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.

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 carrie@scottlewisgroup.com.