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Restored 1860s Church With a Bell Tower Lists for Under $700K—Offering ‘Endless Income Potential’

Posted on by Mike B
02
Sep

An astonishing investment opportunity has recently hit the market in Hatch, NM, offering the unique chance to buy a restored church, a bell tower with additional rooms, a three-bedroom adobe home, and a studio-style one-bedroom casita—ringing it in at the top spot of the week’s most popular homes list.

Built in 1860, the property, “rich in Southwestern character,” currently operates as a residence, rental, and event venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and special events.

Offering “endless income-producing opportunities,” the property could also be transformed into multigenerational living.

Interior highlights include exposed vigas, wood beams, latilla ceilings, Saltillo tile, wood floors, and thick adobe walls.

The gated property, surrounded by an adobe wall, features an outdoor entertaining area with a kiva fireplace, a built-in grill, a covered patio, spacious parking, a large warehouse, and a covered carport.

Other properties grabbing attention this week include two modern A-frame cabins in the North Carolina mountains, a Tudor Revival in Ohio, and a home on a private island in Maine.

10. 785 State Hwy Unit 9, Eastham, MA

Price: $279,000

Why it’s here: Here’s the chance to buy an adorable and affordable Cape Cod cottage, offered fully furnished.

This tiny Outer Cape abode, located near the Cape Cod Rail Trail and National Seashore, offers just 294 square feet of sunny space in a studio-style layout. This seasonal property, tucked away in the Cranberry Cottages complex, could be used as an investment property. The modernized interior features hardwood floors, a kitchenette area with a refrigerator and microwave, an updated bathroom, and sleeping quarters.

According to the listing, two bicycles and two inflatable stand-up paddleboards will be included with the sale. It also has a back deck, an outdoor shower, and a shed for extra storage.

Callie Zaglio of Christie’s International Real Estate Atlantic Brokerage is the listing agent.

Tiny cottage in Cranberry Cottages complex in Eastham, MA, on sale for $279,000
Tiny cottage in Cranberry Cottages complex in Eastham, MA (Realtor.com)

9. 416 Chemung St, Waverly, NY

Price: $579,000

Why it’s here: This six-bedroom Victorian, built in 1869, is still full of period charm and character, with many period details, including an eye-catching wraparound deck.

Highlights remaining intact throughout the 4,236-square-foot interior include oversized windows, custom millwork, preserved hardwood floors, built-ins, and a wood-burning fireplace. A “beautifully updated” kitchen has stone countertops and stainless steel appliances. The grand curved staircase leads up to modern sleeping quarters with painted wood floors and modern bathrooms.

The 1.3-acre lot also has a one-car detached garage and a new concrete driveway.

Stephanie Ann Rogers Robinson of IVRE Hometown is the listing agent.

Updated grand Victorian in Waverly, NY, on sale for $579,000
Updated grand Victorian in Waverly, NY (Realtor.com)

8. 904 Juliana St, Parkersburg, WV

Price: $695,000

Why it’s here: The Chancellor House is being offered for the first time since it was built in 1878 by William Nelson Chancellor, who helped organize the First National Bank and the Ohio River Railroad Co.

The “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”—offered after five generations called the 16-room residence home—features a well-preserved 5,827-square-foot interior. Historic highlights include 13-foot ceilings, walnut woodwork, pocket doors, decorative cornices, nine fireplaces, and multiple staircases, including one that leads to a tower with views of the Ohio River. A modern kitchen has custom cabinetry and access to a staircase leading to a former chef’s bedroom.

A private walled garden area leads to a detached coach house with a one-car garage and workspace.

Eric J Corder of Coldwell Banker Select Properties is the listing agent.

The Chancellor House in Parkersburg, WV, on sale for $695,000
The Chancellor House in Parkersburg, WV (Realtor.com)

7. 161 Lonnie Clark Rd, Quincy, FL

Price: $519,000

Why it’s here: Thistle Dew is a historic four-bedroom residence, built in 1900 in Bainbridge, GA, and relocated to this 12.77-acre lot in 1980.

Found throughout the 3,386-square-foot interior are “exceptional” millwork, stained glass, built-in cabinetry, preserved hardwood floors, and multiple fireplaces. A dining room designed for grand-scale entertaining features glass French doors that open to a cozy living room with a walk-out bay window. Two bedrooms, including a lavish primary suite with a soaking tub, are on the main level, along with an enormous two-story family room.

Covered porches overlook the serene lot, which also has a large barn with an enclosed workshop and a detached boat barn.

Susan Branson of Xcellence Realty is the listing agent.

Thistle Dew in Quincy, FL, on sale for $519,000
Thistle Dew in Quincy, FL (Realtor.com)

6. 11392 and 11394 US 19W Hwy, Burnsville, NC

Price: $975,000

Why it’s here: Here’s the chance to create your own legacy compound with two modern A-frame cabins offering picturesque views of the mountains and Cane River.

Located on 24.75 “unrestricted” acres, the property, with income-producing potential and “potential for additional cabins,” offers 1,000 feet of direct river frontage and hiking trails. Each 800-square-foot cabin, built in 2023, has one bedroom and an open floor plan with a double-height living room, vaulted wood ceilings, and a curved staircase leading to the sleeping quarters.

Currently used as “successful short-term rentals,” the cabins are being offered fully furnished, providing a turnkey opportunity for the next investor.

Alli Buchanan of Dream Mountain Realty is the listing agent.

Two A-frame cabins in Burnsville, NC, on sale for $975,000
Two A-frame cabins in Burnsville, NC (Realtor.com)

5. 3504 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH

Price: $325,000

Why it’s here: This Tudor Revival, built in 1938, has “architectural integrity inside and out,” with steep gable rooflines and dark timbering offering its “unmistakable character.”

Highlights found throughout the 2,966-square-foot interior include arched doorways, crown molding, and carpeting, with hardwood floors “believed” to be underneath. A cozy living room has a wood-burning fireplace, and a country kitchen has plenty of cabinets and a breakfast bar. An enormous family room with cathedral ceilings and built-ins has sliders that lead out to a private deck. Two patios were designed for entertaining and relaxing.

The 1.32-acre property also has a four-unit carriage house and a detached garage.

David Moyer of Keller Williams Advisors Realty is the listing agent.

Tudor Revival in Dayton, OH, on sale for $325,000
Tudor Revival in Dayton, OH (Realtor.com)

4. 9080 County Road 30, Big Falls, MN

Price: $169,900

Why it’s here: It’s a very affordable two-bedroom waterfront cabin, tucked away on 41.52 acres overlooking the Sturgeon River.

Built in 1900, the two-bedroom cottage, offered fully furnished, has a wood-paneled interior with a country kitchen, updated appliances, and custom cabinetry. The living room has a wood-burning stove and an enormous picture window that soaks in the riverfront views. Upstairs, the sleeping quarters have vaulted wood ceilings and oversized windows that frame the scenery.

A screened porch offers picture-perfect views of the serene lot.

Kaila Juntunen Wass of Pemberton RE is the listing agent.

Riverfront cabin in Big Falls, MN, on sale for $169,900
Riverfront cabin in Big Falls, MN (Realtor.com)

3. 10 Phoebe Island Rd, Bowerbank, ME

Price: $649,000

Why it’s here: It’s the chance to own a year-round residence on your very own private island on Sebec Lake, accessed by a walkable seasonal bridge system connecting to the mainland.

Located about an hour north of Bangor, ME, the residence, with deeded parking, offers just one bedroom, a composting toilet, and a generator across 920 square feet. Surrounded by lakefront views, the wood-paneled interior features vaulted ceilings, a living room with a propane fireplace, an open kitchen, and a custom spiral wood staircase leading up to the sleeping quarters.

It is being offered “mostly furnished” and also comes with a “custom concrete boat pull-up area” and room to build additional docks.

Spencer Wood of United Country Lifestyle Properties of Maine is the listing agent.

Island cabin in Bowerbank, ME, on sale for $649,000
Island cabin in Bowerbank, ME (Realtor.com)

2. 503 N 5th St, Saint Joseph, MO

Price: $175,000

Why it’s here: Calling all investors! This inexpensive brick residence, built in 1867, offers 6,000 square feet of historic space and is looking to be restored to its former glory.

Found throughout the three-level home are three kitchens, one on each floor, three fireplaces, and a basement that is “already stubbed.” Other historic details include a grand dining room, wood floors, a curved staircase, and parquet flooring requiring repair. Rewiring has already been done, and a brand-new exterior staircase providing access to the second and third floors has also been added.

The property could be transformed into a short-term rental opportunity or used for multigenerational living.

