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Colonial Chic in New Hampshire

by habituallychic

11 . 05 . 18


While I was in Philadelphia this weekend, one of the places I made Heidi Wynne visit with me was the nation’s oldest residential street, Elfreth’s Alley. The street dates to 1702 where thirty-two Federal and Georgian residences built from 1728-1836, stand as reminders of the early days of Philadelphia. We weren’t the only ones interested in the historic street. It was packed with people as we tried to take photos.

We waited until one owner was finished cleaning up outside her home to take photos which you can see on my Instagram feed. As we were about to leave, I asked her about the contraption outside the upstairs window. She told us that it was a “Franklin Mirror” which allows homeowners to see who is at their front door without sticking their head out of the window and letting someone know they were home.

While we were chatting, her neighbors, Neil Frauenglass and George Case walked by with their adorable dog. We were introduced and found out they were also New Yorkers who bought their home on Elfreth’s Alley after visiting Philadelphia one weekend. Turned out they were also involved with design and were fans of Habitually Chic. They actually own a home design shop, 36 Craven, a short walk away which we also checked out and when they are back in New York for work, they stays one block away on the street where I live. Talk about a small world.

Neil also showed us the event space next to the Elfreth’s Alley Museum that shows people how to live in these historic homes in a less historic style and told us about the Deck the Alley event on December 1st when the street is decorated for Christmas and residents open their homes to the public.

The first owner we met also let us take a little tour of the first floor and basement of her house. She really wanted my advice on the Zuber wallpapers she was trying to decide for their front room so I gladly gave my advice. It’s a great example of how you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to strangers or ask someone a question because you never know where you might end up.

But none of these photos are from Elfreth’s Alley, they are from Neil and George’s Colonial house they renovated in New Hampshire which they sold early this year. Some photos are from a 2016 feature in Country Living and others are from the real estate listing. Gives you an idea of their style and what they sell at 36 Craven and their attention to detail. I can’t wait to see their new house on Elfreth’s Alley when it’s published.