Views of the Neighborhood

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 comments

  1. patriciaruthsusan's avatar

    What a difference. I loved the one where the boat was bigger than the house. It’s easy to tell where his heart lies. Good pictures, John. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Suzanne. I think the house was just a place to change clothes. 🙂

      Like

  2. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen Plano · ·

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      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.

      Like

  3. GP's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      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

      1. GP's avatar

        Let us know what story those walls are keeping secret!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I will. I have a hint but need to do more research.

          Liked by 1 person

  4. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    That one with the wall and gate makes me think of the Addams Family. Now I have the theme in my head.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought the same as I pulled up. It is a very unique place. I’m going to try and get some history on it.

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

        Looking forward to that post. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is in my reminder book. 🙂

          Like

  5. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    What a great tour, John. I loved seeing all of the different homes and the beautiful palms. Can you imagine the upkeep on that big one? My favorite was the last. Happy Sunday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A cute house. I guess on the big one if you have to worry about upkeep you wouldn’t build it. Thanks, Jill. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Dan Antion's avatar

    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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does. Sometimes I have to catch my mind as it goes out to sea. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Your wander posts always bring some local flavor, and it’s a good flavor. The blue one with the golf cart port is pretty strange though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know right? I threw that one in to show some of the weird character nature of the town.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. coldhandboyack's avatar

        It almost looks like they removed part of the house to make room for the golf cart.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          That could very well be. Around here it could have been the spare bedroom. 😀

          Liked by 1 person

  8. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    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

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teagan. A Supreme Sunday to you as well. Hugs.

      Like

  9. The Hook's avatar

    There are some amazing homes in your hood, John.
    #Paradise

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks Hook. Stay warm. (or at least as warm as possible) 🙂

      Like

      1. The Hook's avatar

        Doing my best.
        I’m only outside for a few minutes a time at work, fortunately.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Ski mask needed.

          Like

  10. Almost Iowa's avatar

    Elevating a house on stilts is a great strategy to deal with the inevitable storm surge. Placing it on wheels works too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Or on pontoons.:-D

      Like

  11. John Fioravanti's avatar

    Great collection of homes, John – I enjoyed the tour immensely! Glad you picked the blue banner picture!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks John. The readers picked it but I’m with you. I liked it best.

      Like

      1. John Fioravanti's avatar

        I was one of the readers who voted for that one, John. It is a beautiful shot! You have GR8 taste, good sir!

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      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.

      Like

  13. Jan Hawke's avatar

    44% is pretty convincing! ❤ you town, John! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you , Jan. It was a landslips of sorts. I love the town as well.

      Like

  14. Debbie's avatar

    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!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

    Strange how one place can have such varied structures of houses. I like this place you live. I enjoy the walkarounds. Great pictures, too. 😛

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tess. Glad to have you visit.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Let's CUT the Crap!'s avatar

        You are welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Cayman Thorn's avatar

    I love the ambitious colors of beach houses. Nice selection, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Pilgrim. 🙂

      Like

  17. Teri Polen's avatar

    Enjoyed seeing the different constructions – that small one could be on Tiny House Hunters on HGTV!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We actually have a tiny house here. It is brand new and I totally forgot about it. Darn. 🙂

      Like

  18. circadianreflections's avatar

    It was neat to see the old original homes and the newer ones.

    The little one with the big boat brought made me smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I had hope it would bring smiles. Thanks for letting me know. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    I love the houses of the gulf. They all tell a story. I liked seeing them through your eyes.
    44% that’s a loud voice of opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. 4.4 people out of ten. 🙂

      Like

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I had to cut someone into fourths

          Liked by 1 person

        2. John W. Howell's avatar

          They deserved it.

          Like

  20. dalecooper57's avatar

    I really like the style (if not the colour) of that green house at the top, it has a very European look to it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It did remind me of some houses in Germany.(Shutters and all) Thanks, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. macjam47's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      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.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Mar's avatar

    Love all the pictures, John! Some beautiful homes!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mar. Lovely seeing you here. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person