Smack dab in the middle of central Phoenix lies an oasis also known as the Willo District. Here you can find small architectural gems that were built in the 1930’s and beyond. Here is the Willo Home Tour.
Willo Home Tour
Throughout the neighborhood, you can see Pueblo, Spanish, Monterey, and Mission styled homes.
There are also storybook cottages such as the Tudor and French Provincial styles.
As always, the ever popular Ranch style can also be spotted.
The bubbling fountain and large picture window at this home captured my attention.
Is there anything lovelier than a bright geranium in a clay pot?
There was period appropriate automobile eye candy as well.
You really cannot beat the architectural details that come with an older home. This scalloped detailing made me sigh with happiness.
I am always drawn to vignettes of the secret garden variety.
This scene beckoned to “Come and sit awhile.”
Do you hear the whisper of “Relax and enjoy a good book.”?
Perhaps you’d prefer to dine al fresco.
Or roast some gooey marshmallows.
For those of you still slumbering under a blanket of snow, here are a few hopes and dreams that spring will soon arrive.
On a separate note, last night I donned a $3.00 purple sequin dress from Goodwill and passed out candy to the Mardi Gras parade crowd. My sweet reward was being crowned the Westgate Mardi Gras queen. Here’s a snapshot of Sweet Boy and myself getting ready to ride the float.
Have a majestic day!
The Duchess of Decor
i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee the houses in that area of town!!! they are gorgeous!!!! all hail queen laura!!! loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee the dress….and that photo is GREAT! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
Oh Laura sweetie…
Congratulations Queen.
That is just as sweet as it can be. I love this picture of you and sweet boy. Looks like you had such a GREAT time. Someday you will both look back and just smile and laugh, and remember the good times.
I love the history houses. They are always so fun and beautiful eye candy gorgeous. They really keep them up nicely. Wouldn't it be nice if all neighborhoods were like this?
Have a beautiful day sweetie. Country hugs and much love…Sherry
Congratulations on being crowned Queen!!
It was fun walking through “1930's Phoenix” with you.
You are a beautiful Mardi Gras Queen!
When my son is out of high school at Desert Vista, I want to move to Willo or Encanto! That's my dream!!!
I would love to do a home tour here, Laura! But you did a wonderful job on foot!! How did you get in the backyards…must have some connections! 😉 I too, love the home with the fountain.
You look terrific in the photo with your son. Congratulations!!
xoxo
Janie
P.S. Love your new blog look!!
Wow, a queen! and to ride on the float….you look beautiful, but that isn't hard for you! Congrats…and the homes are lovely! I don't think I know where they are…
The houses are gorgeous, as I sit here freezing this morning. And that's a PERFECT dress for Mardi Gras. Awesome that you got it for $3!
Your Majesty… you and Sweet Boy look maaaaaahvelous! You outshine those gorgeous homes. Thanks for sharing those beautiful photos.
Oh you are such a gorgeous queen. Congratulations. The picture of you and your son is just precious. Also, I loved the tour of all the homes. So pretty. Hugs, Marty
HI Laura!!!!
I love that part of town as well, I grew up on the west side of town and Encanto Park was a must visit on lots of occasions. Driving through those neighborhoods was always a delight and still is, even in the bustle hustle of downtown, it has kept it's charm!!!!
I'm going to showcase a few unique homes I have found out here in my neck of the woods when I get back!!!!!
Congrats on being crowned Queen!!!!
Your dress is perfect for the occasion!!!!
Purple, gold and green!!!!!
It sure looked fun!!!!
hugs,
jamie
Laura, what a treat to see a bit of the lovely homes where you live. I can't believe you got that fun dress for just a few dollars! You look FAB in it,my darling, if I say so myself! Suzie
Thanks for the tour, Queen!
What a beautiful neighborhood. And it looks so Springy.:) something we all long for. Congratulations, Duchess. Now you are a QUEEN! xo Lidy
Queen Decor!
Now I knew that in the past few years paint was taking a turn.. but I love these new colors!!
Stunning shots. When are you flying to La my dear?
with love,
Olivia
That neighborhood is gorgeous!! I am also jealous at how warm it looks out there. We are freezing here and still have snow on the ground. You look beautiful as the Mardi Gras queen. Love & blessings from NC!
Those houses are just gorgeous! What a beautiful neighborhood.
Congrats on being crowned Queen!
Manuela
in regards to the purple dress…..get outta town! Goodwill…no way! And it looks fabulous on you! 🙂
Loved all the homes you showed. Wonder why it is even with the new very expensive homes with lots of extra details they still don't have that feel and charm of the fabulous old homes? I can't wait for Spring and garden vignettes and little seating areas all around…ugh!
G'morn, your majesty! ~ $3 for that dress … WOW! WHOA! You look like a million, good buy, great color! What fun you & Mr. Buddy had …
Don't you just LOVE looking at homes, the street appeal & gardens … the eye-candy cars make it even more fun.
Beautiful homes, TY for sharing.
Have a lovely weekend, Laura ~
Hugs, Marydon
I really enjoyed the home tour of these gorgeous older homes! Congrats on being crowned “The Queen!”
Beautiful neighborhood!
Congratulations on being crowned Mardi Gras Queen!
Thanks for your comments on my blog!
I just did my Cloche Party post, you are invited, come on over!
Katherine
My kids used to take swimming lessons near there and we would always drive around and look at the houses every week.
I love Phoenix!
Hail to the queen! You look so pretty, and what a deal that dress was! This is such a charming neighborhood you've shared. I loved seeing all of those homes. laurie
Laura,
I love historical homes. These are from such a glamorous era. I adore classic cars as well.
Congrats to be named Queen! You look fabulous.
Deborah
Love that you got crowned queen! That Tudor is just dreamy, I have always loved that style home.
Oh Laura… We are all so proud of our Mardi Gras Queen! 🙂 Congratulations!
I love this area. I drive through it every once and awhile to see what the folks re-doing. I would love to live in one of these historic areas. How do you find out about the home tours?
~Liz
P.S. your photos are great!
Hi! I just came across your blog and thoroughly enjoy it. I live in Chandler. I am a HUGE fan of the historic districts in Phoenix, particularly Willo and Encanto. I hope to own a home there one day.
Keep up the good work and please check out my blog:
http://desertchildaz.blogspot.com
~ Kelly
What a beautiful queen!
My daughter just moved into a similar house in Southern California built in the 1930's. I'm am completely head-over-heels in love with it. It needs a whole lot of work, but the character of every inch of the house is incredible!
I absolutely love going on those tours. I went on the Windsor tour one year. It's located near AJ's on Camelback and Central Ave. How fun! My mother-in-law lives in a 1950's house in Phoenix and she got great ideas.
Blessings,
Debbie