Most of us have to crack a history book or visit a historic landmark to remind ourselves of America’s beginnings, but for a small group of folks, it’s as easy as relaxing at home. You might be surprised at the number of colonial houses that have stood the test of time, especially if you don’t live on the East Coast. But if you’re a hardcore history buff, you could even become one of their next caretakers. Take a peek at some of the nation’s oldest homes that you can buy right now.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
Related: Beautiful Old Homes for Sale Across America
North Charleston, South Carolina
$7.5 million
Built in 1770, this stunning home has unique ties to the country’s history. Edward Rutledge, who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, lived in the home from 1763 through 1800. Rutledge was also the 10th governor of South Carolina. It’s fitting that the home is now known as The Governor’s House.
Related: Historic Farmhouses for Sale Across America
North Charleston, South Carolina: A Peek Inside
Heads up, Hamilton fans — this home has ties to him too. It was built by James Laurens, whose brother, Henry Laurens, was the president of the Second Continental Congress. His son, John Laurens, was Alexander Hamilton’s close friend. Today, the house is a grand home, complete with detailed moldings, seven fireplaces, 12-foot ceilings, a piano room, parlor, formal dining room, and more.
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Sandy Hook, Connecticut
$389,000
The Bradley House is an antique Cape built in 1762. This home is full of charm and boasts an expansive yard that’s ideal for kids and pets. The yard includes a brook, plenty of stone walls, and fruit trees, while the house’s deck and pergola create a beautiful setting for dining or just spending time outside.
Sandy Hook, Connecticut: A Peek Inside
This three-bedroom, two-bath home is full of historical touches. It features wide plank floors, exposed ceiling beams, and crown molding. The living room has plenty of built-ins plus a fireplace to keep it cozy, and the formal dining room is spacious and welcoming. The chef’s kitchen has been equipped with a professional gas stove, and the center island includes a prep sink for convenience.
Charleston, South Carolina
$2 million
This two-story kitchen house was built in 1770 to serve the Laurens-Rutledge house. It’s now a residential home and has been divided into two suites. Check out that beautiful front porch that makes the perfect spot to read, enjoy morning coffee, and visit with friends.
Related: Architectural Homes for Sale Across America
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Charleston: A Peek Inside
The home’s interior features the original cooking fireplace on the first floor. There are plenty of other lovely details, including exposed brick and fireplaces. The home features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is full of historic southern charm.
Cape Charles, Virginia
$15.5 million
This property may have a grand price tag, but you’re getting an entire estate for the money. Meet Pleasant Prospect Farm, a historic waterside estate that dates all the way back to 1750. Roam the property’s 170 acres or take a stroll on the included 1.5 miles of shoreline.
Related: Travel Back in Time in These Historic Towns Across America
Cape Charles, Virginia: A Peek Inside
In addition to the acreage, the property features a stunning two-story home with a full basement and an 800-bottle wine cellar. The property is also home to two guesthouses, two detached garages, and a pool house with a Roman-style bath. There’s even a windmill!
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Ludlow, Vermont
$685,000
Built in 1776, this Vermont farmhouse is part of a 13.4-acre estate. The property is mostly wooded and is on a country lane, so you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy. It’s also just minutes from Okemo and Ludlow, making it a desirable and convenient location. The grounds feature established gardens, raised garden beds, a gazebo, a pergola, and even a tennis court.
Ludlow, Vermont: A Peek Inside
This farmhouse has been restored and improved, but it still features plenty of its original charm. The great room features a beautiful stone fireplace, as well as Carlisle wide plank flooring. The morning room has aged beams and a Vermont Castings wood stove, so you’ll be cozy as you enjoy your coffee. With five bedrooms and three bathrooms, the home is ideal for a larger family.
King George, Virginia
$2.5 million
This stunning estate dates back to 1765 and is in its own private bay. The home is believed to have been built by master builder William Buckland. Today, the 70-acre property also features the main house, a guest cottage, a two-bay garage and workshop, and more. It’s just 15 minutes to King George, but the property is quiet, idyllic, and surrounded by wildlife.
King George, Virginia: A Peek Inside
The main house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It also features a grand dining room, living room, and drawing room, meaning there’s plenty of space for a family. Accents such as high ceilings, carved wooden cornices, classic archways, and large fireplaces maintain the home’s historic feel and contribute to its beauty.
Cambridge, Maryland
$595,000
This house has everything, from a prime location to a rich history dating back hundreds of years. Built in 1740, it’s on High Street in the Cambridge historic district. The house passed through the Bayly family for nearly 200 years, and has changed hands only six times since the 1940s.
Cambridge, Maryland: A Peek Inside
This house was built when Maryland was a British Colony, and you’ll find many historic touches inside. It’s warm and comfortable, and features its original wide-planked hardwood floors, solid wood doors with rim locks, a wide staircase, and six fireplaces throughout the home. The huge windows let plenty of light and air in on spring and summer days, and there’s a classic library and walk-in butlers pantry.
Hillsborough, North Carolina
$2.4 million
Maple Hill was built in 1757 and once served as the centerpiece of the Jacob Jackson Farm. Today, this historical property has been modernized into a luxurious property, but there are still plenty of historical details present. Located on 10 acres, the home features five bedrooms and six bathrooms.
