Victorian? Ultra-decorative trim makes these special homes look festive all year

SPRINGFIELD, IL: DESIGN EYES, LISTED BY RONI MOHAN; HOUSTON, TX: TK IMAGES, LISTED BY BILL BALDWIN/BOULEVARD REALTY; GORHAM, NH: TYLER RYAN, LISTED BY STEVE GRONE/RE/MAX NORTHERN EDGE REALTY; SAINT PAUL, MN: ALEX RUMSEY/ ARCHI-PIX, LISTED BY LISA EGNASH/COLDWELL BANKER REALTY; PORTLAND, OR: JUSTIN JONES/JONES MEDIA SHOP, LISTED BY JIM MCCARTAN AND KAYLA MCCORMICK/CASCADE HASSON SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY; PEPPERMINT: GETTY IMAGES

Houston, TX $679,900 2 BR, 2 BA, 1,400 sq. ft.

Gorham, NH

$648,500 5 BR, 3 BA, 3,382 sq. ft.

Saint Paul, MN

$584,900 4 BR, 4 BA, 3,386 sq. ft. Portland, OR$1,095,000 4 BR, 4 BA, 3,428 sq. ft.

POINTERS FROM A PRO

Real estate expert Page Turner of Fix My Flip gives us the scoop on this sweet house style.

Respect the history Budget for updates Keep it up

Gingerbread Victorians are famous for their delicate, ornate trim, including frieze boards, brackets, and spindles. These features may be protected by historic commissions, so don’t plan for big exterior changes! The late 19th century was prime time for Victorian architecture, so these properties are often 100-plus years old. If you buy one, you might have to take on major renovations like new electrical or heating. Caring for a home with intricate exterior woodwork—even when it’s in great shape—is a big responsibility. You’ll need to keep an eye out for insect and weather damage, and restain or repaint the trim regularly.