Fuel for Hardcore Historical Home Fantasies

Fuel for Hardcore Historical Home Fantasies
Hampton National Historic Site

Friday, September 24, 2010

Great Deal on the Delaware Bay - Slaughter Beach DE




Now THIS is what I'm talking about. It falls squarely into the category of "crappy but good". Here's the deal: PROPERTY SOLD AS IS.....Rehab is not complete...seller will finish nothing...all offers submited should be done on taking the property as is. Home inspections will be for information only and property accepted or decined after said inspection. It's got 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Built on a concrete slab. Lot size is 50 X 192'. And it's RIGHT ON THE WATER. View looks fantastic and it's far enough back that even if Al Gore is right, you'd probably be okay. The price is pretty good $349k (betcha they'd take less). And get this, the ANNUAL fees and taxes are just $650..... wow.

Friday, September 17, 2010

1865 Texas Plantation on 128 Acres





Located in Kosse, Texas which looks like it's halfway between Dallas and Houston and reasonably close to Austin, this incredibly charming 1865 historic plantation home is "ready to restore" after being occupied by members of the original family for 3 generations. Situated on a hilltop in the middle of 128 acres (YES!) the landscape features mature tree in a landscaped yard around the home surrounded by a white picket fence. Amazing big sky views of rolling hills, open pasture, wooded areas, 2 ponds, multiple barns, fencing and cross fencing, and more. The home features high ceilings, 3 fireplaces, formal living, formal dining, family room, grand foyer, first floor bedroom, bath and laundry room. (doesn't say how many total bedrooms..hmmm) All for just $395k. And get this, taxes with AG were only $729. Sounds like an affordably HUGE slice of heaven in the Lone Star State

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Great Italianate on the Nanticoke River. Vienna, MD.





Escape to this idyllic estate on Maryland's Eastern Shore this grand post Civil War brick manor house on the banks of a historic town on the Nanticoke River often featured in the Tidewater Times. With endless views of open waterfront, this private large corner parcel feels like you are on a thousand-acre estate. There is not another home in sight, truly a little piece of heaven as you look down the waterfront from the estate grounds. Estate is flanked by mature magnolia trees and has an old English rose garden. The home has 6 bedrooms and offers 4,000 square feet of living space featuring floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views from the stately halls and beautifully appointed rooms. All of the original intricate millwork, plaster molding, iron chandelier medallions and refinished heart pine floors are in excellent condition. This gracious brick three-story home with full portico and grand three-story winding staircase is professionally decorated. The $1,033,00 price tag includes period antiques and fine reproductions and a substantial credit for designer upgrades. House has large country kitchen with custom cherry cabinets and Corian countertop and separate summer commercial kitchen. Old English brick cellar has arches and large oak bar with copper top and would make a great private wine cellar. Without the furniture and on a smaller lot just $539k.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

"The Reserve House" Early 1800's John Ellicott Home $1





Yowza!!!!! Talk about a cool challenge for someone who loves old homes and has a great vision but not a lot of money. This is the opportunity for you! The Reserve House consists is a small two-story stone structure on a hill overlooking the Patapsco River. It was constructed in the early 19th century by John Ellicott, Jr., one of the Ellicott brothers who founded the mills at Ellicott City, Maryland. The dwelling is significant because it is a prime example of mill worker housing that was common in the area when Ellicott City was a major industrial center. Right now it has 2 bedrooms and with 1200 square feet of space. The wild thing about it its that it is being offered as part of The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Resident- Curatorship Program, which secures private funding and labor for the restoration and maintenance of historic properties owned by the State. Curators, who can be individuals or organizations, pledge to restore the historic property according to historic preservation standards and at no cost to the state, and agree to maintain it in good condition in exchange for a lifetime lease for $1 per year. Yeah that's right -- a buck a year! The program generally requires curatorship proposals to represent about $150,000-200,000 worth of improvements to the property, which must be completed in about five years. I don't know what happens when you want to move in terms of your "investment" but somebody who planned to stay in it for a long time --( or perhaps have a child or grandchild take over the$1 lease) could create a SPECTACULAR home with a fabulous view within reasonable walking distance of downtown Ellicott City. This property is located in Baltimore County, secluded location WITHIN the Patapsco Valley State Park, at 16 River Road, Ellicott City, Maryland 21043. I'd love for one of my fellow Historic House Porn lovers to take this on, so I'm posting the contact info. DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!!!!!!!

Contact: John-Bruce C. Alexander, Manager of Curatorships & Cultural Resources
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office, Building, E-4, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8457
balexander@dnr.state.md.us
www.dnr.state.md.us/land/rcs/index.asp
The Reserve House