Symmetry, Sentiment, and the Slush Between:

As Jane Austen turns 250 this month (in spirit, of course), her legacy continues to echo far beyond novels and bonnet dramas. She also gave us something subtler but equally enduring: a deep understanding of how interiors reflect interiority. Her world was full of tidy drawing rooms and emotional restraint, symmetry and sharp observation—qualities that still resonate in home design, especially in a season when staying inside becomes both practical and poetic.

This December, Minnesota weather has played its usual tricks: subzero temps, followed by slush and suspicious warmth, then a quick return to ice. In the midst of this atmospheric instability, it’s no surprise that we retreat indoors and begin looking around our homes not just for comfort, but for meaning.

And so it feels timely to highlight Sense and Sellability—from color-rich bedrooms to blue facades and crown-moulded salons. The enduring elegance of Georgian and Regency style is not just about beauty; it’s about proportion, intention, and the quiet luxury of a room that knows what it’s doing.

Closer to home, one of my listings—a grand Victorian triplex in Minneapolis—is preparing to pass from its current stewards to new ones. With more than 40 years of stories held in its walls, an estate sale is on the horizon (click for details). The home’s layers of craftsmanship and collected objects tell a story not unlike Austen’s characters: composed, full of history, and just on the edge of transformation.

As the weather continues its mood swings, homes like this—whether inspired by Pemberley or simply built with grace and care—remind us that good design doesn’t just shelter us from the storm. It gives us a setting worthy of the plot.

🏛️ F&Q: Where in Minnesota Can One Live Like Jane Austen?

(Frequently & Quaintly Asked, of course)

Q: Can you really live in Regency style in Minnesota?

A: If you mean bonnets, ballrooms, and Mr. Darcy brooding across the moors—well, perhaps not in full. But if you're seeking timeless symmetry, classical proportions, and quiet elegance, absolutely yes. Georgian- and Victorian-era homes, along with thoughtfully restored pre-war architecture, offer many of the same hallmarks Austen admired: balance, dignity, and a certain sense of occasion.

Q: Which neighborhoods or cities in Minnesota have that Austenian feel?

A: You’ll want to look where old meets enduring. Try:

• Summit Hill (St. Paul): Cobblestone charm, stately facades, and actual ballrooms in some cases.

• Lowry Hill (Minneapolis): Grand Victorians with formal rooms and enviable staircases.

• Cathedral Hill (St. Paul): Literary history, iron fences, and a long-standing commitment to emotional restraint.

• Historic Stillwater: River views, wraparound porches, and homes that practically demand a cravat.

Q: Are there modern homes that channel Regency vibes?

A: Yes—if one has taste and discipline. Several newer builds borrow from Georgian style with symmetrical facades, grand entryways, and detailed moulding. The secret lies in proportion and a refusal to be trendy. Think less open concept, more “drawing room.”

Q: Must I host elaborate dinners and repress all my feelings to qualify?

A: Not at all. But owning a writing desk, lighting a fireplace, and occasionally reading by candlelight wouldn’t hurt.

Q: Do you have listings or leads on homes with Austen energy?

A: Absolutely. Whether you're seeking a well-proportioned Victorian or a modern interpretation of Regency calm, I’d be delighted to help you find a home with just the right amount of plot. Without the corsets.