Years ago my son and I sat down together at his first Tiger Cub meeting. Each boy was asked to introduce his mother, giving her name and hobby. My son’s turn came. “This is Debra Maher, and her hobby is…” He paused, and I held my breath. “…is… looking at houses.” He grinned. Even at age six, he had me pegged.

My enchantment with houses began early. My own mom often spoke of being born in her Grandmother Martha’s house in northern Minnesota. Inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie books, for years I imagined a rustic farmhouse with a large loft. One day Mom showed me a picture of her birthplace. Great-Grandma Martha’s home made Laura’s snug prairie house seem palatial.

From the Little House books, I moved on to reading Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery’s tales set at Avonlea farm on Prince Edward Island. My first view of city life came from reading about Francie Nolan and her tenement apartment in Betty Smith’s classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. No matter what I read, the homes became characters to me, inviting me inside to become a part of those who lived within their walls.

These beloved stories led to tales of gothic mansions and other rambling houses – Victoria Holt’s Mistress of Mellyn, Norah Loft’s Bless this House and her Suffolk House trilogy, and so many more. At age 15 in Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone With the Wind, I discovered Scarlett O’Hara’s beloved plantation home Tara. Jane Eyre led me through the mysterious rooms of Thornfield Manor. Then I read Daphne DuMaurier’s haunting lines from Rebecca — “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley...”

Is it any wonder I am haunted by houses?

Sometimes while driving in a strange town, I gaze on homes we pass. Nearly always one house will reach out to me until I can almost see those who live inside, can nearly feel the emotions of their lives. The mood is fleeting, passing quickly as we drive on. I’m not a psychic and don’t pretend to be one. But I think life energy is absorbed into houses. What a wonder to discover it.

In our travels I love seeking out old house museums, often former residences of well known persons. There’s a sense of history within those walls – a sense of those who lived there before. Here are some places I’ve enjoyed, and others I hope to see. Click on the name of each for a visit.

The Lincoln-Tallman House in Janesville, Wisconsin – Constructed between 1855 and 1857, this is a great example of Italian Villa-style architecture of the mid-19th century. Abraham Lincoln once slept here.

Ten Chimneys in Genessee Depot, Wisconsin - The gracious estate of actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontane.

Mark Twain’s home in Hartford, Connecticut – A remarkable 19th century Victorian home where Twain raised his family and penned Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. A must-see!

The Frederick Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee – The Flemish Renaissance Revival Mansion of Captain Frederick Pabst, world famous beer baron. Built in 1892 on Milwaukee’s famed Grand Avenue.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon – A fitting tribute to the Father of our Country – gardens, house, grounds, museum, inn – and a view from the porch to die for. Plan to spend the day.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – Explore the extraordinary house, gardens, grounds, and plantation built by Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and our nation’s third president. Savor the tranquil setting amid the green hills of Virginia.

Newport, Rhode Island mansions – “Summer cottages” of the rich and famous during the late 19th/early 20th centuries. Worthy of a long weekend visit. Be sure to take the Behind the Scenes servants’ tour of The Elms for a glimpse of both sides of life.

Here are a few other interesting house sites for your enjoyment.

This Old House – Ideas and techniques for restoring your own old house.

Old House History – Discover the history of your house.

Old Houses for Sale – Finding historic homes for sale.

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation – Dedicated to the preservation of the ideals of noted architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Architectural Plans – Designs and floor plans by award winning architects.

Haunted Houses – A guide to haunted houses across America.

Digital Archives of American Architecture – A comprehensive look at American architecture from the 17th through the 20th centuries.