These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 — take a look inside (2024)

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Located in the quaint town of Milton, North Carolina, the Gordon-Brandon House was possibly built circa 1850 by a local saloon owner. Today, the condition of the home is far worse. The home was purchased in 1950 by Hunter and Annie Brandon. After being purchased by an absentee owner in 2000, the house suffered years of neglect. The stairway is not as grand as it once was. Now the home is looking for a new owner to restore it to its former glory. The Gordon-Brandon House is currently being listed for $32,500. Located in Syracuse, New York, this abandoned Victorian-style home has a number of opulent, beautiful details. Inside the 2,056-square-foot house, there are rounded rooms and features like this ornate ceiling. The house can either act as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, or as two separate apartments. Details like this plaster ceiling are in need of repair. Other rooms feature intricate ceilings like this one. However, some parts of the home are in worse shape than others. The Talley House in Danville, Virginia, is a Queen Anne Victorian home featuring turrets, carved doors, and a front porch. The house was owned by multiple owners and families up until 1984. The home also has outdoor space to soak up the Virginia sun. The home is currently listed for $46,000. The Talley House is currently undergoing exterior stabilization and rehabilitation, and will hopefully be ready for new owners soon. The inside of the house needs some serious work. Underneath planks of wood, future owners will find gorgeous historic fireplaces like this one. The house is a single-family home and sits on a 6,098-square-foot lot. The Carter House, also located in Danville, Virginia, is on the market for just $28,000. The 3,404-square-foot home has changed owners over the years. The outside of the home, despite its dilapidated state, still has some of the ornate details that were original to the house. Inside, many of the walls are peeling and rubble can be found strewn across the floor. In the dining room, the windows are in relatively good condition. However, much of the house, which sits on a 12,400-square-foot lot, is in need of complete restoration. Built before 1900, the Longwell House is on the market for $22,000. Members of the Longwell family lived in the home into the 1970s. Over the years, the house fell into disrepair. Throughout the home, parts of the walls are peeling away. However, distinctive details like this fireplace, make the home worth saving. The left kitchen appears as if it was abandoned in haste. The James House, located in Danville, Virginia, dates back to at least 1891. The house now stands boarded up, abandoned, and empty. The home is being sold for $13,100, which is the current city tax value. FAQs References

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Executive Lifestyle

Erin McDowell

Updated

2020-09-25T13:16:00Z

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (1)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank
  • Taking on a fixer-upper is a big project, but attempting to restore an abandoned, historic mansion is an even bigger undertaking.
  • However, the rewards of restoring a cheap, old house to its former glory are priceless.
  • These huge, abandoned historic homes date back to at least 1850 and are priced as low as $1,000.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (2)

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These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (4)

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Fixer-uppers are all the rage right now.

While restoring a century-old abandoned mansion is an undeniably huge undertaking, the rewards of living in a historic home could make the work well worth it.

Here are six abandoned historic homes for sale that you can buy right now.

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Located in the quaint town of Milton, North Carolina, the Gordon-Brandon House was possibly built circa 1850 by a local saloon owner.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (5)

Preservation North Carolina

In the early 19th century, residents flocked to Milton, many of whom were artisans and other craftsmen.

Among them was a renowned cabinetmaker and builder named Thomas Day, who owned a thriving local business and heavily influenced design trends in the region.

Today, the condition of the home is far worse.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (6)

Preservation North Carolina

Described as "a modest-scale raised Greek Revival cottage," the home's front features a two-story, three-bay wide porch supported by four large beaded posts on the lower level and more ornate posts on the upper level.

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The home was purchased in 1950 by Hunter and Annie Brandon.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (7)

Preservation North Carolina

Annie Brandon was a teacher, while Hunter Brandon owned a Tire & Grill nearby.

After being purchased by an absentee owner in 2000, the house suffered years of neglect.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (8)

Preservation North Carolina

However, much of the old-world charm of the home remains, from the arched details over this doorway to the turrets over the front windows.

