by Teresa Iafolla

 
Thinking about grabbing a bargain-priced fixer-upper and restoring it to it’s former glory? Well, you’re in luck! September has brought a bounty of historical havens – all under 50K. Whether you’re hunting for a cute, cozy cottage in peaceful Maine, or a large, Victorian mansion in Pennsylvania, there’s something on this list for you.
 
Take a peek and dare yourself not to fall in love with one of these oh-so-cheap old homes.
 

 

351 West Ave, Mount Carmel, PA 17851

 
Source: Keller Williams Realty
$49,900
 
Amazing find! This circa 1890 Pennsylvania mansion served as the Scott family estate. In addition to its grand Victorian style (I’m always a sucker for those Victorian-style turrets and porches), this 7-bedroom house has vintage pocket doors, a sweeping 3-story wooden staircase, stain glass windows, marble fireplaces, and so much more to love. Plus, it’s only $49,000! That’s only $16 per square foot. Pennsylvania here we come…
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

84 Church St, Little Falls, NY 13365

 
Source: River Hills Properties LLC
$47,900
 
I’m loving the shingles on this ca. 1890 charmer! It seems to have great bones, too.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

68 Sewall St, Island Falls, ME 04747

 
Source: Source: Mahoney Real Estate, Inc.
$7,000
 
There’s something about an old, quaint little cottage in Maine that just exudes solace. This circa 1940 2-bed home in beautiful Island Falls Maine is just the ticket for a smaller restoration project (only 1,068 sqft). I love the delicate spindlework on the front porch and the tall, double-hung windows beaming in natural light in every room. Plus, it was just reduced from $9,000 to $7,000!
 

 

 

 
 

618 Parkview Ave, Braddock, PA 15104

 
Source: Zillow
$30,000
 
The outside of this turn-of-the-century Pennsylvania home is nothing fancy, but the inside is amazing! I spy tin & coffered ceilings, hardwood floors and a gorgeous original staircase. Plus, how adorable is that kitchen?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

3604 W 122nd St, Cleveland, OH 44111

 
Source: Keller Williams Realty
$32,900 (foreclosure)
 
When I was scrolling through the house listings, this cheery-red craftsman immediately caught my eye! Built in 1925, this 4-bedroom, 1272 sqft Cleveland home looks like it’s not in too bad shape, especially for the price. I love the huge feature window in front and the wall-length, dark wood built-in bookcase. Plus, there are gleaming hardwood floors at every turn! The attic space up top would make a perfect playroom or cozy reading nook.
 

 

 

 

 
 

89 Atwood Ave, Waterbury, CT 06705

 
Source: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties
$41,000
 
I adore the inviting porch and bright-green shingled siding on this Connecticut home! This find dates to 1926 and comes in at 1,162 sqft with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. And for the $41,000 price tag, it seems like you’re getting a lot for your money. Those hard wood floors, wooden staircase, and columns in the entryway all look like they’re in great shape!
 

 

 

 
 

150 Maine Ave, Rumford, ME 04276

 
Source: Zillow
$42,000
 
I love the dramatic, heightened façade on this whitewashed colonial! Now to get rid of that concrete barrier in front of it and add a manicured front garden instead. If you have the same inclination, act fast – this 2,394 square foot beauty is going for only $42,000. I doubt it’ll last long. After all, it’s been passed along through loving owners since 1895.
 

 

 
 

141 High St, Dayton, OH 45403

 
Source: Irongate Realtors
$49,900
 
This Ohio home might be my favorite of the bunch. It’s full of Victorian flourishes, including the colorful fishscale shingles, the ornate back porch, and 12’ high ceilings…it even has the home’s original circa 1885 parlor lamp! With a little TLC, you could turn those 2200 sqft into the talk of the town. Plus, it’s located in St. Anne’s Historic District, so you’re likely to be among fellow restorers and history buffs.
 

 

 

 

 
 

506 Center St, Garwin, IA 50632

 
Source: Zillow
$23,900
 
Doesn’t this cute little Iowa cottage look like it was cut straight out of a fairytale? While the circa 1900 house needs some fixes (the listing mentions new windows, repairs to the deck), it looks like it’s in good shape compared to the other fixers on our list! You’re only $23,900 away from owning this adorable, woodcraft-filled home.
 

 

 

 
 

1260 Washington St, Brushton, NY 12916

 
Source: Zillow
$48,000
 
This sweet little Folk Victorian seems to have it all, including beautiful beadboard ceilings. According to the listing, “this home has all the hard work done. New wiring, new plumbing, new bathroom, vanity, shower, toilet. New wood fire furance. New insulation. This home is ready for the fun work.”
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Ready to make a move on one of these rare finds? Keep Circa updated! We always love to hear we’ve helped connect a fellow rehabber with his or her perfect fit.
 
 
 
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.