Tracy Tietjens of ReeceNichols – IDE Capital Realty is the listing agent.

1867 Victorian in Saint Joseph, MO, on sale for $175,000
1867 Victorian in Saint Joseph, MO (Realtor.com)

1. 105 N Jose Serna St, Hatch, NM

Price: $675,000

Why it’s here: This 2.39-acre property features a restored church, a bell tower, a three-bedroom primary residence, and a one-bedroom casita.

Built in 1860, the four-bedroom estate, “rich in Southwestern character,” features exposed vigas, wood beams, latilla ceilings, Saltillo tile, wood floors, and thick adobe walls. Designed for entertaining, the property currently offers a variety of income-producing opportunities, with its unique venue for hosting weddings and events and overnight accommodations.

Offering “endless opportunities” for hospitality, the property could also be transformed into a multigenerational residence.

Kaley Salopek of United Country Real Estate Salopek Realty is the listing agent.

Church, bell tower, and residences in Hatch, NM, on sale for $675,000
Church, bell tower, and residences in Hatch, NM (Realtor.com)
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Palm Beach’s Landmark ‘Ham and Cheese House’ Is Listed for an Eye-Watering $105 Million

Posted on by Mike B
01
Sep

A historic waterfront estate, known as the “Ham and Cheese House” for its alternating brick and coquina stone designed by Maurice Fatio, has just hit the market in Palm Beach, FL, for an astonishing $105 million.

Built in 1927 for businessman Mortimer L. Schiff and his wife, Adele, the seven-bedroom megamansion is known as Casa Eleda, “a nod to Adele’s name spelled in reverse.”

Unbelievable amenities found throughout the Italian Romanesque mansion include a private tunnel leading to the beach, complete with an elevator, and a beachfront cabana with a living room, wet bar, and full bath.

Offering more than 150 feet of direct ocean frontage, the 13,171-square-foot seaside residence—which is said to be owned by Penny Antonini, wife of the late Marion H. Antonini, a former Xerox executive—has surfed to the top of the week’s most expensive homes list.

Historic highlights include arched windows, beamed cypress ceilings, multiple loggias, a formal living room with a coffered ceiling and marble fireplace, and a dining room with a beamed cathedral ceiling and marble fireplace.

Other amenities include a chef’s kitchen, a “striking” bar room, an oceanfront library, a water-facing primary sanctuary with dual baths and closets, a sitting room with a fireplace, and a balcony with expansive water views.

There’s also an exercise room, a home office, an elevator, a recreation room, and a wine cellar.

More spectacular estates to make the week’s most expensive homes list include a New York mansion overlooking Mecox Bay, the Grand Penthouse at the St. Regis Residences overlooking Boston‘s Seaport District, and a brand-new mountain retreat in Aspen, CO.

10. 119 Eel Point Rd, Nantucket, MA

Price: $36,500,000

Dionis enclave: Overlooking Nantucket Sound, this 2.07-acre waterfront compound features a primary residence, a detached two-story guesthouse, and a widow’s walk.

Built in 2021, the 8,820-square-foot estate features a living room with a movable NanaWall opening to a covered porch and a chef’s kitchen with double islands, Calacatta Borghini marble countertops, and a dedicated coffee bar. There are multiple gathering spaces, a glass-enclosed wine cellar, a lower-level recreation room, an adjacent bunk room, and a second-floor sitting room with a private terrace.

The private eight-bedroom estate is located directly across from the Linda Loring Foundation’s 275-acre property. It also has a pool, spa, cabana, outdoor kitchen, wraparound veranda, and a private beach with a mooring.

Ty Costa of William Raveis Real Estate – Nantucket is the listing agent.

Mansion on Nantucket, MA, on sale for $36,500,000
Mansion on Nantucket, MA (Realtor.com)

9. 8184 Rock Hall Rd, Chestertown, MD

Price: $38,200,000

Tulip Forest: This historic 1,053.6-acre working farm is where American militia forces are said to have camped after the British burned Washington, DC, before going up against enemy troops at the Battle of Caulk’s Field.

Found on the “premier sporting estate” are five ponds, three residences, multiple farm outbuildings, impoundments, wildlife, a 26.75-acre wetlands restoration project, 680 tillable acres, and 272 acres of timber. The well-preserved Caulk’s Field House is nestled on the grounds, “recognized among Maryland’s best-preserved War of 1812 sites.” Period details in the four-bedroom brick estate, built circa 1743, include custom millwork, a hidden staircase, plank floors, and two fireplaces.

The Upper Eastern Shore property also has 7 acres that are zoned commercial, additional parcels zoned village, and four sewer allocations.

Francis Hickman of Cross Street Realtors is the listing agent.

Tulip Forest in Chestertown, MD, on sale for $38,200,000
Tulip Forest in Chestertown, MD (Realtor.com)

8. 16745 Stratford Ct, Southwest Ranches, FL

Price: $38,500,000

New construction: This brand-new “architectural masterpiece” in the gated Landmark Ranch Estates boasts 23,977 square feet of opulent space.

The 10-bedroom luxury estate, which shows more like “a private resort,” was custom-built for grand-scale entertaining. Designer details include a 15-foot custom pivot entry door, glass walls, imported Italian cabinetry, an elevator, and a sculptural floating staircase. Over-the-top amenities include formal living and dining rooms, a lounge with a fireplace, a full bar, a 500-bottle wine room, a home theater, a safe room, a “show kitchen,” a “full butler’s kitchen,” 6,925 square feet of covered terraces, lanais and breezeways, a guest wing, and a primary sanctuary with a sitting lounge, dual boutique-inspired closets, and a private terrace.

The 2.39-acre lot comes with water features, a pool, a sunken fire pit, a sport court, a wellness complex with an office, a full gym, a steam room, a sauna, a massage room, a salon, and a showcase garage that accommodates 25 vehicles with lifts.

Tommy Crivello of Tommy Crivello Real Estate Group is the listing agent.

Newly built mansion in Southwest Ranches, FL, on sale for $38,500,000
Newly built mansion in Southwest Ranches, FL (Realtor.com)

7. 258 Horsemill Ln, Water Mill, NY

Price: $39,500,000

Mecox Bay: This seven-bedroom waterfront estate is said to be owned by Chris Burch, co-founder of luxury brand Tory Burch, who bought it for $29 million in 2021.

The 6.9-acre property offering 360 feet of bay frontage features a 9,400-square-foot primary estate. Built in 2009 and “completely renovated,” it now offers “transformed interiors.” The “more sensible floor plan” includes entertaining spaces, a two-story library with built-ins and grand giraffe sculpture, a showcase kitchen, a living room with doors that open to a covered patio, and a primary suite with fireplace and access to a private terrace.

A waterside dining porch overlooks the heated pool. Also found on the property are an orchard, a carriage house with studio office suite, and a private dock. There is also a “permitted” three-bedroom guesthouse.

Timothy Davis of The Corcoran Group – Southampton is the listing agent.

Mansion in Water Mill, NY, on sale for $39,500,000
Mansion in Water Mill, NY (Realtor.com)

6. 375 N Hibiscus Dr, Miami Beach, FL

Price: $42,000,000

Hibiscus Island: This newly built waterfront compound is said to be owned by Nb Hibiscus, an entity registered to Nicola Januschke-Bleicher, an Austrian businesswoman, who purchased the vacant lot for $14,000,000 in 2022. It originally hit the market for $43,900,000 in June 2025.

Located in a guard-gated enclave, the six-bedroom mansion was designed by architect Kobi Karp. Highlights of the 7,256-square-foot contemporary include oversized windows, retractable glass walls, a home automation system, and an elevator. Lavish amenities include a screening room, a wine fridge, a rooftop terrace, a resort-inspired outdoor living area with an infinity-edge pool and spa, a covered dining pavilion, a summer kitchen, a sunken lounge, and a private dock surrounded by spectacular views of the Miami skyline.

The property comes with a detached guesthouse and is located near a playground and sports courts.

Julian Johnston of One Sotheby’s International Realty is the listing agent.

Newly built mansion in Miami Beach, FL, on sale for $42,000,000
Newly built mansion in Miami Beach, FL (Realtor.com)

5. 150 Seaport Blvd Unit Gph, Boston, MA

Price: $44,500,000

St. Regis Residences: The crown-jewel Grand Penthouse, spanning two levels and offering 10,609 square feet of opulent space, sits atop the recently built tower in Boston’s Seaport District.

The luxurious duplex is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline. Jaw-dropping details include a double-height great room, a sculptural curved floating staircase with glass railings, a grand foyer with an Italian marble radial inlay floor, and a glass-enclosed infinity-edge pool with a clear acrylic bottom, enclosed by a retractable Libart International glass roof.

