Basic shapes. First thing that comes to mind is that child's toy where you hammer shapes through a raised platform. Anyone else? Basic shapes seem so ... elementary - but they're everywhere! Look how these Historic Properties for Sale incorporate circles, squares, and triangles into their designs.

Java Head - Coral Gables, Florida

This historic landmark waterfront estate was built in 1936 for Dr. James Jude, one of the co-inventors of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (better known as CPR). Reminiscent of Art Moderne and Art Deco, the home and estate is comprised of three acres, which includes baynan trees, gardens, tennis court, pool, pool house with guest house, a four-car garage with separate apartment, and a 125 feet protected coral rock dock with direct ocean access. Pricetag: Contact Agent.

Clarkson-Watson House - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Meticulously and sensitively renovated by four architects in 2007-2008, the Clarkson-Watson House (circa 1740) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its links to American history are profound. It was owned in 1793 by Mayor of Philadelphia, Matthew Clarkson; Thomas Jefferson lived there during the summer of 1793 when he resided in Germantown to escape the Yellow Fever epidemic that ravaged Old City Philadelphia; and the upstairs parlor was used as a meeting place by the Generals Washington, Knox, and Greene after the Battle of Germantown in 1777. Pricetag: $599,000

Fairlee Mansion - Catonsville, Maryland

This grand Victorian home on two and a half acres is located in Catonsville, Maryland, close to both Baltimore and Washington, DC. It features spacious rooms, high ceilings, extensive historic detailing, two staircases, a large wrap-around porch, custom fireplace mantels, in-law suite with kitchen, gorgeous wood floors, and much more. The historic Fairlee Mansion is one of the largest and most distinguished homes in Catonsville's Historic District. In addition to its historical significance, the Historic Fairlee Mansion served as a set for two episodes of Law & Order. Pricetag: $835,000

David Garber is a member of the Digital and New Media team at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He's imagining a basic shape right now. A rectangle. His bed. Snooze.

David Garber

David Garber is the Coordinator of Blog Content & Outreach at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is a native of Washington, DC, and loves the intersection of preservation, innovation, and sustainability.

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