by Teresa Iafolla

From Maine to Missouri, these 10 diamonds-in-the-rough have one thing in common: they have loads of history at bargain prices. Most of these are turn-of-the-century homes with the architectural flourishes I pine for — the sweeping porches, the elegant spindlework, fishscale singles. All just waiting for a good polish and a home rehabber ready to roll up their sleeves.
Any of these catch your eye? If you decide to call one of these finds home, make sure to send us your project photos!

 

336 Church St, Blythe, GA 30805

 
Source: Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate
$48,500
 
This 3 bed, 2 bath Georgian home is a century old and still has gorgeous hardwood floors! I love some of the quirky touches, like the historic stove in the kitchen and the teeny birdhouse attached to the front porch (look close!).
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

1128 Broadway, Hannibal, MO 63401

 
Source: Mid America Regional Information Systems
$18,000
 
This elegant southern country house looks like it hopped right out of a storybook. Tucked behind the surrounding greenery, it’s hard to tell at first just how big it is – almost 3,000 square feet! It does need a lot of TLC, but just look at those huge, sunlit windows in every room and try to say no.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

902 Raymond St, Schenectady, NY 12308

 
Source: Hubzu
$18,200 (foreclosure)
 
Anyone looking to open a bed and breakfast? Or maybe own a live-in rental property for some extra income? If so, this 7 bedroom, multifamily home from 1926 is the perfect fit. Imagine how picturesque that walk-up and façade would be with a fresh coat of paint and a few fixes. There aren’t too many interior photos, but the few rooms shown have hardwood floors and large sunlit windows. The neighborhood looks quiet and cozy. This one’s a foreclosure and is taking bids now, so move fast!
 

 

 

 

 

 
 

201 2 St S, Fairmount, ND 58030

 
Source: Coldwell Banker
$20,000
 
Circa 1908, this historic North Dakota home has so much potential. Even at 100+ years old, the house still has its original woodwork (check out the banister and doors). I personally love the fishscale shingles on the front of the house, and the Victorian-style trim along the roof.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

302 Hamilton Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834

 
Source: Postlets
$25,000 (Auction)
 
This 1920’s Craftsman is actually a piece of the Eudailey Estate, inherited by a local Virginian family. Its 5 bedrooms allow room for a big family (or lots of guests!) to run through those polished hardwood hallways. Check out the all-wood stairwell and the unique flourishes on the front façade. I almost want this one just to rip out that green carpet and watch the transformation happen.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6407 Highway 68, Jackson, LA 70748

 
Source: Postlets
$29,900
 
Hidden away in a wooded, Louisiana plot is this 1940’s beauty. Don’t be fooled by the bite-sized exterior either – this house is actually quite spacious, at 2,460 square feet! Besides the floor-length windows, tall ceilings, and the inviting front and back porches, I love some of the quirky built-ins – like the teal-colored cabinet and butler’s pantry. With newly finished floors and freshly painted walls, this home would really shine.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

122 Somerset St, Rumford, ME 04276

 
Source: Mid America Regional Information Systems
$43,500
 
c. 1920
I love to cook and almost squealed when I saw that this 1920’s home actually has a hearth in the kitchen! Imagine making a pizza in your very own wood-burning oven! On top of that, the kitchen looks like it has lots of space to fill up with any home chef’s endless accessories. The recently restored façade gives way to an interior with wood paneling, an original elegant staircase, and large, double-hung windows everywhere. It looks like there’s even a workshop to use as home base for your restoration work. With 4 beds, 2,048 square feet, and so much historic charm – it’s hard to beat that $43,500 price.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 Knapp St, Livermore Falls, ME 04254

 
Source: Mid America Regional Information Systems
$50,000
 
This adorable circa 1900 home is only $50,000 and move-in ready! I’m having trouble believing the price tag on this one. Besides a few cosmetic fixes, this oldie is in great shape. Check out the original wood carving framing the living room, and the gleaming hardwood floors. That bay window in the front of the house is just begging to be turned into a cozy reading nook.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

238 Peck Hl, Calais, VT 05650

 
Source: Northern New England Real Estate Network
$50,000
 
If I had to pick a favorite out of this list, this might be it. This shabby-chic 1880’s farmhouse still has beautiful interior woodwork and is situated on verdant, lush landscape. Just look at that view! At 1,607 square feet and 3 bedrooms, it’s the perfect size for an adventurous rehabber looking for a starter home.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

400 E Marvin Ave, Fredericktown, MO 63645

 
Source: Gregg Abbott, CENTURY 21 Statler Realty, 573.783.8455
$29,950
 
This old house won me over with its beautiful sky blue hue and elegant little porch. It doesn’t look too big and would make a perfect project for the beginning restorationist.
 

 

 
 
 
 
And that’s a wrap! What’s your favorite?
 
 
 
AUTHOR TERESA IAFOLLA
A contributor to the CIRCA blog, Teresa has been captivated by old, character-rich houses since she was little. Growing up in the cookie-cutter suburbs of Montgomery County, Maryland, she dreamed of one day calling a quirky, old Victorian “home,” often pouring over house plans and blueprints from the local hardware store. Chasing that fondness for all things steeped in history, Teresa attended college at William & Mary, the second-oldest college in the U.S., based in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. After graduating with a degree in English Literature and Psychology, she moved into a restored Baltimore row home, circa 1830. Currently, Teresa lives in San Francisco and spends her days ogling the colorful Victorian Italianates that line her Mission neighborhood.