Bespoke amenities included with the $22,930 monthly association fee include access to a Grand Lounge, a tranquil pool room with a steam room and sauna, a fitness center, and private dining offerings.

The Sarkis Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the listing agent.

The Grand Penthouse at St. Regis Residences in Boston, MA, on sale for $44,500,000
The Grand Penthouse at St. Regis Residences in Boston, MA (Realtor.com)

4. 150 New Place Rd, Hillsborough, CA

Price: $48,888,000

San Francisco Peninsula enclave: Built in 1974, this 10-bedroom legacy estate is being offered for the first time since 2014, when the sellers purchased it for $13,000,000.

The thoughtfully modernized compound features a two-story foyer with a grand curved staircase, a sitting room with a tray ceiling, an updated kitchen with a breakfast bar and separate island, a dining room with a fireplace, and a living room with direct access to a spacious terrace.

A “magnificent” swimming pool, a private tennis court, detached guest accommodations, and a four-car garage can also be found on the property.

Mary Bee of Intero Real Estate Services is the listing agent.

San Francisco Peninsulas in Hillsborough, CA, on sale for $48,888,000
Grand estate in Hillsborough, CA (Realtor.com)

3. 401 Carroll Dr, Aspen, CO

Price: $62,500,000

Panorama House: This brand-new mansion nestled in the Starwood community features 13,439 square feet of sophisticated living space surrounded by stunning Elk Mountain views.

The mountain retreat provides a seamless transition to the outdoor living area, with its glass walls, oversized windows, and “glass-wrapped” terraces. Luxurious offerings include a “dedicated entertainment precinct” with a tiered theater, game room, wine room, and marble bar, and a wellness wing with a heated pool, spa, fitness center, yoga space, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, massage room, and cabana lounge. A lavish primary suite has a soaking tub, a sitting room with a fireplace, and direct access to a private terrace. A separate two-bedroom consolidated dwelling unit could be used for multigenerational living, guest accommodations, or staff.

The 6.51-acre property, with “snow-melted outdoor areas,” has a mountain-facing pool, multiple fire features, an outdoor kitchen, and a three-car garage.

Riley Warwick of 520 East Durant Ave is the listing agent.

Panorama House in Aspen, CO, on sale for $62,500,000
Panorama House in Aspen, CO (Realtor.com)

2. 190 Casuarina Concourse, Coral Gables, FL

Price: $75,000,000

Gables Estates: This modern waterfront mansion overlooking Lago Minore is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027.

The 1.12-acre estate features more than 200 feet of direct water frontage and a dock for multiple vessels. The magnificent 11,735-square-foot open floor plan includes seven en suite bedrooms, an office with a private entry, a private-entry guest suite, a fitness center, a movie room, a concealed catering kitchen, and staff quarters.

The tropical retreat also has an outdoor kitchen and a second-floor breezeway overlooking an oversized pool and “generous entertainment areas.”

Cervera Real Estate Inc. is the listing agent.

Mansion under construction in Coral Gables, FL, on sale for $75,000,000
Mansion under construction in Coral Gables, FL (Realtor.com)

1. 920 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL

Price: $105,000,000

Casa Eleda: This historic Italian Romanesque landmark built in 1927 is owned by Penny Antonini, wife of the late Marion H. Antonini, a former Xerox executive.

Referred to by locals as the “Ham and Cheese House”—a reference to Maurice Fatio‘s use of alternating brick and coquina stone—the seven-bedroom estate was originally commissioned for businessman Mortimer L. Schiff and named after his wife, Adele. (Eleda is her name spelled backward.) Astonishing amenities include arched windows, beamed cypress ceilings, a “geometrically balanced courtyard,” and a private tunnel to the beach with an elevator. A beachfront cabana has a living room, wet bar, and full bath.

Multiple loggias overlook a swimming pool, fountain, and Mario Nievera–designed landscaping.

Christian Angle of Christian Angle Real Estate is the listing agent.

Mansion Global, Syndication, Unique Homes, Video

Malibu Beach House Built for Joni Mitchell Gets a $2 Million Price Cut

Posted on by Mike B
30
Aug

Joni Mitchell’s former Malibu beach home just got a $2 million price cut only three months after hitting the market. 

The home, in the exclusive, gated enclave of Malibu Colony, was listed for sale at the end of May for $26.995 million, and after Thursday’s price adjustment, it’s now asking $24.9 million. 

“With the newly adjusted offering price, this exceptional property presents an even more compelling opportunity to own a piece of music history on one of Malibu’s most celebrated beaches,” co-listing agent Nanette Iggulden of Coldwell Banker Realty said.

Designed by architect Ron Goldman, the Cape Cod-inspired home was built for the legendary singer-songwriter in 1982, and when Mitchell sold it to the current owner—Stanley Gold, former president and CEO of Roy E. Disney’s private investment company, Shamrock Holdings—she left behind a stone dining table.

“It has been enjoyed by the seller, and he would happily sell it with the property,” Iggulden previously told Mansion Global.

Neither Gold, who is also a former Walt Disney Company board member, nor a representative for Mitchell immediately responded to a request for comment. 

Dusk aerial view of beachfront luxury homes backed by coastal mountains along the Malibu coastline.
The 4,016-square-foot home is set on 0.26 acres. (Anthony Barcelo)
Sunlit living room with large glass doors opening to an oceanfront pool deck and sweeping sea views.
The seller is a former Walt Disney Company board member who bought the home directly from Joni Mitchell. (Anthony Barcelo)

From its entrance on Malibu Road, the home is unassuming, but behind its front door, a 4,000-square-foot home unfolds. The interiors combine beamed and vaulted ceilings with glass walls and stone floors.

A spiral staircase off the kitchen leads up to the primary suite with a private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s one of five bedrooms on the property, which includes a detached guest house, according to the listing, which Iggulden shares with Jody Katz of Estates & Trusts Realty. 

Airy dining room with light blue wicker chairs, stone floors, white beam ceilings, and pop art wall decor.
The home also comes with a piece of Joni Mitchell memorabilia-a stone dining table presumably used by the singer-songwriter and left behind when she sold the property. (Anthony Barcelo)
Cozy family room with floral-patterned sofas, low coffee tables, open shelving, and stone flooring.
With coastal views through walls of glass, the main floor includes an open-plan living and dining area with a fireplace and beamed ceilings. (Anthony Barcelo)

The main-floor living room, which has a fireplace, leads out to the back stone patio, where there’s a pool, hot tub and a wooden deck, beyond which the home has direct access to the beach.

Mitchell’s onetime abode wasn’t the only former celebrity residence to get a price cut on Thursday. A Los Angeles home that claims Madonna, Britney Spears and Brittany Murphy as former residents is now asking $12.895 million after $1 million was lopped off the price.

Primary bedroom with vaulted white ceilings, a private oceanfront balcony, and scenic sea views.
The primary suite takes in ocean views. (Anthony Barcelo)

Though the home looks entirely different now, Mansion Global previously reported.

After Murphy’s death in 2009, her estate sold the property in 2011, and the new owners completely redid the 9,400-square-foot home, which stands on about an acre in L.A.’s Bird Streets. 

Pacific oceanfront stone patio with an outdoor dining set, lap pool, and view of a vibrant twilight sky.
The back terrace features a pool and has access to the beach. (Anthony Barcelo)

It’s now owned by a trust, which bought the property in 2020 for $12.2 million, records show.

The six-bedroom, nine-bathroom home comes with wraparound balconies, an elevator, an infinity-edge pool, an outdoor kitchen and solar power, according to the listing with Ben Belack of Serhant California. He declined to comment.

Open-concept beach house living room featuring stone floors, fireplace, and glass doors with ocean sunset views.
The Cape-Cod inspired house was designed by Ron Goldman. (Anthony Barcelo)

The home has been on and off the market for about two years, first listing in July 2024 for $18.995 million with a different broker and seeing several price reductions since. 

Discover more stories. Read the latest luxury real estate news at Mansion Global.

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Architect’s ‘Upside-Down Wedding Cake’ Home That Was Constructed on ‘Unbuildable’ Land Hits the Market for Very First Time

Posted on by Mike B
23
Aug

A strikingly modern Michigan property that was designed by late award-winning architect Ken Neumann, FAIA, as his personal residence has been listed for $3.25 million—marking its first time on the market since its 1987 construction.

The five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom masterpiece is located in Franklin, MI, where its sleek design clearly sets it apart from the carefully preserved 19th-century homes that have inspired the Detroit suburb’s nickname, “The Town That Time Forgot.”

