Category Archives: Victorian Homes

Some of the Best Victorian Christmas Decorating Ideas

House decorated with lights for a Victorian ChristmasIf you’ve recently purchased a Victorian home in Cape May, NJ, congratulations! There’s nothing better than decorating a historic house for the holidays. In fact, many Christmas traditions popular today arose during Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s reign over England in the 1800s! This year, don’t spend money on generic store-bought decorations – seek out one-of-a-kind items that are as special and unique as your new home.

Jersey Cape Realty has plenty of Victorian Christmas decorating ideas that will make your property look gorgeous and enchanting. Check out some of our favorite tips below and start stocking up on decorations today!

3 of the Best Victorian Christmas Decorations to Try This Holiday Season

1. Create a Victorian Era Christmas Tree

Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to Windsor Castle when he was married to the Queen. After it became a holiday staple at the castle, families across England and America cut evergreen trees and brought them into their own homes for the season. Tree decorations often included homemade ornaments, fruit, and nuts. You can recreate this look by hanging popcorn, cranberry, or nut strands around the tree. You can also add paper flowers or tinfoil decorations for trimming.

Jersey Cape Realty Tip: Victorian families often gathered around the tree to sing Christmas carols. Playing popular songs like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” add a special ambience to a Victorian home’s holiday décor!

2. Showcase Antique Christmas Toys

To create an authentic looking Victorian holiday home, seek out vintage memorabilia and toys to display in each room. You can place them on a mantelpiece, shelf, or beneath a tree. According to an article from Harper’s Bazaar in 1881, popular Christmas toys from the era were doll houses, musical instruments, bicycles, spinning tops, and building blocks.

3. Add Some Christmas Greenery

Ivy, mistletoe, and other greenery were often put up in Victorian era homes because they were thought to help usher in spring. Consider using greens on fireplace mantels, doorways, and around staircases to add some fresh flair to your house. You can also put some outside on your mailbox, doorway, or porch.

Need More Ideas?

If you love Victorian Christmas decorations but don’t have the time or resources to recreate them, you can find sample displays all over Cape May. Feel free to browse museums, department store windows, and other historical mansions or homes for ideas. The city of Cape May is famous for its Victorian era theme and is a wonderful place to explore during the holidays.

Contact Jersey Cape Realty for More Decorating Tips and Tricks!

Vintage decorations and crafts add personality to any Victorian home. If you love Cape May and are looking to relocate, let Jersey Cape Realty be your guide! We have an accomplished team of skilled, professional agents that are excited to help you find the Victorian home of your dreams. Simply visit our website to browse our featured listings and contact us today to schedule a showing. We look forward to hearing from you!

Photo Credit: bauhaus1000 | Getty Images

Some of the Best Victorian Homes for Sale in NJ

Victorian homes for sale in NJWith their romantic feel, rich history, and unparalleled charm, it’s no wonder that so many people fantasize about living in a Victorian home. “Victorian” is a term that describes the signature architectural style of homes built between 1830 and 1910, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Many of these structures are completely one-of-a-kind and provide a living experience like no other. From simple country farmhouses to elaborate Queen Anne-style properties, there are a wide variety of Victorian homes for sale in NJ – especially here in historic Cape May! If you’re thinking about investing in this type of real estate, check out some of our featured properties and make your homeowner dreams a reality.

Benefits of Investing in Historic Real Estate

In addition to their aesthetic beauty, there are many pros for purchasing a vintage house. Given the popularity of Victorian homes, many have already been restored to their original grandeur and have also been upgraded for every modern comfort. In addition, many states and local governments offer tax incentives like credits or lower interest loans for preserving and restoring historic structures. But the biggest upside to buying a Victorian home is that you are investing in a piece of the past – and whether you plan to live in the house or rent it out, you will become a part of that home’s history as it becomes a part of yours.

Top 3 Victorian Homes for Sale in NJ

  1. 44 Harbor: Stunning harbor views, private tennis courts, and a marina make living in the exclusive Cape May Harbor Village and Yacht Club a dream come true. This Neo-Victorian property features 3-zone heating and air conditioning, a security system, an elevator to all three levels, a detached 2-car garage, and an outside shower. Inside the grand 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, you’ll find cathedral ceilings, a gas fireplace, granite counter tops, beautiful cabinetry, and a professional Viking cooking range.

  2. 211 Grant: Located just two blocks from the beach, this three-story 1878 Victorian home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen, and a large wrap-around front porch. There are also two outdoor showers, a spacious backyard, and off-street parking for four cars. This unique home features both the charm of a bygone era as well as the convenience of today’s modern amenities.

  3. The Merry Widow: Situated on historic Jackson Street, the Merry Widow is one of Cape May’s most colorful buildings and was formerly the J. Henry Edmonds House, circa 1879. This breathtaking fully-renovated home features a modified Queen Anne structure, complete with a Mansard roof and large castle turrets. Unit 2 in the home is for sale and features two bedrooms, a comfortable living area, an open kitchen, and front and side porches. With many years of successful rentals and very low interest rates in the area, purchasing this unit is a smart investment.

Call Jersey Cape Realty Today!

Now that you know about the beautiful Victorian homes for sale in NJ, it’s time to buy! At Jersey Cape Realty, our friendly and experienced real estate agents will help you through the entire process and will answer any and all of your burning questions. To see more of our featured listings, visit our website or give us a call today. We look forward to helping you find the perfect historic home at the Jersey Shore!

Want to learn about modern real estate?
Check out our blog about new construction in Cape May, NJ!

Photo Credit: ksmith0808 | Thinkstock