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The stairway is not as grand as it once was.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (9)

Preservation North Carolina

However, a lot of the original structure is still intact.

Now the home is looking for a new owner to restore it to its former glory.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (10)

Preservation North Carolina

After a preservationist purchased the house years down the line, they turned to Preservation North Carolina for assistance finding a buyer.

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The Gordon-Brandon House is currently being listed for $32,500.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (11)

Preservation North Carolina

According to the home's listing, needed repairs include parts of the roof, new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, removal of recent wood paneling and ceiling tiles, repair and replacement of damaged plaster, and some structural repair.

The home, which covers 1,968 square feet and sits on 1.7 acres of land, also needs some masonry work, new bathrooms, and a kitchen.

Located in Syracuse, New York, this abandoned Victorian-style home has a number of opulent, beautiful details.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (12)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

The home was built in 1890, and while this three-bedroom home may only be going for $1,000, the listing states that this fixer-upper will require approximately $200,000 in renovations.

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Inside the 2,056-square-foot house, there are rounded rooms and features like this ornate ceiling.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (13)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

The house has two floors. On the first floor, you'll find a small bedroom, a formal dining room, a formal living parlor with plastered ceilings, and an entry parlor.

The house can either act as a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, or as two separate apartments.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (14)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

On the upper floor, you can find two bedrooms as well as a living room.

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Details like this plaster ceiling are in need of repair.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (15)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

Grand, ornate touches still remain.

Other rooms feature intricate ceilings like this one.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (16)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

The home also includes some historic pocket doors and other design elements that harken back to its roots in the late 19th century.

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However, some parts of the home are in worse shape than others.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (17)

Greater Syracuse Land Bank

According to the listing, the house has suffered major water damage and major foundation reconstruction is needed.

The Talley House in Danville, Virginia, is a Queen Anne Victorian home featuring turrets, carved doors, and a front porch.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (18)

Friends of the Old West End

The house was built in 1890 by May Talley, which was unusual for a woman of that era. Considered one of the Old West End's most architecturally significant houses, the home is now in serious need of rehabilitation back to its former grandeur.

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The house was owned by multiple owners and families up until 1984.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (19)

Friends of the Old West End

Since then, the house has remained empty and fallen into disrepair.

The home also has outdoor space to soak up the Virginia sun.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (20)

Friends of the Old West End

The house is located in the Old West End National Historic District, where visitors can find a number of Victorian and Edwardian homes.

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The home is currently listed for $46,000.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (21)

Friends of the Old West End

Located at 126 Chestnut Street, this home is looking for an owner wanting to restore a classic, Southern Victorian mansion back to its former glory.

The Talley House is currently undergoing exterior stabilization and rehabilitation, and will hopefully be ready for new owners soon.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (22)

Friends of the Old West End

The porch has been rebuilt, the siding and roof of the house have been repaired, and the home has also gotten new exterior paint. However, much of the inside has been left untouched.

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The inside of the house needs some serious work.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (23)

Friends of the Old West End

The Talley House features multiple fireplaces.

Underneath planks of wood, future owners will find gorgeous historic fireplaces like this one.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (24)

Friends of the Old West End

Though much of the interior architecture has been stripped away, some details like fireplaces, wooden banisters, and arched windows remain.

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The house is a single-family home and sits on a 6,098-square-foot lot.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (25)

Friends of the Old West End

The home is also located right around the corner Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. According to the realtor, estimates to restore the house vary from $150,000 to $250,000.

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The Carter House, also located in Danville, Virginia, is on the market for just $28,000.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (26)

Friends of the Old West End

The Carter House was owned by John W. Carter, a sales clerk and city councilman, and his wife Margaret Redd. The couple first moved into the house before 1890, but the home is estimated to have been built between 1883 and 1888.

The Carters lived in the home, located at 870 Pine Street, with their nine children.

