I love old buildings. Unless they are damaged and or dangerous I wouldn't change a thing. A 200 year old building has stood the test of time. Plus the old architecture was just so awesome!
I live in Buffalo NY and a lot of our buildings are historical, and the architecture is very Victorian / Gothic in many neighborhoods. It's one of the few things I really love about my city. The old churches are simply incredible too. They just don't build stuff like that anymore!
RE: Getting rid of the clutter - The mind's eye can do it!