For nearly four decades, the glass-walled home has intrigued and delighted locals who have only been able to admire the dwelling from a distance—until now, with its listing providing members of the public with their first real opportunity to see inside the spectacular structure.

Although Neumann primarily worked on commercial projects, his work skewed residential, as well. Inspired by Bauhaus design principles, his 7,348-square-foot Franklin residence is an excellent marriage of both ends of the architectural spectrum he worked on, touting clean lines and modern materials.

Over the years, the home has been featured in countless publications, gracing the pages of Elle Decor and books including “Architects House Themselves” and “Dream Homes Michigan.”

Ken and his wife, Beverly Neumann—a prolific artist who now resides in a senior community but still paints daily and created most of the pieces displayed in the home—purchased the lot from another architect who claimed it was “unbuildable.”

Daytime front exterior of a mid-century modern brick home showcasing flat and sloped roofs, horizontal siding, brick planter walls, and an attached garage.
Ken Neumann designed the home to sit naturally within the existing landscape, sparing trees from being cut down in the process. (Lucas Bieganski)
Illuminated dusk view of a mid-century modern brick home featuring low-slung horizontal architecture, clerestory windows, and landscape lighting along the driveway.
The home was white when originally built, until Ken later decided he loved the look of natural red brick. (Lucas Bieganski)
Aerial view showing a secluded modern red estate nestled among dense green treetops along a winding blue river.
The home overlooks an artesian pond, boasting 30-foot views of the outdoor scenery. (Lucas Bieganski)
Exterior view of a multi-story modern glass facade featuring white structural framing, a cantilevered red balcony, and views into multi-level interior rooms.
There’s not a single window treatment in the home. (Lucas Bieganski)

Because of its sloping landscape and dense trees, many believed that the parcel could not house a residential property, only for Neumann to prove them very wrong.

However, Linda Hiller Novak and Frank Novak—the mother-son real estate team who have listed the home—tell Realtor.com® that, because of those difficult circumstances, it was quite some time before the architectural masterpiece came to life.

“They sort of marinated on it, trying to decide what to do and what to build,” Linda explains. “It was 15 years before they built this house.”

The home was certainly worth the wait, with that 15 years spent ideating a home that could naturally fit within the existing landscape. Linda says the home was “built like an upside-down wedding cake,” noting it’s unusual shape spared any trees from removal during the process.

While some may be tempted to turn a challenging lot into a blank slate before building, Ken and Beverly let the surrounding area inspire the home.

“They chose these horizontal lines of the house because they wanted it to contrast with the vertical lines of the trees,” says Linda. “That’s the kind of thing that only an architect and an artist would think about.”

25850 Romany Way has undergone a handful of updates over the years, primarily to accommodate the family’s needs as they grew over time. Aesthetic changes made the list, too. The home was originally white; Ken opted for a natural red-brick color in later years.

Spacious open-concept living hall featuring slate tile and wood flooring, a stone fireplace, integrated floor-to-ceiling grid storage shelving, and a lounge area.
More than 10,000 books were removed from the built-in shelves when the Neumann family moved out. (Lucas Bieganski)
Sleek entry foyer with grey slate floor tiles, light hardwood flooring, sliding closet doors, a modern pivot door, and a colorful decorative bench.
Beverly’s art is all over the home, including this bench she painted. (Lucas Bieganski)
Modern galley kitchen equipped with white flat-panel cabinets, dark stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, a pass-through opening, and grey floor tile.
The kitchen has been upgraded to include Miele and Viking appliances. (Lucas Bieganski)
Airy mid-century living room featuring high ceilings, a full wall of multi-pane windows overlooking woods, a central fireplace, an oriental rug, and modern lounge chairs.
The abode is great for hosting but affords residents plenty of privacy, too. (Lucas Bieganski)
Sunlit modern living room showcasing double-height window walls, pink plush sofas, a sculptural coffee table, white pod armchairs, and colorful leaf artwork.
Surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, this home is a true tranquil retreat. (Lucas Bieganski)

Though not immediately obvious from the exterior’s brick facade in the front of the home, expansive windows steal the show across the entire back of the structure, providing peaceful panoramic views of the artesian pond located on the 1.24-acre lot and flooding the interior with beautiful natural light.

Standing in the driveway of the dwelling, you could be forgiven for thinking that the property was a single-story abode—but walk through the door to the back of the home and it tells a very different story.

Having been designed to follow the slope of the land on which it was built, the structure appears to cascade down the hillside, with the enormous wall of windows stretching well below the first floor of the property.

In certain lights, it creates the illusion of a waterfall steadily tumbling down the hill. Yet, thanks to the dense trees surrounding it, the home still feels incredibly private.

Inside, the space is well-suited for entertaining, but also allows for privacy and relaxation.

The remodeled gourmet galley kitchen includes new Viking and Miele appliances. A useful pass-through window connects to a spacious living area and is surrounded by a statement-making wall of built-in shelving, which the Neumann family lovingly filled with their enormous collection of books, art, and black-and-white photographs.

There are seemingly endless built-in bookshelves throughout the house, constructed of rare Bird’s Eye maple. An assortment of over 10,000 books was removed from the home and sold to Detroit’s John K. King Books.

Sleek minimalist lobby or waiting room with light grey floor tiles, chrome-framed black leather chairs, recessed lighting, and a glass elevator enclosure.
Amenities include an elevator that provides access to all three levels. (Lucas Bieganski)
Bright bedroom with polished hardwood floors, a multi-pane window wall overlooking green trees, a colorful coral reef canvas, and a retro rocking chair.
Each bedroom is situated at the back of the house, allowing every member of the family to soak up the views. (Lucas Bieganski)
Sleek home office with bold black-and-white checkerboard tile flooring, a minimalist white desk, framed botanical artwork, and expansive glass windows framing dense green forest views.
Beverly created in the artist studio—which has a private staircase—every single day. (Lucas Bieganski)
Luxurious bathroom suite with light grey floor and wall tiles, a long marble floating vanity, wood-carved lion leg details, and large mirrors.
The home has undergone two sizable renovations, and bathrooms were updated recently. (Lucas Bieganski)

The home is an excellent residence for creatives, like Ken and Beverly. In addition to the various displays that are integrated throughout and the inspiring outdoor views, there’s an artist’s studio, which Beverly worked out of each day.

Marked by bold black-and-white-checkered floors, the studio is connected to the luxurious primary suite, and includes a private staircase.

The suite features heated floors, a recently updated bathroom, and a spacious walk-in closet that Linda jokes could qualify as a bedroom in some Southeast Michigan spots.

The four additional bedrooms in the home also include ample windows, giving each member of the family their very own view of the tranquil retreat. There’s not a single window treatment in the home.

Amenities are plenty, with an elevator that provides access to all three levels. A weather-resistant EPDM roof was installed in 2025, and a full-home generator provides peace of mind. There’s also an intercom system, closed-circuit cameras, and exterior video surveillance.

There’s even a heated patio and driveway—invaluable perks during a harsh Michigan winter.

“This is more than a home—it is a work of art, a legacy of design, and a living environment unlike any other in Franklin,” the listing notes.

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Spheres of Influence: How Geodesic Dome Homes Evolved From Post-War Housing Fix to Disney World Icon

Posted on by Mike B
23
Aug

At face value, a dome home may seem like an unconventional choice for a residence. But with unparalleled structural integrity and a sustainable edge, these properties are an excellent choice for dwellings of all kinds, whether the goal is to live off-grid or to simply flood a spacious home with natural light.

While there are seemingly endless ways to fashion a spherical or rounded home, one subset of this category has a particularly interesting history: geodesic homes.

These self-supporting structures use interlocking geometric shapes—commonly triangles or hexagons—to create a dome shape that can stand the test of time.

Perhaps the most famously recognizable geodesic example is Disney’s Spaceship Earth at EPCOT. It’s fitting that the 160-foot attraction—which opened in 1982—is a landmark designed to celebrate new ideas that turn into useful inventions, because that is the very spirit behind the creation of the geodesic sphere.

Of course, that’s by design, and the creators of Spaceship Earth were, in fact, inspired by Buckminster Fuller, the brain behind the geodesic dome home. In fact, he’s the one who coined the phrase that sparked the Epcot structure’s name with his 1969 book, “Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth,” a text that encourages humankind to focus on sustainability to preserve the planet’s finite resources.

So how does this history factor into your home search? Well, it’s helpful to understand if you’re one of the many homebuyers prioritizing efficiency.

