Chicago IL, Connecticut, Daily Email, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, most popular, New Haven CT, New Jersey, Unique Homes
Chicago Rectory-Turned-Time Capsule Home Is Listed for Under $500K—and Historic Church Next Door Is Up for Grabs, Too
Aug
A former four-bedroom rectory that was once the parsonage for Chicago‘s St. Alban’s Episcopal Church has just hit the market for $465,000.
The property represents what the listing describes as a “historic opportunity,” offering buyers the chance to purchase either the rectory itself or the rectory and the historic church. The latter was originally built in 1894 and is also on the market for $899,000.
While the rectory, which was built in 1955, does not boast the same historic significance as the “main sanctuary,” the 1,700-square-foot home is still a time capsule in its own right, with retro wallpaper adorning several of the spaces, including the kitchen.
The listing notes that several updates have been made to the structure, including the addition of a newer roof. But it concedes that the “plumbing appears to have a leak,” suggesting that a future owner would need to invest some energy and money into overhauling the infrastructure.
It has a dining room, a living room with fireplace, a detached garage, and a private back garden. Steeped in history, the divine dwelling tops this week’s most popular homes list.
The 1894 church also requires a real estate revival if a buyer wishes to turn it into a residential home. But it boasts original stained-glass windows, custom millwork, and cathedral ceilings. A 3,000-square-foot lower level features gathering rooms and a full kitchen.
According to the listing, an RS-2 zoning allows it to continue operating as a church or be transformed into a “community art center, performance venue, or live-work artist studio.” However, “the city has indicated they would not favor a change to multi-unit.”
Other properties grabbing attention this week are a 60-acre estate in Vermont with a Christmas tree farm, a historical Colonial Revival in Portland, and a carpenter Gothic Victorian in Connecticut.
10. 1633 Chattin Rd, Glenside, PA
Price: $899,900
Why it’s here: It’s an intact midcentury modern residence, complete with shag rugs, wood paneling, retro bathrooms, and mirrored doors. It has been virtually untouched since it was built in 1960.
The four-bedroom home seeking a buyer “to bring fresh updates” also features vaulted ceilings, glass walls, a floating staircase, and exposed beams. A two-story living room with a loft area has a stone fireplace and sliders that open to a patio. The kitchen has a wall oven, wood cabinetry, and access to a “utility area” with a second refrigerator. An upstairs primary suite has dual bathrooms and closets.
The 1-acre property abuts La Salle College High School’s Upper and Lower Bartley Fields. There is a one-car garage.
Cole Cichon Hoffmann of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the listing agent.
9. 3091 6th St, Marianna, FL
Price: $499,900
Why it’s here: This affordably priced Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired midcentury home has been updated with a modern interior.
Built in 1955, the 3,608-square-foot multilevel residence shows more like a Chip and Joanna Gaines–influenced home. It features tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, glass walls, and luxury vinyl plank floors.
The stylish kitchen is equipped with stainless-steel appliances, quartz countertops, and an oversized island with black walnut countertop. The dining area shares a brick fireplace with a sun-soaked living room, which has access to a balcony designed for entertaining.
The 5.11-acre property comes with a custom-built sauna, carport, storage building, and garden area.
Angela Daniels of Jim Roberts Realty is the listing agent.
8. 1740 US Route 5 N, Barnet, VT
Price: $1,100,000
Why it’s here: Glen Colley Farm encompasses 60 acres with frontage along Joe’s Brook and the Passumpsic River. It boasts a 3.5-acre Christmas tree plantation, a historic round barn, an 1800s farmhouse, and several outbuildings.
The three-bedroom residence was “extensively renovated” in 2010, but some period details remain throughout the 3,146-square-foot interior. They include wide-plank floors, exposed beams, and vaulted ceilings. Updates feature a modern kitchen with island, a solarium with skylights and Endless Pool, and a walkout basement with sauna. Multiple porches offer a nice spot to soak in the scenery.
The farmstead includes equestrian facilities, several barns, and a detached art studio.
Mary Scott of Tim Scott Real Estate is the listing agent.
7. 16 Williams St, Easton, MA
Price: $1,300,000
Why it’s here: It’s a former church that has been turned into a four-bedroom luxury residence.
