From their beginnings during the “gold rush” of the 1800s, the Painted Ladies endured earthquakes, the hardship of wars, the postwar modernist “urban renewal,” and a Victorian renaissance. The Victorian homes stand today as a colorful witness to the perseverance of graceful architecture, beautiful design, and great workmanship in housing.

The Boston, Massachusetts, family home of Paul Revere – silversmith, war veteran, entrepreneur, and well-remembered figure of the American Revolution – was originally built over 300 years ago and still stands today. It is one of the oldest buildings in the region, and one of the first historical houses in the country.

They are residential architects, passionate about their work. They are also women – who have excelled in a male-dominated field and continue to shake the status quo to attain influential positions in architecture. During National Women’s History Month, we acclaim the exceptional achievements of these extraordinary architects of the 21st century.

Perhaps as complex as the man who called it home, Montpelier – President James Madison’s Southern style plantation mansion – is as much a cultural institution as it is an estate that’s been transformed and re-shaped throughout the years to capture its history and the legacy of the Father of the Constitution.

Thanks to "Hamilton," the break-out Broadway show that everyone on the planet seems aware of, Alexander Hamilton is top of mind these days. Because of the immense popularity of the show, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of Hamilton’s history, particularly his New York home!

Millennials and Gen Xers are moving into urban neighborhoods – bringing new enthusiasm and a passion to renovate homes. West Bluff in Peoria, Illinois, is no different, with its urban density, walkability, parks – and standout architectural treasures. We take a closer look at those Victorians, Tudors, and an original Frank Lloyd Wright.

Stepping out of the shadows into the limelight, today’s women architects – like their predecessors – are changing the face of house plan design, and forging a legacy for the next generation. As we observe National Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate the remarkable and amazing women architects of the 21st century.

It’s a far cry from the simple cabin on Little House on the Prairie and the handcrafted single-room log house introduced by Swedish immigrants in the 1700s. But the 2016 Cabin-style home plan – with all its modern twists and luxury – continues to captivate with its quaint and rustic charm.

Called the “most vividly personal of the presidential shrines,” the picturesque, sprawling two-story Shingle-style Queen Anne home stands atop a hill in Cove Neck and overlooks Long Island Sound. Teddy Roosevelt’s Sagamore Hill estate exudes every part of his energetic personality and his passion for nature, hunting, and the environment.

You are looking for home plans to build your family’s dream house, but you can’t seem to find the right ones. Modern plans are too sterile, and the myriad traditional styles are not cutting-edge enough for your taste. Take a look at Contemporary house plans. They may surprise you!