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The 3,404-square-foot home has changed owners over the years.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (27)

Friends of the Old West End

In October 1920, John W. Carter's heirs sold the home to James A. Stone.

The outside of the home, despite its dilapidated state, still has some of the ornate details that were original to the house.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (28)

Friends of the Old West End

The porch features historic full-length windows but will need some sprucing up.

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Inside, many of the walls are peeling and rubble can be found strewn across the floor.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (29)

Friends of the Old West End

However, the home does have multiple fireplaces.

In the dining room, the windows are in relatively good condition.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (30)

Friends of the Old West End

Some of the floorings are also salvageable.

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However, much of the house, which sits on a 12,400-square-foot lot, is in need of complete restoration.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (31)

Friends of the Old West End

The kitchen has been stripped down almost entirely, with dirt, pieces of the walls, and rubble lining the floor.

The home is part of a tentative auction to be held by Friends of the Old West End later this year.

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Built before 1900, the Longwell House is on the market for $22,000.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (32)

Friends of the Old West End

According to the listing, the two-story residence was built around 1900 for Henry D. Longwell, a well-known and successful merchant in the Danville area. Longwell moved to Danville around 1880 and opened a grocery store and confectionary.

According to Friends of the Old West End, he later married Henrietta Gordon of Hillsboro, North Carolina, and they had eight children together. Several of their children went on to be successful in their own rights — son Eugene wrote for the local newspaper and eventually went on to write for the New York Times.

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Members of the Longwell family lived in the home into the 1970s.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (33)

Friends of the Old West End

According to Friends of the Old West End, the last Longwell to live in the home was one of their daughters, Ray, who worked as a bank stenographer. After the house was converted into a rental property in the 1960s, Ray continued to live there until 1972.

Over the years, the house fell into disrepair.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (34)

Friends of the Old West End

The home was acquired for resale by the Danville Residential Housing Authority in 2015.

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Throughout the home, parts of the walls are peeling away. However, distinctive details like this fireplace, make the home worth saving.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (35)

Friends of the Old West End

Though most recently used as a multi-family house, it could be converted into a single residence. In fact, the listing even recommends that the rear additions should be removed and the home reverted back into a single-family house.

The left kitchen appears as if it was abandoned in haste.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (36)

Friends of the Old West End

Most of the cabinetry will need to be repaired or replaced in both kitchens.

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The James House, located in Danville, Virginia, dates back to at least 1891.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (37)

Friends of the Old West End

According to Friends of the Old West End, the house gets its name from Dr. John James, a medical practitioner who worked in Pittsylvania County before moving to Danville to pursue the tobacco trade.

He founded the James Tobacco company, which would eventually become the firm of Coles and James.

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The house now stands boarded up, abandoned, and empty.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (38)

Friends of the Old West End

According to the house's listing, this once-stately home covers 3,069 square feet and sits on a 6,048-square-foot lot.

But the interior is definitely not for the faint of heart: The owners stated that the home is in such disrepair, it's not even safe to step inside without someone else around to call 911 in the worst scenario.

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The home is being sold for $13,100, which is the current city tax value.

These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 —take a look inside (39)

Friends of the Old West End

However, for potential owners not intimidated by a major fixer-upper, this abandoned home could be the restoration project of a lifetime. However, intrusive water damage may mean that the home is on its last legs.

  • Read more:
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History Real Estate

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These abandoned historic homes are on sale for as little as $1,000 — take a look inside (2024)

FAQs

Why are homes abandoned with everything left behind? ›

An abandoned house is usually left unoccupied and vacant due to foreclosure, bankruptcy, or other financial or legal reasons. Local governments are generally not collecting property taxes anymore from the original owner.

Why does Detroit have a lot of abandoned houses? ›

As employment opportunities declined, some properties went into foreclosure due to unpaid taxes or mortgages, and they were left abandoned. Today, some of these buildings remain empty and now stand in ruins.

