Views of the Neighborhood

~ John W. Howell

This week I thought it would be interesting to give you an idea of the kinds of houses we have in Port Aransas. I ran out yesterday and took some shots of the various architecture types that one would find here.

The first was taken in what is referred to as “old town,” which is the original settlement.

Port A Houses

As you can see plenty of wires. House up off the ground. Pretty typical. You will also find some unique houses. Here is one.

P.A. Houses

You can also see some houses that have shack-like quality

P.A. Houses

Notice the boat is bigger than the house. This next one is very unusual. I swear I could hear a wolf call when I stepped out of the car.P.A.Houses

Moving away from old town but still near the water, the houses take on a distinct “stilt” flavor. This was the type of construction recognizing the effects of hurricane sea surge. The idea is to let the water run under the house.

P.A. Houses

Notice the Santa still there. The next is an example of the style of home built away from the water and in more like a subdivision.

P.A. Homes

This one could be in any city in America. The next is a home right on the beach. This one was built in the seventies, and very few homes are being constructed on the beach anymore.

P.A.Houses

The newer homes in Port Aransas take on a more palatial tone.P.A Houses

Yes, this is one house. The new architecture is more creative and reflects the southern tropical tradition. Here is a shot of a street in a new development.

P.A. Houses

Here is an older development but you can see the same influence

P.A.Houses

I hope you enjoyed the little tour. Last week I ran a poll to see which of five photos should be placed in the header. The winner with over 44% of the vote is candidate number three, the thunderstorm in the Gulf. It is now the header till spring. Here it is again

 

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Header Picture

Thank you all for voting.

 

62 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood”

  2. What a wonderful tour…it made me think of the homes I’ve seen on Oahu. And, I love the last photo of the thunderstorm–beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. There are some similarities with island homes like Oahu. The idea is to have large porches to shade the house and catch the wind. A lot of homes are influenced by the conch houses on Key West as well. Our house was inspired by a picture of a home we saw in Seaside Florida. Thanks, Gwen. Peaceful Sunday to you.

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  3. The unusual house with the wolf is one I expect to see on HGTV for a home renovation!!
    I think your readers did a great job in choosing the current picture. It’s the sort of image that makes you sit back and think.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, GP. That storm just sat out there and begged for a portrait. That wolf house is amazing and I happened on it yesterday. There has to be a story there. I’ll investigate. Thanks for the comments. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Great photos, John. It’s always nice to get a better understanding of the environment people are in. It’s easier to imagine city/suburban settings, but the mind wanders at the sound of beach.

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  8. It was fun to see the different types of homes, and your commentary made it interesting.
    Kudos on the dramatic new banner photo. I like the idea of changing it seasonally. Have a sublime Sunday. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Love the new header, John! The different style of houses are always intriguing as well as the colors. I often see brightly painted houses in coastal towns much like the second one in your post. Wonder why? I’ve never actually thought about it. Maybe you could explore that and find the answer for us. 🙂

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    1. The idea is to contrast the beautiful colors of the sky and sea. If the houses were all drab it would take away from the total view. Dark colors also attract heat which is not needed in the tropics. The pinks and other bright colors reflect the sun and therefore the heat.

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  14. John, I’m always late to the party, but I enjoy your posts as much as the first visitor, ha! I love the newer, palatial homes. The older, stilted ones, of course, have character, but something tells me the newer ones might withstand a tropical storm easier. And yes, your new header is a winner!!

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    1. I always welcome you no matter when you show up. (the important part is showing up) The newer ones are built on a new set of hurricane regulations so I’m guessing you are right. We really won’t know until the next one hits. Thanks, Debbie.

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  21. Loved this post, John. The houses are all so interesting and each has its own story. They are not unlike many of the coastal homes one sees up and down the east coast. Unfortunately, there are more of the type of the first ones you showed that are being torn down to make room for the gargantuan palaces. The shack, stilted, quaint houses are the very houses that give coastal towns flavor. Great post.
    That header photo of the thunderstorm is fabulous.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you , Michelle. When just out of college I spent some time on the Cape. I loved the cedar shakes and weathered look of the houses there. Tearing things down doesn’t seem like the right thing to do.

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