Why We Love Alameda, Part 2

Jenny and I took off a couple of hours on Sunday to partake in the annual Alameda Architectural Tour of homes. When we first moved to Alameda, we hadn't realized that the island had so many beautiful houses dotted throughout the city. As we started driving around Alameda, we then realized what a hidden gem it was, even when compared to San Francisco.

Eight of the nine houses we saw were Victorians. While they are bright and cheery on the outside, Victorians are typically dark and dreary on the inside. Some of the home owners compensated by painting in bright colors and making the best use of the available lighting. But most of the houses used wallpaper styles from the period, which made the interiors appear even darker. I would show you some of the interiors, but indoor photography was not allowed.

Virtually all of the homes were furnished with period antiques and decor. To keep in the spirit of day, the tour guides were dressed in period costumes. They must have been roasting inside since the day turned out to be pretty warm.


Typical Alameda Victorian house in the Eastlake style


Queen Anne cottage that once belonged to the Knowland family; one son was a U.S. Congressman and another became a U.S. Senator 


Close up of a home on the tour just a few blocks away from our house 


Not on the Alameda Architechural Tour, but one of many beautiful vintage homes that dot our hometown 


A garden behind one of the restored Victorian mansions


Several homes had vintage cars packed outside, such as this 1940s Cadillac