It's My Dome
Inventor Buckminster Fuller created the geodesic home in 1954, as a cost-effective solution for the post-war housing boom. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Preserved R Buckminster Fuller and Anne Hewlitt Dome Home
The dome Fuller resided in from 1960 to 1971 is in the final stages of an extensive preservation, and is now a landmark in Illinois. (Communityhelper1000/Wikimedia Commons)
Nighttime view of the geodesic sphere at the entrance of Walt D
Disney’s Spaceship Earth at EPCOT attraction is inspired by Fuller’s work, even named after his 1969 book. (russell102/Adobe Stock)

When was the first geodesic dome home designed?

Human beings have resided in dome-shaped structures for tens of thousands of years. The earliest recorded examples of arched architecture—homes constructed of mammoth bones discovered in 1960s Ukraine—are believed to be somewhere from 15,000 to 25,000 years old.

But the concept for the modern geodesic dome home as we know it today came along in 1954, when prolific inventor, architect, and author Fuller set out to create a structure under the philosophy of “doing more with less” as a post-war housing boom solution.

Intended to cut the cost of materials, the design uses the least amount of exterior space to enclose the largest volume of interior space possible. According to the Buckminster Fuller Institute, when the diameter of a sphere doubles, square footage is quadrupled, producing a whopping eight times the volume.

Fuller’s first residential dome home was constructed in Carbondale, IL, taking just seven hours to build in April 1960. He lived in the dwelling from 1960 to 1971, and in February 2006, the property was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

In recent years, his original dome home has undergone an extensive preservation, which is now in its third and final phase. The project has leveraged innovative building methods, such as 3D printed technology, to reduce waste and prioritize recycled materials. The project also includes the creation of a visitor center, turning the historically relevant home into an inspiring learning destination.

Geodesic dome tent nestled in a serene forest, surrounded by tal
Geodesic homes are a popular choice for sustainably minded homebuyers, as they require fewer materials to build than boxy homes of a similar size. (Pavel Kašák/Adobe Stock)
Modern geodesic dome glamping cabin in an autumn valley
These domed homes can be as quaint or as grand as desired, with the geodesic structure serving as part of the whole dwelling. (Getty Images)

What are the most distinctive elements of a geodesic dome house?

Instantly recognizable by their spherical shape, a geodesic dome house is characterized by an interconnected network of geometric triangles designed to create a structurally strong framework that can withstand harsh conditions.

The geodesic dome can serve as the entire structure, or just part of it. The design term refers to the shape of the structure, meaning there are no limitations on the types of materials or features required to qualify it as such.

Where are the best places to find dome homes?

Because a geodesic design can be used to complete a wide range of structures, dome homes are not restricted to one specific region. These striking abodes can be found across the world, with plenty gracing listings in the United States, from a Minnesota lakefront cabin to a rare, rural find in North Carolina.

The structural integrity of dome homes makes them an excellent choice for residents in areas particularly impacted by climate change and natural disasters, as they’re designed to withstand harsh conditions. The dome shape distributes stress throughout the structure, which decreases the odds of sustaining damage during events like earthquakes.

How have dome homes changed over the years?

Once a highly unusual housing choice, geodesic dome homes have become much more accessible over time. They’re no longer reserved for curious inventors, like Fuller, who look to challenge the status quo.

A handful of manufacturing companies offer dome kits—ranging from ready-to-use glamping structures to plans for full-fledged residential homes—that make it relatively easy to take advantage of this unique architectural approach.

Innovations in building materials have also made these homes even stronger and potentially more sustainable than they once were, increasing the original intention to consider the environment.

Whitehouse TX - January 6, 2024: Geodesic Building Used As Commercial Property Whitehouse TX
These homes can withstand harsh conditions, and often hold up well in natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes. (LMPark Photos/Adobe Stock)
Geodesic dome tent for camping and beautiful landscape on hill i
The shape is also a popular choice for glamping or other less-permanent scenarios. (somchairakin/Adobe Stock)

Why do people buy geodesic dome homes?

Besides the fact that they have an extremely quirky look, which is enough of a draw for some shoppers, geodesic dome homes are a versatile choice for buyers of all kinds.

They hold up well in harsh environments, and are more energy efficient than their boxy counterparts because a dome-shaped home has a smaller surface area and retains heat better than a traditionally cubical home may.

While interiors of geodesic homes can vary greatly, the increased vertical area can create a living space that feels more spacious than it really is, especially with vaulted ceilings or the opportunity to place windows unusually.

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The Hearst Family’s Historic South Dakota Gold Mine Mansion Asks $6.3 Million

Posted on by Mike B
22
Aug

A Tudor-esque mansion built by the Hearst family for the manager of their lucrative gold mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota has come to market asking $6.3 million. 

Located just 3 miles outside Deadwood, the 1930s mansion spans nearly 10,000 square feet and sits on 1.8 acres of land on Fairview Avenue. The craftsmanship and opulence—uncommon for the region—is a testament to the legacy of the Hearst family and the region’s gold mining history, according to seller Gary Coe.

Coe and his wife, Sandra, bought the house in 2011 for $400,000, according to property records, following a 24-year break from the region to which they’d returned. They found it in disrepair and spent nine months refreshing it. “It’s a very solid, solid building; there’s nothing like it,” Coe said. “But it did need a lot of upkeep.”

They listed it with Heath Gran and Scott Munro of Great Peaks Realty earlier this month.

Today, the Hearst family is known for its media empire but George Hearst quite literally struck it rich during the 1850s gold rush, when he bought a claim in the Ophir Mine in Nevada. About 20 years later, in 1877, Hearst bought the claim to a rich vein of ore that had been discovered the year earlier in Lead, South Dakota.

Rustic stone retaining wall framing the front lawn and mature pine trees in front of a historic Tudor-style residence.
A 1930s mansion built by William Randalph Hearst in Lead, South Dakota is asking $6.3 million. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Close-up exterior view of Tudor-style gables covered in dense green ivy vines beneath a bright blue sky.
Gary and Sandra Coe restored the home after purchasing it in 2011. The Tudor-style mansion spans nearly 10,000 square feet. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Charming entryway featuring brick tile flooring, natural wood doors, stained-glass sidelights, and potted indoor plants.
Sandra and Gary Coe bought the house in 2011 for $400,000 and restored it. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)

Through a variety of means, Hearst expanded the Lead striking operation, turning it into the Homestake Mine, the deepest underground gold mine in the Western Hemisphere that remained operational for 125 years. After his death, his son, William Randolph Hearst, inherited the mining business but had little interest in running it himself, according to Coe.

“William Randolph was an only child, and he was a spoiled brat; he liked the money but didn’t want to deal with the mine,” he said. “They built this mansion to attract a manager—and it worked.”

The younger Hearst and his mother, Phoebe Hearst, brought in craftspeople from Europe to build the mansion, and it was outfitted with exquisite details not found in the region, including gorgeous oak millwork, elaborately detailed fireplaces and iron railings crafted in the mine’s foundry, according to Coe.

Arched front entrance of a brick property adorned with lush ivy, flower planters, and decorative stained-glass side windows.
It housed five managers of the Hearst family’s Homestake Mine over 50 years. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Warm entry hallway with rich wood trim, wall sconces, a traditional wooden staircase, and an arched passage.
The Hearsts had brought in craftspeople from Europe to complete the extensive oak millwork in the home. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Grand music room featuring vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, polished hardwood floors, two grand pianos, and hanging lantern lights.
It was transferred to the city of Lead in the 1980s after the mine mostly ceased operations. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)

The five-bedroom Homestake Mansion, as the property is called, housed five managers over 50 years, until the 1980s, at which point the mine had mostly ceased operations. It was then transferred to the city, and was used for various public purposes over the next decades. 

When the Coes bought it, they restored what they could and made some changes to the layout to accommodate modern living, including opening the kitchen to the dining room and adding a counter and wet bar. “There was no real kitchen, just an old GE stove and a cast-iron sink and linoleum floors, where the rest of the mansion was just gorgeous,” Coe said.

Country-style kitchen featuring natural wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, a butcher block prep island, and an overhead hanging pot rack.
A modern kitchen was added in 2012. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Covered outdoor event altar featuring floral arrangements, candlelit table, and guest seating against a scenic mountain backdrop.
The 1.8-acre lot has plenty of space for events and entertaining. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)
Aerial view of a Tudor-style estate nestled among dense pine trees, showcasing a dark shingle roof and brick patio driveway.
The home is three miles away from Deadwood. (Courtesy of Gary Coe)

In addition to its use as a family home, the property’s great green lawns can accommodate plenty of guests and have been used for weddings and other events. Its proximity to Deadwood, the region’s “mini-Las Vegas,” is another plus, Coe said.

