Ah the Wonders of an Estate House!

On Sunday the Long Beach Historical Society held its annual homes tour.

The tour provided access to a number of private residences for a mere $30.  The variety was astounding, a few homes representing the later periods in Long Beach architectural history but the majority were true estate homes from the early 1900's, complete with servants' entrances, staircases, and quarters, and owners who took up the cause of a true to history renovation. Makes me want to drop everything and dedicate my life to an estate house restoration. (photo source)

Also of interest was the variety of people on this tour.  Some were locals who came what I can only guess is the same attitude that compels people to attend neighbors' open houses -- sheer curiosity -- while others were local history or architecture buffs and a few were owners of estate homes themselves, looking for ideas and camaraderie.  A bus full of ladies in red hats stood out and my own research confirms that this is a national organization.  Strange.   

But oh my, what beautiful homes... and seems like there are still quite a few around in need of significant TLC.  Perhaps Long Beach is the answer to the question, "what happens when all the Brownstones in Brooklyn have been renovated and resold?"  If it wouldn't consume all my time, money, and perhaps my soul, I would start saving now for one of these beauties.  If anyone out there knows, please share your thoughts on who catches this bug and why?