Where are the most abandoned houses? ›

In 2022, the states with the highest gross vacancy rates were Maine, Vermont, and Alaska. Notably, Maine has recorded the highest gross vacancy rate in the nation for 11 of the past 12 years.

What is the largest abandoned house in America? ›

Lynnewood Hall. This place was built in 1900 for a very wealthy business man who had also funded the Titanic that tragically sunk in 1912 and ultimately took the life of his son and grandson.

What states have the most abandoned homes? ›

Story at a glance

Maine has the most vacant housing out of all 50 states, according to new research from real estate website LAHomes. The Pine Tree State had an average home vacancy rate of 23.9 between 2011 and 2021, the research shows.

Is it OK to explore abandoned houses? ›

Ask Permission

It's tempting to assume that no one will notice or care if you sneak into an abandoned mansion. But chances are good that someone still owns the property, and if you enter without permission, you're trespassing. Take the time to do your homework, find the owner and ask if you can visit.

Who owns all the abandoned homes in Detroit? ›

The Detroit Land Bank Authority owns vacant residential properties, including homes, side lots, and vacant land that may be developed.

What happened in Gary, Indiana abandoned? ›

But the once-booming city crumbled into chaos following the decline of the American steel industry in the 1970s, as foreign steel imports outpaced domestic production. Its overall population plummeted from 180,000 people in 1960 to less than half that number today - and around 10,000 buildings now lay abandoned.

What city is completely abandoned? ›

Two examples are Pripyat and Chernobyl. After the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, Both cities were evacuated due to dangerous radiation levels within the area. As of today, Pripyat remains completely abandoned, and Chernobyl has around 500 remaining inhabitants. Another example is Todoque in Spain.

Can you buy abandoned houses in us? ›

Can you buy an abandoned house? Yes, you may be able to buy an abandoned house, though the process can be more complicated than purchasing a traditional property. Some abandoned properties may indeed present a worthwhile financial opportunity, but they may also pose potential risks and challenges.

How long would an abandoned house last? ›

The materials that a building is constructed from have a huge impact on the building's ability to withstand the elements. A building made from wood can decay in 50 years. One made from cement will last about 50-100 years. A stone building can last more than a century.

What is the oldest house still standing in the United States? ›

The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts is a historic house built c. 1637, making it the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America that has been verified by dendrochronology testing. Puritan settler Jonathan Fairbanks constructed the farm house for his wife Grace (née Smith) and their family.

Who owns the abandoned Titanic mansion? ›

At 33.85 acres (13.70 ha) according to Montgomery County Board of Assessment data, Lynnewood Hall is owned by the nonprofit Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation, after purchasing it from the First Korean Church of New York, which acquired the property in 1996.

What happens to abandoned mansions? ›

Often such property is tied up in an estate dispute or probate. If you mean formally abandoned, property reverts to the state of California after 3 years. If the owners died and left no will and has no beneficiaries (was left indestate) , the building reverts to the State of California after probate.

Why are there so many abandoned houses in the USA? ›

Vacant homes and buildings often succumb to the elements and deteriorate due to leaks, damage and general lack of maintenance before ever finding a buyer willing to pay their inflated prices. An abundance of vacant homes on the market are also attributed to rising rent and home prices.

What do abandoned houses symbolize? ›

This symbolizes a forgotten part of your mind or a part that you have repressed and avoided. There are parts of yourself and your personality that scare you leading you to avoid them. This means that these parts must be explored and developed.

What is it called when you stay in an abandoned house? ›

Squatting, the practice of living in abandoned or unoccupied spaces that a squatter does not legally own, is a great way to avoid paying rent, annex parts of your neighbors' yards, or even take a whole house from someone if you're willing to take the risk.

What is it called when a house is abandoned? ›

A place or building that is derelict is empty and in a bad state of repair because it has not been used or lived in for a long time. Her body was found dumped in a derelict warehouse less than a mile from her home. Synonyms: abandoned, deserted, ruined, neglected More Synonyms of derelict.

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