Coe is an entrepreneur who has a long-running nutritional supplement business, and also offers an equine supplement that’s distributed in 35 states, he said.

Discover more stories. Read the latest luxury real estate news at Mansion Global.

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Lake Michigan Home With Its Own Lighthouse—and a Fascinating History—Hits the Market for $1.3 Million

Posted on by Mike B
12
Aug

A truly dazzling property perched on the edge of Lake Michigan has landed on the market for $1.28 million—complete with its very own custom lighthouse that has a fascinating history dating back to the 1850s.

The home itself, which sits on 3.69 acres in Grafton, WI, was constructed in 1977 and features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as an extraordinary array of unique design details crafted by the property’s original owner, Brana Kevich, a Russian Orthodox priest and woodworker.

Together with his wife, Neva Kevich, Brana also built the private lighthouse, which is attached to their home and was completed in 1981. But while the couple constructed the one-of-a-kind addition simply because of their passion for lighthouses, they learned that their property had actually been earmarked for such a structure more than a century earlier.

As it turns out, there had been plans to build a lighthouse on the property in a bid to improve the functionality of the nearby Port Ulao, which was increasingly being used by local merchants to import and export different goods.

Congress even appropriated $3,500 for it way back in 1850, but it was never built with public money.  

Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
A truly dazzling property perched on the edge of Lake Michigan has hit the market for $1.28 million—complete with its very own custom lighthouse that has a fascinating history dating back to the 1850s. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The home itself, which sits on 3.69 acres in Grafton, WI, was constructed in 1977, and features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The lighthouse was completed in 1981 and is now one of only a handful of privately-owned lighthouses in the U.S. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The property offers spectacular views of the water—particularly from the top of the lighthouse, which is 50 feet tall. (Realtor.com)

Now known as the Kevich Lighthouse, the structure stands just 50 feet tall, the shortest height for a standard lighthouse. However, its light travels with a 163-foot focal plane. It has two lights surrounded by a rotating shield so the light shines for four seconds on and four seconds off.

And despite being privately owned, the lighthouse is an official U.S. Coast Guard certified private aid to navigation, under the light number 20765.

The Keviches sold the property for $410,000 in 1995, according to records, when it was purchased by David and Mary Bennett, who noted that they had always had an interest in owning such a unique structure.

“We’ve always been interested in lighthouses, and after a few years of watching the housing market, we kept following this particular property. So we finally made a deal and bought it,” they told Lighthouse Friends.

In addition to the lighthouse, the couple loved the property’s proximity to the water—and the incredible views on offer from their lakeside home.

“We love watching the water, seeing how it changes throughout the day, with the sunlight coming off the water,” Dave shared. “We also love watching the boats, like the Great Lakes freighters that pass by, along with pleasure boats and sailboats.”

Now, three decades later, the lighthouse home is being offered for sale for only the second time in its history, with the description noting that it represents a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of Wisconsin’s most iconic waterfront estates.”

“Perched atop a Lake Michigan bluff on 3.69 private acres, this remarkable home offers panoramic lake views [and] timeless architectural character,” the listing, which is held by Grace Stoll of Coldwell Banker Realty, goes on.

While the lighthouse is undoubtedly the most eye-catching element of the property, the house itself also has plenty to offer, including original woodwork designed by Brana during his time living there.

In addition to being a Russian Orthodox priest, Brana was a skilled woodworker and carved intricate doors and other accents. Beams highlight the vaulted ceilings in some of the living spaces.

Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The house itself features an extraordinary array of unique design details crafted by the property’s original owner Brana Kevich, a Russian Orthodox priest and woodworker. This includes a carving of the lighthouse on a door. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The kitchen has a lot of wood and a great view. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
Another carved door features a scenic image of sail boats floating across the lake. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The property features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as many light-filled living spaces, including a main sitting area with a cozy fireplace, exposed beams, and windows that perfectly frame the lush green grounds. (Realtor.com)
Wisconsin lighthouse and home listed for $1.275 million.
The front door also has a beautiful scene carved into it. (Realtor.com)

The front door features a beautifully carved woodland scene, with intertwined branches stretching across the width of the wood, creating a dramatic welcome to all those who visit the abode. Other carvings include a sailboat montage on an interior door and handmade light fixtures adorned with trees and flowers.

The property features four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as many light-filled living spaces, including a main sitting area with a cozy fireplace, exposed beams, and windows that perfectly frame the lush green grounds.

Another fireplace can be found in the dining area of the open-plan kitchen, which boasts beautiful brick floors and more exposed wood beams, as well as large picture windows that overlook the gardens.

The ground floor primary suite features yet another hand-carved door—this time with an image of women outside in the woods—and an adjoining bathroom.

There is also another door to the exterior that features a beautiful carving of the Kevich Lighthouse.

While the property is bordered by two other homes, it still offers a spectacular level of privacy, courtesy of the nearly 4 acres that it sits on, as well as the lush, leafy trees that surround it on three sides.

“Enjoy unmatched privacy, mature grounds, spectacular sunrises and moon rises, and a front row seat to passing freighters,” the listing states. “A truly irreplaceable legacy property blending history, beauty, and Lake Michigan living.”

And it seems that the allure of such a plum Lake Michigan parcel was too good to pass up for one buyer, with records showing that the property is already under contingent offer, less than a month after it was listed.

It’s currently unclear what price has been offered, but there are no doubt many lighthouse aficionados who would argue the value of such a unique property is priceless.

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Chicago Rectory-Turned-Time Capsule Home Is Listed for Under $500K—and Historic Church Next Door Is Up for Grabs, Too

Posted on by Mike B
12
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.

Midcentury modern home in Glenside, PA on sale for $899,900
Midcentury modern home in Glenside, PA (Realtor.com)

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.

Midcentury home in Marianna, FL, on sale for $499,900
Midcentury home in Marianna, FL (Realtor.com)

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.

Glen Colley Farm in Barnet, VT, on sale for $1,100,000
Glen Colley Farm in Barnet, VT (Realtor.com)

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.

Former church in Easton, MA, on sale for $1,300,000
Former church in Easton, MA (Realtor.com)

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.

Henderson House in Vancouver, WA, on sale for $844,900
Henderson House in Vancouver, WA (Realtor.com)
Transformed Henderson House in Vancouver, WA, on sale for $844,900
A rendering of the transformed Henderson House (Realtor.com)

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.

30-acre multi-use farm in Hazel Green, KY, on sale for $375,000
30-acre multiuse farm in Hazel Green, KY (Realtor.com)

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.

1916 estate in Portland, OR, on sale for $4,200,000
1916 estate in Portland, OR (Realtor.com)

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.

Tudor in Trenton, NJ, on sale for $295,000
Tudor in Trenton, NJ (Realtor.com)

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.

Carpenter Gothic Victorian in New Haven, CT, on sale for $349,900
Carpenter Gothic Victorian in New Haven, CT (Realtor.com)

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.

Church and home in Chicago, IL, on sale for $465,000
Church and home in Chicago, IL (Realtor.com)
California, Celebrity Homes, Glendale CA, Kitchen Renovation, La Cañada Flintridge CA, Los Angeles CA, Mediterranean, Renovations, Unique Homes, Video

Mario Lopez’s Former Glendale Home Returns to Market for $5.8 Million—With TV Host’s Bold Renovation Pick Still Intact

Posted on by Mike B
11
Aug

Mario Lopez’s former Spanish Revival estate is back on the market in California for $5.79 million, three years after the “Access Hollywood” host and his family moved out.

Much like its former owner’s beloved “Saved by the Bell” role, A.C. Slater, the Glendale home is an iconic character in its own right. Built in 1929 by the inventor of the armored car, Peter Damm, the 7,700-square-foot residence has since become known more affectionately as “Lorelei.”

Adding to its impressive lineage is the property’s inclusion on Glendale’s historic registry in 1977, becoming the first private home to be given the prestigious designation.

Lopez, 52, purchased the home for $1.94 million in 2010, months before welcoming his first daughter, Gia Francesca Lopez, with his now-wife, Courtney Mazza.

The family resided in the eight -bedroom abode for 13 years—welcoming sons Dominic Luciano Lopez in 2013 and Santino Rafael Lopez in 2019—before moving into a larger home in La Cañada Flintridge, CA, in 2023, at which point they listed Lorelei for $5.15 million.

Exterior aerial of a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario Lopez purchased the historic Glendale home for $1.94 million in 2010. He eventually sold it for $4.55 million in 2023. (Realtor.com)
Aerial of a a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario and his wife, Courtney, welcomed three children—Gia, Dominic, and Santino—during the 13 years they resided in the home. (Realtor.com)
Living space with two white couches in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The formal living room is ideal for entertaining and features stunning California views. (Realtor.com)
Living space in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Dark wood details and a hand-carved stone fireplace are original to the home. (Realtor.com)

In April of that year, the Lopezes sold the dwelling for the lower price of $4.55 million.

