11 Storybook Homes for Buyers in Search of a Happily Ever After (2024)

Abundant curb appeal, lovely gardens, and whimsical touches are all apparent in these 11 storybook homes for sale right now.

Quaint and charming, this style appeals to spirited buyers in search of a home beyond the basic tract dwelling.

Built in the 1920s and 1930s, these magical cottages exude a sense of family warmth and a connection to a bygone era. But just because most of them are nearing their 100th birthday doesn’t mean these homes are stuck in yesteryear.

There’s a landmark storybook beach house in Southern California just steps from the beach, a terra-cotta and teal delight in New Jersey, and an elegant secret garden storybook home in Idaho—all of which have undergone meticulous updates that don’t overwhelm their original look and feel.

Located from coast to coast, each of these 11 storybook homes is ready to become a lucky buyer’s happily ever after.

91 Courter Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Price: $650,000

Cottage storybook: This Tudor built in 1926 sits on a quarter-acre in what the listing calls a Tuscan neighborhood.

The three-bedroom home boasts a newly renovated kitchen, plenty of natural light, a bonus office with reclaimed wood ceiling, and a sunroom with stone floors. A welcoming backyard features a stone patio and built-in grill for entertaining.

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702 Seneca Pl, Madison, WI

Price: $949,000

Lannon stone storybook: Sharp peaks and towering trees give this five-bedroom home impressive height from the curb.

Built in 1931, the whole house has undergone an update. There’s a Carrara marble double shower in the owner’s suite, a gourmet chef’s kitchen with Amish cabinets, hardwood floors, and a garage with gym. There’s also a fenced backyard and screened porch for lounging.

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8002 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA

Price: $3,358,000

Historic storybook: Built in 1928 just steps from the beach, this four-bedroom cottage sits on a gated corner lot, close to everything in the La Jolla Shores area.

Inside, you’ll find cathedral ceilings, a new custom kitchen, and a wood-burning fireplace.

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234 Conway Ct, South Orange Village Township, NJ

Price: $999,000

Storybook with treehouse: A bright teal door is just the beginning of the appeal of this five-bedroom home, less than a half-mile outside town.

Inside the Tudor-style dwelling, the kitchen has two sinks, French doors leading out to a screened porch, a mudroom, and a newly renovated bathroom in the master suite. There’s a deck out back, plus a custom treehouse.

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Watch: $280K Ohio Windmill Home Seeks New Owner—and Windmill

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1224 E. Washington St, Boise, ID

Price: $1,198,000

Secret garden storybook: Elegant inside and out, this four-bedroom home sits on a premier corner lot and is surrounded by gardens, waterfall features, and wildlife.

Built in 1925, the listing details state that the home is an area landmark and in pristine condition. It also includes a studio above the detached two-car garage for guests, in-laws, or use as an office.

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615 Westmoreland Ave, Lansing, MI

Price: $209,900

Affordable storybook: Situated in the city’s Westside neighborhood, this three-bedroom home was built in 1929, but it features modern amenities throughout.

There’s a finished basem*nt, exercise room, living room with fireplace, and third-floor loft. Outside, there’s a large deck overlooking the landscaped, fenced backyard.

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4611 De Russey Pkwy, Chevy Chase, MD

Price: $1,299,000

Chevy Chase Gardens storybook: This four-level home built in 1931 boasts plenty of space, thanks to its six bedrooms.

Inside, there are refinished hardwood floors, fresh paint throughout, an updated kitchen, and a first-floor in-law suite. Outdoors, the property features a charming English garden and a flagstone patio.

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88 Maple St, Millburn, NJ

Price: $795,000

Sun-filled storybook: Meticulously maintained, the highlight of this charming three-bedroom home is a cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace.

There’s also a sunroom/office overlooking the backyard plus a fun first-floor rec room. The outdoor space has a patio and deck for relaxing and bird watching.

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2565 St. Andrews Dr, Glendale, CA

Price: $1,595,000

Landmark storybook: Built in 1926 on a half-acre in Chevy Chase Canyon, this charming four-bedroom home is perched on a steep lot.

It comes with a golf cart and a path to lead the owners to terraced gardens and outdoor seating areas. Inside, there’s a cool fourth-floor library with floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves. The property also includes a natural stream, a wooden bridge to a separate studio building, and even a waterfall.

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8006 Garland Ave, Takoma Park, MD

Price: $499,900

All-brick storybook: Freshly painted and move-in ready, this brick two-bedroom was built in 1944.

It includes details like crown molding and original trim. There’s also a new kitchen and updates to the infrastructure. Outside, there’s a custom flagstone patio in the fully fenced backyard.

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421 Tec*mseh Ave, Mount Vernon, NY

Price: $597,500

Red door storybook: Built on a tree-lined street, this adorable five-bedroom home with a bright-red front door was built in 1929.

Highlights of the updated family home include hardwood floors, a second-floor balcony, and a formal dining room.

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11 Storybook Homes for Buyers in Search of a Happily Ever After (2024)

FAQs

What makes a storybook house? ›

If a home exudes timeless, romantic charm and looks as if it has hopped straight off the pages of a children's story, it's sometimes described as a Storybook house. Think thatched roof bungalows and chocolate-box cottages, with rolling, verdant gardens and ivy or wisteria growing along the exterior walls.

Why are 2 story homes cheaper? ›

Two-story houses make an efficient use of the foundation, and roof by covering up to twice as much square footage as a one-story home would. The downside is that much of that gain in value is lost because additional unusable floorspace that gets absorbed by staircases.

What are the colors for a storybook house? ›

A storybook cottage wants a palette of earthen tones — creams, browns, rusts and other colors that tie the house to the ground. But that doesn't mean a storybook cottage shouldn't have pinks, yellows, blues and reds.

What are the characteristics of a storybook architecture? ›

As for the interiors of Storybook homes, they often contain curved or sloping walls with a hand-plastered finish. Exposed wood beams, stone walls, large hearths, and cozy nooks are also common interior characteristics.

What qualifies as a 2 story house? ›

A two story home is a residential building that has two floors. The second floor is usually used for the bedrooms and the ground floor serves as an entrance hall, living room and dining area. A one story house on the other hand is a residential building with only one floor with all rooms on the same level.

What is considered a storybook? ›

Definitions of storybook. a book containing a collection of stories (usually for children) type of: book. a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

What is a storybook ranch house? ›

Common features of the style include the following: Single-story; asymmetrical wide facades, usually set parallel to the street. Low-pitched roof, usually gabled, often with wide eaves; wood shakes were the favored material. Attached garages incorporated into the house plans.

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