Pretty Houses and Gardens in Monticello, Indiana

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.

...and most of all reconnecting with old friends and family.  Thanks everyone for such a fun trip!