Built in 1900, the historical structure features 5,740 square feet of converted space. It features a massive great room with a curved ceiling and stained-glass windows. A second-floor primary suite comes with custom double vanities and steam shower, as well as Gothic arched doors that open to a Juliet balcony overlooking the main level. The chef’s kitchen has professional-grade appliances and granite countertops. A luxurious guest suite offers a sitting room and Carrara marble bath.
Highlights include a media room, bar, and office with exterior access.
Bobby Morgenstern of Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing agent.
6. 6108 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA
Price: $844,900
Why it’s here: It’s all about the potential! This midcentury home needs some TLC, but it has “extraordinary possibilities” to be transformed into a stunning contemporary residence.
Offering Columbia River and Portland skyline views, Henderson House encourages buyers to bring their vision to this property that is all about the location.
Built in 1948, the two-bedroom dwelling in Evergreen Highlands is being offered for the first time. This is a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to reimagine the structure in its current form, design an “architectural masterpiece,” or “explore subdivision or multiple residence possibilities.”
The abode was originally listed for $1,199,000 in May 2026 and last traded hands for $45,600 in 1974.
Heather Deford of Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing agent.
5. 14198 Highway 191, Hazel Green, KY
Price: $375,000
Why it’s here: This 30-acre multiuse farm provides a unique live-work opportunity for a buyer seeking a “commercial, retail, business, warehouse, professional, or agricultural” use.
The spacious property is located near the Red River Gorge Geological Area and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Built in 2022, the 3,500-square-foot structure could be transformed into a single-family barndominium.
It also offers “hundreds and hundreds of feet of road frontage” for prime commercial and retail visibility.
Donna Mink of Mink Realty is the listing agent.
4. 1719 NE Knott St, Portland, OR
Price: $4,200,000
Why it’s here: The Bowman House designed by architect Ellis F. Lawrence is a Colonial Revival “masterpiece with Craftsman influences.”
Built in 1916, the elegant estate boasts 8,628 square feet of space and is one of the largest residences in the Irvington Historic District. The six-bedroom mansion has been thoughtfully updated.
Period details include Honduran mahogany millwork, leaded-glass windows, custom millwork, pocket doors, beautiful light fixtures, oak floors, built-ins, formal gathering rooms, and three fireplaces. A third-floor former ballroom could be transformed into an entertainment level.
The fenced lot includes a lighted turf sports field, an outdoor kitchen, dining and entertaining areas, and a detached guesthouse.
Andrew Pienovi of Christie’s International Real Estate Evergreen is the listing agent.
3. 3 Shelbourne Ave, Trenton, NJ
Price: $295,000
Why it’s here: This affordably priced, four-bedroom Tudor built in 1930 combines period details with modern upgrades.
A 2,585-square-foot interior boasts hardwood and slate floors, exposed beams, built-ins, arched doorways, and stained-glass windows. A cozy living room has a fireplace. The kitchen offers a farmhouse sink, stone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. A sunroom overlooking the back patio would be a nice spot to soak in the scenery. There is also a two-car detached garage.
The “character-filled property” surrounded by lush landscaping and cascading ivy is being offered as is.
Mariann Brand of Keller Williams Towne Square Realty is the listing agent.
2. 106 Sherland Ave, New Haven, CT
Price: $349,900
Why it’s here: It’s a carpenter Gothic Victorian with gingerbread wood trim located in historic Fair Haven Heights.
Built in 1875, the three-bedroom residence with steeply pitched roof boasts a unique interior with hardwood floors, pointed arch windows, stained glass, dolls galore, and even a featured cat (assumedly, not included with the sale). A comfortable living room has a fireplace. The cute kitchen has a tin ceiling and separate dining area.
The “very special home” is located minutes from downtown, Yale University, and local hospitals.
Jeffrey Granoff of Grl & Realtors is the listing agent.
1. 6240 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL
Price: $465,000
Why it’s here: It’s the chance to own a four-bedroom former rectory located next to the former St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, which is also for sale for $899,000.
Built in 1955, the single-family parsonage features arched doorways, a living room with fireplace, a dining room, and one bathroom. The 1894 church boasts original stained-glass windows, custom wood trusses, cathedral ceilings, and a 3,000-square-foot lower level with full kitchen and gathering rooms.
If purchased together for $1,364,000, the property can continue to operate as a religious institution or be transformed into a “live-work artist studio,” under its RS-2 zoning.
Daniel Cartalucca of Coldwell Banker Realty – McMullen is the listing agent.
