That is a beautiful and interesting house! I imagine there are local gardeners who would love to give you ideas about landscaping. I second the advice to wander around the area and ask for advice and information from gardeners with landscapes you admire. My favorite source of plants is the ones which do so well that there is an excess of divisions available. That way, there is no doubt that the plant is suited to your climate, if you have a place with similar lighting.

I love trading plants and have a back corner spot available for anything I don't know where to place. Then, after I see how it behaves, I can either find a place for it or pass it on to someone else.

That’s a beauty for sure. I think if you give a little more info you will get more suggestions. What’s the distance from the ground to the bottom of you porch rails? What‘s the size of the beds now, and are you open to making them bigger? How about sun exposure on both sides of the walk? Do you know your gardening zone? I’m guessing you are 5 like me, but you might be zone 6. It will make a difference to what you can grow. And what would be your preferred style? Formal or a little more natural? How much maintenance are you willing to do in the garden?

I think Annabelles on each side of the walkway (from the curb to the house) would be charming and suit your historic house..don't plant too close to the sidewalk..I love mine..they're not too tall and always bloom well..

I agree that hydrangeas would look well, but one like Little Lime would look good throughout the winter with its dried blooms before a bare stick period in spring..

Annabelles have flowerheads too..paniculatas would look nice..I don't have enough sun for paniculatas and just thought immediately about how my arborescens would look nice with that historic house..

"My favorite source of plants is the ones which do so well that there is an excess of divisions available."

Be careful with this :-) Often that "excess of divisions available" is due to the plant spreading or self seeding so rampantly, it has become a garden nuisance!! Know what you are receiving before you take it home and plant it!!

The cheapest thing to do would be to remove the bricks next to the sidewalk a d sprinkle some grass seed. Do they serve a purpose?

I don’t think you need to do a whole lot, the house is stunning. Some basic foundation shrubs, maybe a couple containers flanking the bottom step where you can do something spectacular every year.

And I don’t like the containers at the top of the steps - they are too small and you have to go around them if you are holding the hand rail.

ShadyWillowFarm..I didn't notice the containers Lol!..I agree..

Beautiful home! Your front yard is calling for a specimen tree. I don’t know your area or zone so check out a local FB gardening group for some ideas. I’d recommend getting rid of the grass over time to make formal gardens that the stately home calls for. And some hanging ferns for the front porches would be lovely. Would you consider moving the planters to be on the lawn for now, flanking the stairs?