by Val Wilson. Photos courtesy of Scenic West Properties.

 
Welcome to Stars of the Southwest, in which Phoenix native Val takes us on a rolling, rollicking tour of the area’s most striking historical homes for sale.
 
This beautiful Queen Anne-style home in Trinidad is listed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Known as the McCormick Mansion, it was designed and built in 1892 by the Trinidad firm of Bulger and Rapp.
 

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

 
Old house fan mail is always lovely to get, but what I truly enjoy is when someone spots a gorgeous historical home for WAY LESS MONEY THAN IT’S ACTUALLY WORTH and drops it into my inbox. Thank you, Leona, for sharing this TO DIE FOR brick mansion in Polo, Illinois that is a virtual museum of Victorian-era architectural splendor. And thank you to Heartland Realty II for allowing us to peek inside!
 
Gawk with me for a moment.

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

 
I’m not kidding. Homes like this come around but once in a lifetime, and I’m about this close to quitting my life, packing my bags and heading on down to Milford, VA, where this spectacular estate is waiting for me. Spring Grove, as it’s dubbed, is an Italianate gem sitting on 410 acres—and it just needs a bit of TLC to bring it back to its former beauty. Enjoy these exceptional photos by Adam Wayland Photography, courtesy of Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, showing it in all of its faded glory. By the way, if you’d like more information on this home, I wrote a more in-depth piece about it for Country Living Magazine, too.
 
I love it!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein (Image courtesy of Ring Real Estate)

It’s busy season for real estate, so this month’s round-up of gorgeous historical homes for sale under $50,000 is virtually dripping with beauty. I want to save them all!
 
(If you come across any beautiful old houses for sale for under $50,000, send them along to us at letters@circaoldhouses.com)
 
(Psst… We don’t personally represent any of these homes. We’ve provided a link back to the original listing in the description for each home. Click through if you’re looking for more information!).
 
This month’s picks, right this way

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

 
Got $15,000 and a hankering to move an old house? The wonderful Scott Reed (who also sent me this beauty, which I featured in Country Living Magazine) tipped me off to this gorgeous farmhouse for sale in Rayle, GA that is threatened with demolition unless a buyer is found by July 7th.
 
Currently owned by the City, it’s being offered for just $15,000 on the condition that it be moved off-site. The home is filled with period detail, as you can see from the photos below.
 
I love it!

by Elizabeth Finkelstein

 
Now THAT’s a foyer I could get used to. Holy smokes.. this Victorian home in Swampscott, Massachusetts is not only an incredible piece of architectural history, it also boasts panoramic ocean views. What a stunner!
 
My jaw is on the floor

by Melanie Moore Krogman

 
As Johnny Cash and June Carter sang, “I’m goin’ to Jackson!” Here now, the single best reason to head there, pronto! (the one in Tennessee, that is!)
 
I’m ready to save it!