When I was little I dreamed of growing up (check), marrying a handsome man (check), and building a big gorgeous home that had every detail exactly like we wanted (er…). But now I can’t stop dreaming of old houses!
Since we even had the thought of purchasing an historic home to restore, I’ve been obsessed with old houses. I guess it technically started before then, but that’s when I got serious about it.
It’s no coincidence that the town I live in happens to be in the forefront of the effort to preserve North Carolina homes. My husband’s family has been active in helping to preserve various homes and buildings, and we hope to be involved too (after we get this one under our belt!). North Carolina has a fantastic non-profit organization with tons of resources dedicated to the preservation of historic properties. I’m sure many other states have the same, but having been born and bred in NC with no desire to ever leave, that’s the one I’m looking to!
So today I wanted to share with you just a few of my favorite historic properties for sale in NC for under $100,000. That’s right…all of these are under 100 grand.
1. Charles S. Brewer House, Henderson
How gorgeous is this Vance County house?! It’s under contract, but we can still look. Built in 1920, this house is just $32,000 for 3,468 square feet…that’s $9.23 per square foot.
The kitchen and bathrooms–and probably the whole house for that matter–need some updating, but the bones are incredible. This house reminds me so much of our favorite house on Market Street in Greensboro.
2. Laughinghouse-Fawcett House, Grimesland
I have to say that this Pitt County farmhouse is my favorite. I mean, it’s called The Laughing House. Come on. If you can believe it, this house is FREE! Yep, absolutely free. Well, except for that one teeny tiny expense of moving it! They are giving away this house to whoever is willing to move it, and I’m hoping and praying that someone gets it and it isn’t torn down. It’s just too fantastic!
Built in 1903, the house is 4,339 square feet with a 1,000 square foot wrap-around front porch. I would drink so many cocktails on that porch. And that staircase is just killing it! Seriously, someone please buy this, before my husband decides he has to. Eeek!
Although this Davidson County house needs a paint job, I wouldn’t change the colors for anything! That green and purple is perfect! This house is listed at $35,000 for 2,600 square feet, or $13.46 per square foot, and was built in 1878. An oldie but a goodie.
It also comes with 2 acres of land. And the black and white checkered floor! Stop it. I would do everything possible to preserve that gem. This one would need a lot of work, but the price is right, and everything’s negotiable (right, Dad?).
Are you interested in finding other historic properties for sale across the country? Just look here! I think this one, this one, and this one have a lot of potential. You can also see lots of great historic homes and commercial buildings by following these guys on social media.
Any questions on buying an historic home, applying for historic tax credits, etc.? Just ask! I’ll be happy to help or to at least point you in the right direction.
Which one is your favorite? Is there an historic home that you’ve been eying? I’d love to see it!
O-M-G! These homes are lovely. They have potential…so much potential. Hun would not be too pleased if he knew I looked at old homes on your blog today. He likes to tell me how much work a house is when I see something and say “it has potential” or “ooh, that’s nice. I think we could fix it up.” :)
It’s a lot of work and definitely not easy, but it’s SO worth it! Thanks for stopping by!! :)
I’m thinking I need to move down there and scoop one of those up! That scenario, restoring an amazing old house like those is my all time dream. Makes me happy to know it isn’t totally outside the realm of possibility…if I move. :)
Ha! I’m a huge fan of NC, but I may be a little bias. ;)
I’d much rather live in an older home than a new, modern one. (I hate modern homes, actually. They’re laid out terribly with so much wasted space…then again a lot of older houses don’t have great layouts either. lol)
I love the inside of that second one! The third one’s wallpaper reminds me of Beetlejuice. lol
I totally agree–modern often feels cold to me. And you’re right…that wallpaper definitely looks like it’s straight out of Beetlejuice! Thanks for visiting, Alicia! :)
Girl, you’re killing me!! You’re giving me the itch to grab another house (she says … 4 weeks into her new abode…) ;) LOVE THEM ALL!
I should mention that Charles is looking for “investors” to go in on that second house with him. Ha! What’s one more little house project, right? ;)
Great post today, kiddo. No one appreciates “old” anymore. So glad you do! I’ll take a 1941 Martin D-28 over a new one any day (and yes, there might be a hint in that remark!). Your daddy loves you…
Old is gold :)
They look absolutely lovely — old homes have so much charm. Unfortunately, I really don’t have the patience and vision to restore an old home to its full potential. I’d need to hire a designer and all the necessary tradespeople to do the work for me, which would likely triple the cost of the upgrades.
Oh well, I guess I can dream.
Stopping by from the No Rules Blog Party. Have a great day!
Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne! Ask anyone who knows me…I’m about as impatient as they come! This house has definitely been a test! ;)
I just love older houses! That second one is just my style! That staircase is amazing! And I love wrap around porches! When we lived in Ohio, up until 4 years ago, we lived in an older home. It had this kind of porch, not quite this big though. And I loved it. The stair case was something like this one, but not as nice. I’ve just always loved these houses! They really should never! be torn down!
Glad I found you on the Sits Girls Craft and Recipe Pinteresting Party!
