Page 124 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2025

Charming Houses That Are Built To Last
story by Holly Harrison and Shannon Stage
Any phrase beginning with “golden” must be referring to something good, right? The Golden Hour, just after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sky dances with color, is the most beautiful time of the day. The Golden Rule reminds us to be on our best behavior and to treat others with respect and dignity. And after dedicating ourselves to careers and raising children, we all look forward to the Golden Years of retirement when we can slow down and savor our older years. So how about older homes—the places where we have sheltered from life’s storms and gathered for some of life’s most precious moments? Aren’t they golden too?
There are several distinguishing characteristics of golden homes, our new phrase for a home that is 50 or more years old. They are often found
in prime locations in well-established neighborhoods where the houses are all different, but they feel related somehow. There is seasoned landscaping and worn paths between neighbors giving the impression that each home’s residents are unique but that neighbors care about one another. There is a sense that the community has evolved over time. Neighborhoods go through cycles where
younger families move in, children grow up, parents move away, and new families move in. Over time homes get new paint, refreshed facades, and additions every now and then, but they continue to be ever present witnesses to the lives of the people who live there.
While some may shy away from golden homes, quality older homes were built to last by true craftsmen. There is a noticeable attention to details that are hard to find in a lot of newer homes. Details like uncommon woodwork and trim, uniquely placed windows, and
floors that will never need replacing, just refinishing after decades of wear. We admit it can be difficult to find skilled labor with the experience needed to
take care of older home maintenance and there is a point at which updating mechanical and structural features is required. But frankly some of these issues seem to be coming up more often in newer homes as well. Don’t you wish a washer and dryer, or an air conditioner lasted as long as they used to? All homes, old and new, require consistent attention to remain solid and sound.
124 | November 2025
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