Old houses with a rich history usually cost a pretty penny. But fear not, because if you know where to search, there are some great deals to be found. We’ve searched far and wide across the US to uncover the most appealing historic homes up for grabs. While they might need a bit of sprucing up, the effort will definitely pay off. And the best part? You can own one of these charming, history-filled properties for less than $100,000 (£73k).
Clapboard-Clad Home, Old Town, Maine, USA: $59,000 (£49.6k)
This grand colonial residence in Old Town, Maine, has witnessed a lot throughout its existence. Built in 1903, the house has suffered significant fire damage and requires extensive renovations. Despite the challenges, the property boasts four bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, and a generous 2,300 square feet of living space, presenting ample potential to restore it to its former turn-of-the-century splendor.
The layout follows a classic design, featuring a living room, dining room, kitchen, and a half bath on the first floor, while the bedrooms are situated on the second floor. Despite being stripped down to the studs after the fire, the house retains several original elements such as brick fireplaces, hardwood flooring, large windows, and some wooden wainscoting.
The exterior showcases a traditional white clapboard finish and the iconic New England colonial-style pitched roof, providing considerable curb appeal despite the internal damage. The 0.2-acre lot is conveniently located near the town center and the University of Maine.
Priced at $59,000 (£49.6k), the property allows ample room in the budget for necessary renovations. It awaits a discerning buyer who can envision and undertake the transformation, turning it once again into a splendid family residence.
Mid-Century Cottage, Ahoskie, North Carolina, USA: $65,000 (£77.3k)
Nestled in Ahoskie, North Carolina, this delightful cottage, with a modest 700 square feet of space, exudes Southern charm. Dating back to 1955, the two-bedroom, one-bath home features a timeless covered front porch, a white clapboard exterior, and a strikingly peaked roof. Remarkably, this charming abode is currently available for just $65,000 (£77.3k).
In contrast to some of the other homes showcased, this property is in excellent condition for its age. It boasts sleek shiplap walls, recently laminated floors in the living areas, new carpeting in the bedrooms, and modern appliances throughout—no need for renovations!
Despite its compact size, the tiny home is thoughtfully designed, encompassing all the essential elements. The cozy living area seamlessly flows into the snug dining room, which connects to the kitchen. Every room benefits from ample natural light, thanks to the large windows, creating a sense of spaciousness.
In addition to the inviting front porch, the residence features a back porch, providing abundant opportunities to relish the mild North Carolina weather in either sun or shade. These porches contribute to expanding the home’s effective square footage, offering the option for alfresco living and dining. Bursting with Southern charm, this little mid-century gem is not likely to linger long on the market!
Greek Revival Home, Rich Square, North Carolina, USA: $65,000 (£54.6k)
This magnificent Greek Revival residence in Rich Square, North Carolina, is steeped in Southern history, showcasing a striking exterior with full-length sidelights, transoms, fluted window surrounds, a wide bracketed cornice from the Greek Revival period, delicate sawn work on the second-story porch, and a first-floor porch expanded into a wraparound during the Victorian era.
Originally constructed in 1857 for William S. Norwood, the inaugural Mayor of Rich Square, the home is a testament to three distinct architectural periods. It began with the original Greek Revival two-story centre-hall-and-parlour plan, followed by the addition of four Victorian-style rooms in the late 19th century, and later, a two-room single-story kitchen in the early 20th century.
Inside, the residence boasts original architectural details from both the Greek Revival and Victorian eras. These include heart pine floors, Greek Revival mantels, ornate fluted window and door surrounds, panelled wainscoting, intricately carved newel posts and balustrades, a brick fireplace, 15-pane French doors leading into the dining room, and built-in butler’s cabinetry in the kitchen.
Spanning 3,345 square feet and situated on nearly two acres of land near the rural town of Rich Square, the property, known as Parksdale, is currently available for just $65,000 (£54.6k). Although the listing suggests comprehensive rehabilitation is needed in the kitchen and bathrooms, the property remains in a stable condition, ready for the next chapter in its illustrious history.
Brick Colonial Home, Keeseville, New York, USA: $67,000 (£56.3k)
This timeless brick-front colonial home, reminiscent of the 1830s era, is set to be auctioned with starting bids at a mere $67,000 (£56.3k). Boasting a traditional columned entrance, a covered side porch, and a distinctive peaked roof, the residence captures the quintessential charm of its architectural period. The seller emphasizes preserving this historic essence, requiring all bids to include a one-page restoration plan.
Nestled on a picturesque street in Keeseville, New York, this expansive 4,650-square-foot property encompasses seven bedrooms and three bathrooms, providing ample space for diverse living needs. The interior exudes period elegance, with an inviting foyer featuring a carved wood banister leading to the second floor upon entry.
The main level encompasses a living room, family room, dining room, study, eat-in kitchen, and an additional galley kitchen, originally designed as a butler’s pantry. While the interiors may benefit from some updating, the foundational elements remain robust, showcasing original hardwood flooring, intricate carved wainscoting, and an impressive nine fireplaces.
