Real Estate Corner: Breathing new life into an old home

Ashland has plenty of historic old homes. They may require a little more patience and a lot more intention in upkeep.
April 22, 2025

Living in a historic home is a privilege; if you have one, the city of Ashland, and other groups, can provide advice on preservation

By Carrie Dahle

One of the things that makes Ashland feel so special — aside from the theaters, the trails and the coffee shops we all love — is the charm of our historic neighborhoods. Drive through the Railroad District or stroll past homes near the library, and it’s like taking a walk through a living history book. These homes aren’t just structures, they tell the story of the people and moments that shaped our town.

Carrie Dahle

But let’s be honest — owning a historic home comes with a different kind of to-do list. It’s not the same as caring for a newer build. These homes need a little more patience, a lot more intention and a deep appreciation for the character that comes with age. From original wood windows and vintage doorknobs to quirky floor plans and hidden gems behind every layer of paint, these homes come with details you don’t find in modern construction. And those details? They’re worth preserving.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make updates — it just means those updates should be thoughtful. Preservation isn’t about freezing your home in time. It’s about honoring its story while ensuring it still works for the way we live today. The key is to repair when you can, rather than replace. If an old window frame looks rough, consider restoring it instead of swapping it out. Not only does this help keep the character intact, but it’s also often the more cost-effective option. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about breathing new life into something old.

Living in a historic home also means working with the right people. Contractors and craftsmen who understand the quirks of older homes can make all the difference — whether you’re trying to match an old trim profile or figure out why your floor isn’t quite level (and probably never has been). And when in doubt, know that Ashland has your back. The city’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee is an amazing resource for homeowners who want to make the right choices. Their meetings are open to the public, and the city’s website contains helpful info, including maps of historic districts, permit guidelines and resources to help you get it right.

Regular maintenance is a must — historic homes are beautiful, but they can hide problems if you’re not paying attention. Keeping an eye on things like your foundation, roof and plumbing can save you from bigger issues down the line. And if you’re updating or restoring parts of your home, keep records of your work. That kind of documentation is gold when it comes to future projects, insurance or even resale value.

There’s also no shortage of tools out there to support you. Whether browsing the Southern Oregon Historical Society, the Historic Preservation League of Oregon or flipping through Old House Journal for weekend project inspiration, there’s something powerful about being part of a community that values and preserves its past.

Owning a historic home in Ashland is a privilege — it’s like holding a piece of our city’s story in your hands. Yes, it comes with challenges. Yes, it might require a little extra love. But there’s something deeply rewarding about living in a space that’s seen decades — maybe even centuries — of life, love, and transformation. These homes remind us that we’re not the first ones to walk their floors, and we won’t be the last. We get to honor the past with care and intention while still writing our own chapter.

Local market snapshot: Ashland real estate

As of the end of March, Ashland’s housing market has held fairly steady. We saw 50 existing homes sold in the first quarter — just one more than in the same period last year. Median home prices dipped slightly to $496,000, down 2.7% from 2024. Inventory in Ashland ticked up just a bit, with 82 active listings compared to 79 last year. It’s a reminder that while the market may be neutral overall, every home — especially our historic ones — still tells its own story.

Ashland resident Carrie Dahle is president of the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors and principal broker at John L. Scott, Ashland. Email her at [email protected].

Picture of Jim

Jim

Related Posts...

Real Estate Corner: A market in motion

Carrie Dahle: If you’ve been waiting for a sign that the real estate market is shifting, this is it. Cash buyers are still ruling the board, but for the first time in over a year, buyers who need financing are finally back in the game.

Read More »

Our Sponsors

Siskiyou School's Winter Faire Festival and Holiday Market Ashland Oregon
Ashland Food Project Building Community Ashland Oregon
Ashland Climate Collaborative Sreets for Everyone Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Crossword: Fun(d)raising #02

This week’s theme: some fun fund puns. Solve it in your browser or download and print. Next Friday’s crossword: CrosspOLLInation 2026 Winter #01. Readers: take advantage of a matching gift opportunity to support Ashland.news. Organizations: sponsorship of crossword pages is still available. Ask about having your name appear in a future crossword!

Read More >

Works by Ashland sculptors on display at Rogue Gallery

Two Ashland area sculptors have created “a unique and dynamic” exhibit, according to the one of the visitors at an artists’ talk at the Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford Saturday, Oct. 25. The exhibit, which closes Friday, Oct. 31, showcases large, elaborate wood sculptures that appear to defy gravity

Read More >

Relocations: Money as a tool, not a taboo

Herbert Rothschild: Rightly understood, money is simply a tool for achieving what we want. Fortunately, what most of us want isn’t self-aggrandizement. Beyond giving us financial security, our money affords us an easy way to contribute to the well-being of others — family, community, world.

Read More >

Our Sponsors

Ashland Community Composting Ashland Oregon
Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon
Pronto Printing Ashland Medford Southern Oregon
City of Ashland Public Notice Ashland Oregon

Explore More...

This week's theme: some fun fund puns. Solve it in your browser or download and print. Next Friday's crossword: CrosspOLLInation 2026 Winter #01. Readers: take advantage of a matching gift opportunity to support Ashland.news. Organizations: sponsorship of crossword pages is still available. Ask about having your name appear in a future crossword!
Two Ashland area sculptors have created "a unique and dynamic" exhibit, according to the one of the visitors at an artists’ talk at the Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford Saturday, Oct. 25. The exhibit, which closes Friday, Oct. 31, showcases large, elaborate wood sculptures that appear to defy gravity
Herbert Rothschild: Rightly understood, money is simply a tool for achieving what we want. Fortunately, what most of us want isn’t self-aggrandizement. Beyond giving us financial security, our money affords us an easy way to contribute to the well-being of others — family, community, world.
George Kramer: Passing this amendment is a reasonable way for voters to assure Council will be more thoughtful before extracting dollars from ratepayers. It's not "horrible." It's democracy. Sadly, that is something currently in short supply.

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.

ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)