
Karen
Thanks Karen! Hope you are having a good summer!
Gosh, who would have known the beauty in that old barn and the corn field! You have such a great eye for photos! Love the photo of my flag flying against Lake Shafer!
Jenna took the photo of your flag! I sent the pics to you last night! Thanks for such a fun time!
Thanks Unknown! I think it might be my old pal Karen?!!
This is awesome Cindy! It was so great to see you and Steve and of course Jenna after all of these years. I think she would be a super friend just like you if we lived closer. I really enjoyed visiting with her.