The upper level houses seven generously sized bedrooms, bathed in natural light streaming through expansive windows that offer picturesque mountain and river vistas. The tranquil surroundings can be savored from the covered porch. Situated on a 0.3-acre lot, the residence is conveniently located near the town center and top-notch schools, presenting an ideal opportunity for a young family seeking a historic yet comfortable home.
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Stately Home, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, USA: $89,500 (£75.2k)
Situated in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, this imposing home embodies the classic front-entrance colonial style, reminiscent of the one observed in New York, featuring a columned entryway and a covered side porch. Distinguished by a coat of white paint and an intricate trellis system framing the front door, this elegant residence, originally constructed in 1900, is currently listed at $89,500 (£75.2k).
Acknowledging its price, it’s evident that this stately home has weathered the passage of time and requires significant structural and aesthetic enhancements. The listing’s photos reveal some water damage, suggesting the property has been unoccupied for several years.
Despite its current condition, the house retains its original timeless features, including parquet floors, a grand staircase adorned with a carved wood banister, multiple fireplaces, and detailed woodwork throughout. With five bedrooms and five bathrooms spanning 3,338 square feet, there’s ample space to reimagine.
While a comprehensive renovation is needed to restore this property to its former glory, the potential to transform this currently neglected space into a majestic turn-of-the-century residence is substantial. In the hands of a dedicated DIY couple, this property has the promise to become a truly spectacular historical showpiece.
Turreted Victorian Home, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA: $95,000 (£79.8k)
Soon to be featured in the summer edition of This Old House magazine’s “Save This Old House,” this captivating Victorian residence in Battle Creek, Michigan, is currently available for $95,000 (£79.8k). The home boasts an abundance of exquisite original details, including a large stained-glass window, ornate woodwork, beveled glass accents, and two fireplaces adorned with elaborate mantelpieces.
Spanning 3,536 square feet, the home comprises five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The first floor follows a traditional layout with a dramatic front foyer, multiple entertaining spaces, and a kitchen. Additionally, there’s a second kitchen on the upper floor, which the listing suggests could be converted into a sixth bedroom. The second floor also provides access to a walk-up attic.
While the home requires some work to meet contemporary codes and standards, it is surprisingly well-preserved given its age. Renovations in 2018 included new shingles, gutters, and decking, along with the reconstruction of the side porch. Each room in the home showcases a level of detail rarely seen in modern houses, and with minor renovations, it has the potential to become a stunning historical showpiece.
Presently on the market, this house is offered through the Calhoun County Land Bank’s ‘Transform This Home Program,’ where buyers commit to rehabilitating the home within a specified timeframe. One can easily envision this renovation capturing the attention of a DIYer’s YouTube channel or TV show, and it would undoubtedly make for compelling viewing!
Classic Victorian Home, Johnstown, New York, USA: $99,900 (£83.9k)
If only walls could talk! This magnificent Victorian residence, nestled in the heart of Johnstown, New York, stands as a true historical gem, adorned with architectural splendor both inside and out. Featuring traditional turrets, a wrap-around porch, and vibrant, intricate exterior paneling, this 1890 home is a remarkable bargain with a list price of $99,900 (£83.9k).
Upon entry, guests are welcomed by a grand sweeping staircase adorned with carved wooden banisters. The house boasts an abundance of original woodwork, including paneling, wainscoting, moldings, door and window frames, flooring, and an assortment of church pew-style built-in benches.
With six bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms encompassing 3,060 square feet, the property undoubtedly requires some renovations. However, the multitude of original features, such as multiple brick fireplaces and lead-pained stained-glass windows, makes the effort well worth it.
Surprisingly, the property already features a contemporary kitchen and relatively recently remodeled bathrooms, minimizing the need for extensive renovations in those areas. While the listing suggests some tender loving care is necessary, the required repairs seem minimal. Considering the lush architectural detail and historical significance of the home, the price tag appears to be quite a steal!
1900s Home, Clarinda, Iowa, USA: $100,000 (£84k)
Priced at the top end of the budget at $100,000 (£84k), this historic home in Clarinda, Iowa, presents four bedrooms and one full and one-half bathroom within its 2,776 square feet of living space. Listed as a true ‘investment property,’ this house requires some tender loving care but holds the promise of evolving into a fantastic family home.
The property already features new windows throughout, marking a positive step in the extensive list of renovations. However, substantial repainting, remodeling, and the installation of new appliances remain on the to-do list.
Amidst the necessary updates, the home boasts beautiful original hardwood floors, moldings, and even some paneling, which, with a bit of polishing, could become standout features. The layout follows a traditional design, with separate kitchen, living, and dining spaces on the first floor and bedrooms situated upstairs.
Occupying a spacious corner lot with rolling lawns perfect for summer enjoyment, the property also includes a covered wrap-around porch. It’s easy to envision Edwardian grandmothers contentedly rocking away at the turn of the last century on this porch, overlooking the 0.3 acres of lush lawns—a significant bonus for this potential family home.
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