“Even when estates are priced in the millions, they can be a relative bargain given their size, amenities and architectural significance,” says Richard Thompson, National Vice President of Sales at United Country Real Estate. Thompson himself has seen sizeable Victorian homes go for $40,000. And full castles built by Civil War officers sell for a mere $400,000. “Old river towns often have illustrious homes built during a period of brief prosperity that cost very little now,” Thompson adds.
One of the most intriguing lots-for-little examples is a grand old manse nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Though much of the residence has fallen into disrepair, it offers more than 8,000 square feet of living space and elaborate architectural detail. Hand-painted murals grace wood-paneled walls. Turned banisters and gorgeous millwork are everywhere as well as stately fireplaces throughout. And many of the 10 bedrooms in the house have views of a pond that’s fed by a mountain spring.
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| Mount Dora, Florida (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Of course, a fixer-upper of this magnitude is not for everyone. “Buyers often watch movies and get unrealistic ideas about what it’s really like to take on a huge old house for renovation,” says Thompson. For the less-than-handy, it’s best to go with a house that doesn’t need work. One such example is a 5-bedroom Victorian in Oil City, Pennsylvania, on the market for $280,000. Beautifully restored and maintained, it is distinguished by its sitting porch and surrounding country gardens.
Measuring in at just over 4,000 square feet, the house offers five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms. A huge entryway and gorgeous staircase set the tone for the rest of the home which includes polished hardwood floors, original moldings and millwork, and high ceilings. The exterior features columns, Victorian fretwork, and shingling, all of which has been carefully restored. The home is a remnant of Oil City’s rise to prominence during the 1850s when it became the headquarters for Pennzoil, Quaker State and Wolf’s Head motor oil companies.
For buyers willing to spend more, entire estates can be bought. In Mount Dora, Florida, for example, one can buy an illustrious Mediterranean lake-front villa on 10 acres for only $2 million—not much considering that it offers 18,000 square feet of living space made up of 41 rooms. The home was built in 1904 and includes 13 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and 13 fireplaces. All of the original windows and millwork has been restored and preserved. Plus, there’s an indoor pool and the home is surrounded by formal gardens. In addition, there’s a workshop with an apartment above, and a boathouse that needs work.
What makes the property a real find, though, is its history. It was designed by Pittsburgh architect Edgar Vigners Seeler for James Laughlin, Jr., the head of the J&L Steel Company. In 2006, the Florida Trust for Historical Preservation presented the estate with a Florida Preservation Award. An added bonus to an already sweet deal.
Full-List: Giant Homes For Bargain-Basement Prices
Taken from: http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeslifestyle/2012/08/21/9-giant-homes-for-bargain-basement-prices/
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