by Rhonda Montague (Photo courtesy of: The Preservation League of Essex County.) The stately Porter-Bradstreet residence was built by one of the earliest settlers in America, John Porter, who emigrated from England in the early 1600’s. There are fewer than 400 First Period homes (construction dating from 1626-1725) remaining in the entire country. Unfortunately, this precious piece of American architectural history is in imminent danger of being demolished. The following is an email excerpt from The Preservation Society of Essex:

10 Under 50 is, without a doubt, CIRCA’s most popular recurring series. No surprise there — who doesn’t love to ogle darling old houses? And when these dream abodes are financially attainable for $50,000 or less?! Count us in!   One lucky CIRCA reader has turned daydreaming into reality, as the new owner of a Georgia property included in our August Edition of 10 Under 50: 4618 Wrens Highway Thomson, GA 30824. “Tell us all about it,” we implored. And so they did … enjoy Part 1 of this two-part

This house. THIS HOUSE! JUST LOOK AT IT! Surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, it’s everything I love in a big, old house. A little rough around the edges (there’s that word we love: “potential!”) but still steeped in old-fashioned grandeur.   Earlier this month I was in a bookstore and passed by a book called Life Would be Perfect If I Lived in That House. Oh, if I only had a nickel…   From the listing:   Gwynn’s Island! Wide, Expansive views of Milford Haven and Chesapeake Bay – Grand Colonial home in need of TLC, large rooms hardwood floors baseboard heat on first floor radiant heat in ceilings on second floor – each room has own control, Covered front and side porches, appliances convey as is, nice beautiful trees/opened land for gardening and entertaining. Bulkhead basin

So, you want a house with a little bit of history? How about one owned by a Revolutionary War patriot who used the second floor as a Masonic chamber? If that’s not enough, what if I told you that this c. 1760 house is the oldest wood frame structure in Williamstown, Massachusetts and comes with original paperwork signed by the builder? The list goes on — the Clark-Young House is indeed a gem. Now let’s find her a loving new owner, shall we?   From the listing:   Antique home for sale in the Berkshires. Reputed to be the oldest wood frame structure in South Williamstown; part of the National Historic District; built by Samuel Clark ca 1760; sold to Revolutionary patriot William Young who maintained a Masonic Lodge on 2nd floor; Original details, paperwork/ deeds, Masonic

I nearly fell over when I saw this listing. How adorable! A one-room schoolhouse with roots on the Oregon Trail? Get out your #2 pencils, everyone, and let your imaginations run wild! Realtor Carole Benson of Coldwell Banker Chandler Real Estate gets an A++ for this absolutely charming schoolhouse-turned-home in Vinton, California. With three slate backboards, the school bell, and many more original details, this takes the cake for the most charming CIRCA house to-date. I’m in love!   From the listing:   This is the Old Vinton School House with permitted upgrades done to retain the original characteristics of the school. Still has 3 of the original slate black boards, the original school bell and memorabilia from the days when this was a functioning one-room schoolhouse. The light fixtures are actual antiques and the butcher block is

I was head-over-heels smitten as soon as I saw the incredible house at 291 Bentley Avenue in Poultney, Vermont, for sale via Julianne McCarthy of NorthLand Real Estate (p.s. We love Julianne)! I decided to make it this week’s featured house because, well, I just can’t resist a big old Victorian house, especially one in small-town Vermont. I grew up within short driving distance of the state border, and Vermont still reminds me of long country drives with my family, hunting down Christmas tree farms, pancake houses and maple sugar candy. This house falls mildly on the fixer-upper spectrum, but boy are the bones there!   From the listing:   Old house enthusiasts take note, this is a wonderfully preserved example of an East Lake Style 1880′s Victorian home. Awaiting your loving restorations and vision, this home is