Wonderland... without the wonder

What’s up, friends?

Today we’re headed down the rabbit hole… into land of whimsy, color, and a boatload of faux-shrubbery-lined walls. You guessed it: it’s time for an off-brand trip to (the titular) Alice’s Wonderland!

…well, technically it’s called “Almost Alice” because it’s “almost” cute. But it actually isn’t. Maybe kinda.

Located in Indianapolis, IN, this 1926 property has the crammed layout of yesteryear with the design of a 2010 acid-trip of a movie. And just because the movie inspiration made over a billion dollars, that doesn’t mean this 1-bed, 1-bath, and 1k sqft. home has the same luxury. If anything, given the entire property only sits on a 2.6k sqft. lot, it can’t offer much.

But, my whimsical, wonderful friends, you’ll have to trust me. Because this place had a lot (of pictures) in store for us… 

Step right up to this carnival of patterns, colors, and creatures that you didn’t think you’d see in a home: Checkerboard tiles the floor, and will comeback later; Tasteful shapes and shades of pink engulf the home’s exterior; The Cheshire Cat welcomed us inside via a doormat. And, of course, there’s real and fake shrubbery to keep us on our toes -this is a wonder-land after all!

Despite my harsh criticisms prior to stepping inside, I immediately respect this place for adhering to its promised theme. Like the movie, there’s an element of royalty with a splash of weirdness: the ornate textures are juxtaposed with an empty, crooked picture frame.

Here’s a hot take: I don’t like that the ceiling is painted. Yes, it’s on theme, but it draws a lot of attention to the ceiling… where there’s nothing to look at. If anything, it’s just reminding me there’s a ceiling and, therefore, making the room feel small…which, I guess, is a homage to when Alice was too big, then too small, for the room she was in.

Nah, I’m probably overthinking it.

She came back! Not Alice, but the floor tiling! Its black and white checkering is perfectly reflected in the kitchen’s everything. Then red is used an accent shade… that also adorns the ceiling as the story’s iconic red and white roses. 

(This house is making me realize my “Alice in Wonderland” recall is WAY better than I had expected)

Don’t be late for teatime! Follow me to the dining room…

Unsure if eating in a room full of clocks would give me a headache or not. I think the ticking would drive me crazy.

Twists and turns await us through the winding paths of the Queen’s gardens -and by “twists and turns” I actually mean a singular, short, straight hallway:

We’ve reached a dead end: what is a tulgey wood? Is it a place? Is it a type of Wonderland tree? I’m not sure, but we can step in to check it out…

Inside the primary (aka “only”) bedroom, it’s like a “Princess and The Frog” dreamland. Yeah, that’s a different Disney Princess (Is Alice a Princess?). And, yeah, that’s a different Disney movie. BUT given this is a Disney-themed home, it’s not far-fetched to assume the owners weren’t inspired by other Disney films. Disney Adults know their stuff.

There’s no en-suite in this place because, well, there’s only one bathroom. The Queen of Hearts is a strict ruler who only allows one toilet per home… though… wait a second- 

Are these the only photos we have of the bathroom?! There’s multiple, different photos of the same thing: the faucet. And why are they progressively getting closer to it? Is there even a toilet? A shower? I guess we’ll never know.

I would like to note the sparkly light switch cover. The decorators do have an eye for detail. I’ll give them that.

Not sure if that’s a painting or a wall decal, regardless, it’s one of the few details of this house that feels out of place. It's on theme, yet floating in the middle of nowhere.

Enough of being cooped up in this madness! Let’s head outside:  

Wrapping around the home is a fence and pathway adorned in objects you’d find in… well, Wonderland. Its a funky look, but I’m kinda vibing with it. 

Y’all, I found Alice!! At least the bottom half of her…

I can’t tell if she’s stuck or… nah, I think she’s stuck. And I didn’t see a ladder inside… let’s just walk this way…

Despite its oddities, the garden and painted benches are a cute touch. With all the tchochkies and the wrap-around fencing, this place is cozy, welcoming, and a good time.

At this angle, the small footprint of the home comes fully into view. And for such a little place, it surely does pack a punch.

Sarah @Hometastrophes