Hillsborough, North Carolina: A Peek Inside
This modern home features updated amenities. It’s full of attention to detail and craftsmanship, including high ceilings, exposed wooden ceiling beams, rich hardwood floors, and brick accents. The home is incredibly spacious and, with extensive windows, it’s filled with plenty of natural light for a bright and airy atmosphere.
Farnham, Virginia
$229,500
Built in 1761, this Colonial home features two bedrooms and one bathroom. It’s on more than 21 acres (including pasture and wooded acreage) right along Route 3 for convenient access. It’s registered as a Virginia Historic Landmark, and the property features several outbuildings too.
Farnham, Virginia: A Peek Inside
The home’s interior has a quaint feel, but there’s plenty of opportunities for a little updating and some decor changes that can help to bring out its charm. Wooden floorboards are present throughout, and there’s a fireplace with an eye-catching brick chimney and wall in the kitchen. The house is being sold as-is.
New Bern, North Carolina
$499,500
Welcome to the Smith Whitford Ward House, which was built in 1772. Originally designed in the Georgian style, the home was modified in 1882 with some Victorian styling, including a side porch with French doors. The home is in the downtown New Bern Historic District, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s on a unique corner lot that’s just a block from the Neuse riverfront park.
New Bern, North Carolina: A Peek Inside
With five bedrooms and four bathrooms, this stunning home is ideal for a larger family. It features eight fireplaces and showplace mantels, along with details such as carved cornices and moldings. Pine flooring is present throughout the entire home, and the kitchen cabinets are also made of pine. The kitchen has been rebuilt to include new appliances, but you’ll find original plaster walls throughout most of the house.
Drakes Branch, Virginia
$975,000
This historical Georgian home was built in 1751 and is on an 86-acre estate — part of a land grant from King George II to Stephen Bedford, captain of the colonial militia, and your chance to own a true piece of history. The estate has been restored and now features 10 frost-free hydrants throughout the property, a pump house garden shed, a shop with a garage that’s heated and cooled, and a metal building with a concrete floor. There are also two koi ponds and four porches to help you enjoy the views.
Drakes Branch, Virginia: A Peek Inside
This four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is spacious and inviting. It’s full of details, including molding, wood floors, and plenty of fireplaces. The kitchen features modern appliances and a distinctive brick floor that adds to the home’s charm. This would be a great home for a larger family looking for space to spread out.
Wilson, North Carolina
$210,000
This Victorian-style home was built in 1887 — it’s in the Old Wilson Historic District — and is full of charm. It features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it suitable for a family, to use as a B&B, or to even convert to a rental.
Wilson, North Carolina: A Peek Inside
You’ll find that the original hardwood floors, trim, mantels, and accents are all still present inside, making for wonderful historic touches. The roof was replaced in 2001, and an HVAC system and travertine tile were added. Other highlights include fireplaces in each bathroom, a wrap-around porch, and a grand entry foyer that will make a big impression on any guest.
Warfield, Virginia
$425,000
If you’re looking for a truly historic home, Bothwick Hall is a rare find. Built in 1734, this home is on 20 acres, complete with stately pines. It’s at the end of a long gravel drive, so you’ll have plenty of privacy. THere’s even a stunning oak tree in the front yard believed to be more than 500 years old.
Warfield, Virginia: A Peek Inside
This three-bed, two-bath home features hardwood floors and aged wallpaper, a callback to its historic past. In the sitting room, you’ll find a fireplace and oversized windows, and there’s a large formal dining room across the hall. A climbing stairway brings you to the second floor, with its two upstairs bedrooms. The kitchen has been modernized and the home has plenty of closets, as well as newer windows upstairs. Box molding and a chandelier in the hall foyer make an elegant touch.
Louisa, Virginia
$2 million
Step back into 18th century Virginia with this five-bedroom Prospect Hill home. Built in 1732, the home is on nearly 41 acres. It’s just 20 minutes to Charlottesville, and 40 minutes to Richmond, making it a convenient and desirable location. In addition to the main house, there are eight additional bedroom suites with fireplaces and modern full bathrooms.
Louisa, Virginia: A Peek Inside
The home is spacious and welcoming. It’s full of details such as fireplaces and mantels, molding, and exposed ceiling beams. The den features built-ins, and careful wallpaper selections have helped to maintain that 18th-century feel.
Farnham, Virginia
$1.9 million
When you step onto Indian Banks, you’ll be entering a property with more than 300 years of rich history. Thomas Glasscock received 600 acres in 1652, and when he married Ester Ball in 1728, the couple lived on this property. Capt. John Smith even visited the Moraughtacunds, a Native American tribe, in their village in 1608 near where Indian Banks is today.
Farnham, Virginia: A Peek Inside
The manor house features four bedrooms and three bedrooms. Its architecture reflects the distinctive English style. The main entrance features Flemish Bond brickwork with a scrolled soffit, a rare detail found in only two known properties in Virginia. Other highlights include wood floors throughout the home, plenty of built-ins, and a kitchen that’s been updated with modern appliances.
