c. 1870 "Chinese Chippendale" Cottage - Belton, S.C.

Is this CUTE or what? I've heard of Chinese Chippendale in terms of furniture, but have never seen it used to describe architecture. But you can definitely see a far eastern flair, although I'd probably tag it as Carpenter Gothic. ANYWAY.... it's got 5 bedrooms, 1 bath, 2,450 square feet. Looks a little rough around the edges on the inside, but it's got "potential". Plus it's on almost 4.5 acres and is priced at just $185,000. Probably because it's located in the hinterlands of Belton, South Carolina.
Also available for rent.

1830 Oyer House at McAlevy's Fort Huntingdon, PA.

Hello Handsome! Elegantly rustic and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Oyer House is an 1830 stone house, carefully restored, on approx. 2 acres. SEVEN fireplaces and extensive original faux graining and stenciling make this a unique example of Federal architecture. Superb original decorative paint and stenciling appears throughout this house. All major doors, baseboard moldings, and chimney cabinets are either faux-grained in maple or mahogany or marbleized in simulated stone. In the back parlor rows of stenciling from floor to ceiling were discovered under layers of old wall paper.Original box-locks and Norfolk latches remain on all the doors.

All that PLUS new mechanicals, wiring, plumbing and bathrooms and kitchens, were added with care from 1990 to the present as the house, when found, had none of these amenities, being in it's original 1830 condition. A new roof, an outbuilding serving as a garage, and a sun-room were added at this time. When the original six dormers were replaced, two large rooms, bath and galley kitchen made a third floor suite, completing a 4-5 bedroom, 3+ bath house. Sounds like this one is done!

Described as "hidden in its peaceful central enclave near large areas of state forests, parks and famous fishing and hunting areas, this unique home is within an easy drive of a major university" -- I'm guessing it's near Penn State. So the climate's cold but it's got culture. Just $445,000.

Savannah Stunner - $140,000

So what's up with this?

A 2 Bedroom, 840 square ft. "deluxe quality" loft in DOWNTOWN Savannah that includes all furnishings such as $10,000 window treatments, three antique oriental screens valued at $5,000 plus a full office/electronics set up: IBM computer, scan/print/fax, shredder, CD stereo system, DVD TV. Move right in! Superior 2004 renovation of a substantially built circa 1942 school building by Atlanta's Inman Park Properties. Great loft space with 12 foot ceilings, a unique glass wall and sunny six-foot windows. 2 beds, 1 bath, hardwood floors, and all ALL FOR $140k ?????? (say 20% down, 5% interest rate, 30 years -- that's about $750 a month!) Maybe it also comes with a corpse in the closet. Must be some kinda crazy story behind this one.

1934 Port Side Plantation, Georgetown S.C.

The scariest and possibly the most appealing words in this listing is "partially renovated" -- but it explains the CHEAP $429,900 price tag on this 14 room 1934 "manor home" on the South Carolina coast north of Charleston. Three stories with EIGHT bedrooms and 8.5 baths is located in quiet cul de sac just minutes to historic Georgetown's shops and restaurants. Gorgeous live oak tree, bamboo forest and magnolia trees with private wooded setting. All brick home has been under renovation from roof (2000), new gas log sleeves in all 7 fireplaces, new windows, new HVAC for 1st 2 floors, new foundation and brick front porch. much ofthe plumbing and electrical has been rewired. All hardwood floors, crown molding, 9.5 foot ceilings thruout. Butler pantry and breakfast room. Great Room and Library. 3rd floor Renovation was not completed so bring your ideas for the rest! For a "few dollars more", imagine the possibilities. On 3/4 of an acre so there's some land. 4,720 square feet. Lots of room for lots of people. Seems like an ideal candidate for my "retirement commune" group home.

Folly Quarter Manor circa 1936

YOWZA! Apparently just down the road is "one of the most spectacular properties in the Mid Atlantic states". Who knew? It's called Folly Quarter Manor and it was built by the owners of Pimlico and is part of the Doughregan Manor Farm, owned by Charles Carroll, signer of the Dec. of Independence. Amazing 54+ ac. of pristine pastures, horse barns, guest cottage, pool & tennis, out buildings to complement the world class residence of 8000 sq.ft of luxury. 6 bedrooms. 5 full baths plus 3 partial baths. 6 fireplaces. Pond and stream. Now just $15,300,000 -- down from $17,000,000.

If you're interested in snapping it up, it's listed by my favorite Historic Real Estate Porn realtor Kimberly Kepnes -- 443-250-4241 - I wonder if she'd let me in to take a peek....

Lauri Mundi - 1847 Antebellum, Aberdeen Mississippi

Okay it IS in Mississippi. But look at it. 5516 square feet. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths. On TWENTY ACRES! All for just $475k. It's got a first floor laundry room, library -- with gorgeous glass door bookcases, 2 car garage, a barn, a sleeping porch (cool!), 6 inch original heartpine floors, ornate moldings on the first floor. Even central air. Plus there's a guess house and a 2 stall horse stable. If it had a pool it would be perfect.

1832 Greek Revival - Union SC

Okay. This must be haunted. Inhabited by a colony of groundhogs. Or sited next to a gas station -- because it's priced at just $159,000!!! Known as the Meng House it's on the National Register of Historic Place. New gas furnace. New roof. 4 bedrooms. 2 full baths. 4100 heated square feet and 1500 unheated. On just over an acre.

The chair rail in the 12'X 40', 14ft ceiling foyer was brought by wagon from Charleston SC and the room features a 3 story hand-carved balustrade leading to a full attic. The living room, one of eight 18x18 rooms, has two built in libraries and an access for gas logs in the fireplace. The only exterior addition is two stories in height, attached to the north facade, housing the kitchen,bath and laundry rooms. Needs some cosmetic work -- but wow!