Thanks so much for visiting, Jody! :)
I love older homes. We built a condemned home from the ground up. Hello from Thrifty Thursdays.
Thanks for stopping by, Melissa! Old homes are the best!! :)
Oh wow, these are to die for!! I too am totally obsessed with old homes! I want a 2 story home outside of town with a front porch that covers the front of the house just like these!! I seriously would NEVER leave home!
Shelly
minettesmaze.blogspot.com
Thanks for visiting, Shelly! :)
Ugh, my heart is breaking at not being able to snap up any of these vintage beauties. I would do SO MANY THINGS to these houses…such lovely bones!! Popped over from My Pinterventures party :)
I know, Megan! When I saw that they were going to tear down the house that’s FREE if no one got it and moved it, I seriously almost cried. They are all so gorgeous! :)
Just love this article! Marilyn from Merry Mondays stopping by to thank you for joining and hope to see you next week!
Thanks, Marilyn! :)
I love the next to the last photo of the staircase. What stories those stairs could tell! I like old houses, too. Thanks so much for sharing these photos. Loved it!
If walls could talk, right? Thanks for stopping by, Kathy! :)
How fun – I love them all! I can’t believe they are all under $100,000 – I won’t scare you with what you can buy for that price in the Seattle area! Thanks for sharing!
Oh I’m sure that’s scary!! NC has its flaws, but luckily ridiculously high prices aren’t one of them! :)
These look like huge potentials!! I love DIY and redoing old homes up. I also love the after fun bit of home and interior decorating. Southern homes have so much character and charm too. My brother lives in Georgia and another one in North Carolina too and I love visiting and see all the homes. A lot different than here in the UK everything is just brick. lol Look forward to seeing more of your renovations. Feel free to come join in Share With Me Linky to share. http://www.letstalkmommy.com/2014/06/share-with-me-wk-18/ I can’t wait until the kids are a bit older. I really want to buy a fixer upper and do it from the ground up! Great life project.
Thanks for visiting, Jenny! It’s quite a difficult undertaking, but the results are worth it! I hope you get to try it someday! :)
I would love to move that free one here to California, but I don’t think that would be in any realm of possibility. Oh well. Thanks for the pictures though… a girl can dream, can’t she? :)
I only live about an hour away and I’m still dreaming! If only…
What gorgeous homes! I always dreamed of fixing up a big, old house, but somehow I ended up in a tiny NYC apartment;) Maybe someday!
And I’ve always dreamed of having an apartment in NYC….maybe we could just swap every now and then?! ;)
I think I may have just fallen in your with your blog. I adore older properties and I am always crawling through estate agent sites looking at the older buildings. One day……………… These buildings are beautiful and apart from the necessary to ensure they’re safe, I wouldn’t change a thing. Stunning. So gonna be reading your site from now on :) #magicmoments
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the blog! Thanks for stopping by and weighing in! :)
I used to watch This Old House with my dad and also fell in love with old homes as a child. There is something so wonderful about the old world look and feel. It is just so charming. I really hope they don’t tear down that second house! Thanks again for sharing on Merry Monday linky party.
Ooh these houses are gorgeous! We’re saving at the moment for our dream house so pics like this keep me going!! #allaboutyou x
So glad you enjoyed them! :)
You and I have a lot in common. I love fixing up houses. So far I haven’t enjoyed living in them long after we get them fixed up. We always have life happen -job changes, life changes etc. Some day I will just enjoy… maybe?
Thanks for linking #pintasticpinterestingparty
Ha! I understand! We’ve moved 9 times in the last 8 years. But this is my husband’s home town, so I don’t see anything pulling us away anytime soon…let’s hope! Here’s hoping you get to enjoy soon! :)
Older homes are the best! Pinned! Please join us tonight at 7 pm and party with us. We feel honored when you stop by! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Thank you for sharing with us at Tell Me About It Tuesday! I loved this post and will be featuring it tonight.
Thanks so much for the feature, Sara! I’m glad you enjoyed the post! :)
My husband and I agreed on RV living in 2011 but it doesn’t stop me from dreaming of having a house one day. A big old one would be a huge undertaking but would love the challenge of restoring one. Of the three you posted today I love number 2. The wooden floors are gorgeous! Thanks for letting me dream a little.
OLD HOUSE DREAMS- great post! Old houses restored are just beautiful!!
Umm YES PLEASE! I love most of these houses!!! To bad they weren’t in NJ lol! Thanks for joining in at #ThrowbackThursday !
We’re on our fourth old house renovation. Although we did take a four year break, where we were just too busy with kids. Our current home will turn 90 next year. It’s a Dutch Colonial style that had some additions in the 50’s in Hendersonville, NC. While we live in our homes and enjoy them as we update, we’ve always done well at re-sell time. We’re only the third owners of our current house. The last family was here 73 years!
Come to Deer Lodge, Montana. We have lots of homes that need restoring! Almost finished with
our arts and crafts that was built in 1910.
Thanks! It’s also interesting that you can be nominated for a free makeover. Your friends and family might be able to tell an inspiring story and make producers select your home for a makeover. Many non-profit organization have free home renovation programs. It’s worth a try, maybe :)