Just two years later, the property returned to the market for $5.99 million. It was removed months later before its $5.79 million relisting in February 2026. It was taken off the market one more time before its most recent return.

Listed by Daniel Sanchez of Engel and Volkers Burbank, Lorelei is located just north of the gorgeous Verdugo Viejo neighborhood.

The listing notes the “timeless architecture” and “exceptional privacy” of the home, which features “sweeping panoramic views.” Through the statement-making arched windows of the property, residents can catch a glimpse of downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Burbank, the San Gabriel Mountains, and, on particularly clear days, the Pacific Ocean.

Lush foliage climbs the grand gates of the courtyard, where hand-painted Spanish tile and a peaceful fountain set the tone. Through the front door, guests are welcomed by Venetian plaster walls and bold, yet timeless, marble floors with a striking trellis pattern.

While the estate has been updated for lavish modern living, original details such as a fireplace constructed of hand-carved stone and hardwood floors throughout represent the “authentic craftsmanship” that has carried the home through a near-century of memories.

It’s easy to imagine Lorelei serving as the backdrop for countless more fond moments for its next owners.

The space is ideal for entertaining, given the allure of the formal living room and adjacent family room, which flow into a formal dining area and breakfast nook, which can easily pivot from buttoned-up events to more casual meals.

Dining table in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The Lopez family’s 2018 kitchen renovations still hold strong today—including a sizable window over the sink, an idea that the former “Extra” host came up wth. (Realtor.com)
A bedroom with a ceiling fan in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The primary suite includes a walk-in closet, a spacious en suite bathroom, and easy access to a gym and office. (Realtor.com)
A walk in closet filled with clothing in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Closed and open storage strikes a thoughtful balance in the walk-in closet. (Realtor.com)
An ornate bathroom in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Spa-inspired furnishings create a relaxing escape in the primary bathroom. (Realtor.com)
An office in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
An attached space can function as a nursery or office, boasting gorgeous views in either case. (Realtor.com)

The chef’s kitchen, which Courtney described as her “favorite spot in the house” in a 2018 YouTube video showcasing a remodel of the space, naturally encourages gatherings. Natural light floods through ceiling skylights and a larger-than-life window serves up garden views just behind the sink.

In fact, Mario even shared that the window placement was his idea—a daring choice he worked to get Courtney on board with.

“She thought she was gonna lose too much cabinet space,” the former “Extra” host recalled. “I said, ‘No, you gotta take advantage of this view here.’”

While the couple seemed to have mixed opinions over how much time they’d spend actually cooking in the kitchen, it’s as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing with top-of-the-line appliances.

For those who prefer clutter-free countertops, there are plenty of cabinets to store smaller gadgets or sentimental mugs. In their vlog, the couple showed that storage remains plentiful despite losing some cabinet space to the picturesque new window.

The Lopezes also opted to brighten the space with airy design choices, but kept the original dark hardwood floors. The couple carried out several updates to the home, while retaining the historical architectural integrity.

Workout space with large rounded windows in a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
Mario previously shared family workout videos from this relaxing gym and dance studio. (Realtor.com)
Lounge chairs by the pool at a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
A resort-style pool keeps the fun times going outdoors. (Realtor.com)
Seating around a fire with views from a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The 7,700-square-foot home sits just north of the Verdugo Viejo neighborhood. (Realtor.com)
Seating by the pool at a luxury home in Glendale California that belonged to Mario Lopez
The home is a getaway for friends and family and even includes a guesthouse for long-term visitors. (Realtor.com)

The primary suite is a serene spot to call home—or workplace, given the adjacent space that’s well-suited for an office. Dramatic double doors lead to a walk-in closet, equipped with all the furnishings one could want to store their favorite fashions with pride.

Another set of doors opens to the en suite bath. It features a bright, spa-inspired room with a comfortable shower, spacious water closet, inviting bathtub, and modern vanity. It’s one of eight full bathrooms in the home, which also includes three half-baths.

Head down the en suite’s unique spiral staircase for easy access to the private gym and dance studio, which would have been the ultimate convenience had Lopez purchased the home ahead of his 2006 stint on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Still, it seems as if the Lopez crew got plenty of use of the fitness area, documenting their family-friendly workouts in YouTube videos during their time at the estate.

The listing likens the property to “a true compound,” noting a “spacious guest house with kitchen and living room, an additional pool house or office, and separate staff or guest accommodations” that would make hosting long-term guests or tackling multigenerational living a breeze.

Outside, the vibe shifts from luxurious home to full-fledged resort with a striking pool and spa. There’s even a full kitchen, built-in entertainment, and climate control in the charming cabana.

Still, if celebrations call to head back indoors, there’s no shortage of fun to be had with the impressive wine cellar or playful game room.

REA Group, Syndication, Unique Homes

Renovated and Million-Dollar Views for $450K. The Catch? You Can’t Live There

Posted on by Mike B
02
Aug

A meticulously renovated beach box on the tightly held Moondah Beach in Melbourne’s Mount Eliza is for sale, following a year-long journey to secure planning approval for its makeover.

The beach box at 54 Moondah Beach, Mount Eliza has hit the market with a $450,000 price tag, offering bay views across the Mornington Harbour and Melbourne’s city skyline. 

The property is just 12 footsteps from the shoreline, meaning that it’s roughly $37,500 per step to have a dip in the bay.

Take a tour through the property

Inside, there are vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, crisp white walls, and coastal styling that create an inviting space to relax and entertain. 

The beach box has undergone an extensive renovation by Alissa Svensen Design, with new James Hardie external cladding and newly installed shiplap wall lining throughout the interior.  

The beach box at 54 Moondah Beach, Mount Eliza hit the market. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Selling agent Kelsi Culhane of Aqua Real Estate – Mount Eliza said the beach box combined one of Mount Eliza’s most tightly held beachfront locations with a renovation of exceptional quality.  

“It has been beautifully reimagined by Alissa Svensen Design, with every detail carefully considered to create a timeless coastal retreat ready to be enjoyed for generations,” she said.  

The beach box has undergone an extensive renovation. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

“Beach boxes on Moondah Beach are exceptionally tightly held and rarely offered for sale. 

“Many remain within the same families for decades, making opportunities like Beach Box No. 54 genuinely few and far between.” 

Inside, there are vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams and coastal styling that create an inviting space to relax and entertain. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

The current owners purchased the beach box in 2023 and have since completed a major transformation of the property.  

They spent more than 12 months obtaining town planning approval for the window, veranda railings and other improvements.

Other upgrades to the beach box include the re-lined roof with new ridge capping, repainting inside and out and it’s fully insulated for year-round comfort. 

The roof has been re-lined with new ridge capping. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

It also has three new handmade doors and additional stumps installed for enhanced structural support. 

“Their vision and investment has created a beautifully restored retreat, with more than 12 months dedicated to securing planning approval for the significant external improvements,” Ms Culhane said. 

The property is just 12 footsteps from the shoreline, offering bay views across the Mornington Harbour and Melbourne’s city skyline. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

The beach box is situated close to access paths from Kunyung Road and Sturio Parade, with a range of Mount Eliza amenities nearby.  

Ms Culhane noted beach boxes were some of the peninsula’s most sought-after lifestyle assets.

“Beach boxes represent a cherished lifestyle,” she said.  

“They become the setting for family traditions, summer days by the bay and generations of lasting memories, while their rarity and iconic waterfront locations make them some of the peninsula’s most sought-after lifestyle assets.”

This article was originally published on realestate.com.au. Discover more stories. Read the latest property news at REA Group.

historic homes, Historical Remodel, Hudson Valley, Mill, Push Notification, Unique Homes, Upstate New York, Video

Restored 1750s Waterfall Estate in Hudson Valley Is Listed for the First Time in 60 Years for $5.2 Million

Posted on by Mike B
02
Aug

A waterfall might not be a common feature in many backyards, but this historic mill-turned-residence has one running through it—and that’s only part of what makes Bloomvale, likely one of the Hudson Valley’s most extraordinary homes currently on the market, so compelling.

The remarkable stone estate at 4918 Route 82 in Salt Point, NY, has just come to market for $5.2 million after serving as one family’s home for the past 60 years.

Represented by Lindsay Allen of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, the National Register–listed property dates to the 1750s, when it was constructed as a grist mill on Wappinger Creek.

Over the centuries, it served as a cotton mill and cidery before being transformed into one of the Hudson Valley’s most extraordinary private residences.

Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
An outdoor dining area is situated on a deck just off the main residence. (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)
Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
The main living room inside the converted mill (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)
Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
A quiet work space in the living room (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)

In its early days, the mill was owned by prominent landowner and politician Isaac Bloom, with some historical accounts even suggesting Continental Army soldiers stayed there during the Revolutionary War. By the mid-1800s, it had evolved into a thriving cotton factory that became the economic heart of the community now known as Bloomvale.

Today, the property offers over 3,000 square feet of living space with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, blending centuries-old stonework with thoughtful contemporary updates.

Original timber beams, exposed masonry walls, soaring ceilings, oversized steel-framed windows, and polished concrete floors create interiors that seem both industrial and serene.

The 12-acre property also comes with a walled courtyard, multitiered entertaining decks, a studio building, a caretaker’s cottage, and a natural swimming hole.

“The architect who owned the property designed the interior,” Allen says.

“To me it has elements of Manitoga or Fallingwater,” she says, referring to the midcentury icons of organic architecture.

The home’s defining feature remains the waterfall that courses through the lower level of the former mill, creating a constant soundtrack that reinforces the feeling of the “utopian escape” current owner Ariana Salvato recalls from her childhood there. 

Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
The kitchen and breakfast nook with a corner banquette (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)
Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
One of five bedrooms on the property, three of which are in the main house (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)
Hudson Valley Mill Home, Selling for $5.25M
Riverside views of the property. (Catskill Image/Valley Vagrant)

Salvato’s connection to the property runs especially deep. Her architect father purchased the abandoned mill in 1966 after discovering the boarded-up stone structure overtaken by nature, complete with waterfalls flowing through its center and the original turbine still intact.

Over the following decades, he restored it into a family home that his daughter would later describe as “an experience of living in a work of art,” with the waterfall becoming the soundtrack of everyday life.

Despite its remarkable history, modern comforts weren’t overlooked. Allen says Salvato’s recent improvements were carefully executed “with the intention of maintaining the integrity of the historic structure and the original architect’s vision.”

The result is a home where updated kitchens, baths, climate systems, and living spaces complement the building’s 18th-century character.

Set roughly two hours north of Manhattan, Bloomvale also places future owners minutes from the village of Millbrook, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and countless other destinations that have long defined the Hudson Valley lifestyle.

“We have been stewards of the mill, and the magical land surrounding it, for 60 years,” says Salvato. “Now a rare opportunity is unfolding as the mill is ready to cast a spell on someone new.”

Daily Email, DIY, historic homes, History, Home History, Midwest, Northeast, Railroad, Sears Catalog, Slot 05, Unique Homes

From Budget Kit House to Historic Collector Item: Inside the Rise, Fall, and Evolution of Sears Catalog Homes

Posted on by Mike B
02
Aug

In the early 20th century, the 10,000-plus page Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog served as the original all-in-one marketplace—featuring clothes, toys, and even complete mail-order house kits.

These mail-order homes were shipped directly by train, and considered “modern” at the time. They included everything a homeowner would need to build their own sanctuary: precut wood, nails, paint, and more. And for an extra fee, the Sears catalog homes even included a highly sought-after convenience of the time, an indoor bathroom.

The idea was to offer families an accessible, affordable way to modern living. Though, today, only a small number of these homes remain standing, with surviving models now belonging to a niche housing club.

Here, Realtor.com® dives into the rise and fall of the iconic Sears catalog home and explores what it’s like to own a piece of architectural history in today’s real estate market.

​What are the most distinctive elements of a Sears catalog home?

Sears catalog homes came in many different shapes and sizes, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact style of these homes.

However, the homes are identifiable through their building materials. The homes used precut wood rather than stone, brick, or other frame-building materials. Additionally, all building materials were numbered to match the original instruction manual. There are also hidden marks and stamps on hardware and flooring.

Some of the most common architectural styles of these homes were Craftsman Bungalows with low-pitched rooflines, overhanging eaves, and front porches.

​Other dominant designs included the American Foursquare with two stories, hipped roofs, and central dormer windows, as well as Colonial Revivals featuring symmetrical facades, columns, centered front doors, and multipane windows.

Print "Own Your Own Home"
​The mail-order homes included detailed blueprints, precut and numbered pieces of lumber, flooring, and staircases, as well as an instruction book. (Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
Middle class rural American wooden home built originally as a Sears and Roebuck catalog house
The program ended in 1942 due to World War II material shortages, the Great Depression’s mortgage defaults, and internal administrative restructuring of the company. (Jim Lane/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

When was the first Sears catalog home designed?

The first Sears catalog homes were designed and released in 1908 when the company issued its inaugural specialty housing catalog named “Book of Modern Homes and Building Plans.” The issue contained 22 initial designs, and the specialized book expanded to 44 styles.

​The kits ranged from $360 to $2,890, and the first order, a “Modern Home No. 101,” was fulfilled that same year, featuring classic gables, a front porch, and two stories.

​The mail-order homes included detailed blueprints, precut and numbered pieces of lumber, flooring, and staircases, as well as an instruction book. Buyers would also receive hardware and finishes, such as nails, screws, hinges, doorknobs, paint, varnish, and putty.

​Depending on the style, exterior and interior elements would accompany the home. This could include various windows, doors, roofing shingles, and millwork trim. Optional add-ons that people could purchase were fixtures like bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and cabinets.

​Traditional systems such as plumbing, heating, and electricity were not included, but could be added as an upgrade for an additional fee. The customizable homes were crafted for anyone with basic building skills, however, construction often took months to complete depending on the size of the home and intricateness of the design.   

Sears ended the program in 1942 due to World War II material shortages, the Great Depression’s mortgage defaults, and internal administrative restructuring of the company.

But, over the course of the project, the Sears catalog boasted more than 370 home designs and sold over 70,000 kits delivered by railway throughout the United States and Canada.

Where are the best places to find Sears catalog homes?

While Sears catalog homes were shipped through the U.S. and Canada, the largest concentration of the design is found in Midwestern and East Coast states that are located close to old railway lines, such as New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

​Specific suburbs where many of these homes can be found include Carlinville, IL; Elgin, IL; Cincinnati, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; Arlington, VA; and Montgomery County, MD.  

Christmas catalogs and that memorable 'Sears smell': Readers recall the store's heyday
The largest concentration of Sears catalog homes are found in Midwestern and East Coast states that are located close to old railway lines. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Sears Homes
Owning an authentic Sears catalog home is a rare commodity, which can make the design extremely appealing to collectors. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

How have Sears catalog homes changed over the years?

The most obvious change is that Sears catalog homes are no longer made, and the homes have transitioned from affordable, mail-ordered kit houses to historic, collector properties.

​Many of the existing homes have undergone significant renovations, such as expanding floor plans, improving insulation, and updating heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Depending on the size, location, and modern upgrades, a simple Sears catalog build can sell for $150,000, while a more luxurious frame can go for well over $1 million.

Why do people buy Sears catalog homes?

Aside from their historic charm, owning a Sears catalog home is rare, which can make the design extremely appealing to collectors.

​The homes were often built out of sturdy, solid materials and came in a variety of designs that matched almost anyone’s preferences.

Purchasing a less-luxurious Sears catalog home is also much more affordable than buying a traditional home, as the June 2026 median listing price in the U.S. sits at $430,000, according to Realtor.com® data.

​However, existing Sears homes that haven’t been updated will require plenty of work, and if buyers wish to expand the floor plan or make other design changes, the construction can be costly due to the aging infrastructure. Because these homes are historic, be prepared for frequent maintenance.

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Riverfront Living on a Shoestring Budget: 5 Idyllic Waterway Cabins All Listed for Under $300K

Posted on by Mike B
24
Jul

If you thought waterfront living was destined only for the wealthy, it’s time to think again.

For those seeking a rural retreat where you can kayak off your back porch, cast a line at sunset, or sip a morning coffee to the sounds of rushing water, a riverfront cabin could be the perfect place for you.

And, even better, many are available for incredibly attainable prices.

Whether you are seeking an investment retreat or a primary residence, there are ample options across the U.S. currently available, with some on offer for as little as $180,000.

From New York to Michigan, we found five waterway homes, all listed for less than $300,000, that also offer a host of nearby recreational outdoor amenities.

1. 7 Legra Rd, Grassy Creek, NC

Price: $299,989

New River: This “storybook cottage” built in 1957 has been recently updated to now offer “move-in ready” amenities that could be used as a full-time residence or short-term rental.

Found throughout the cozy two-bedroom ranch are restored hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, French glass doors, and a modern kitchen offering butcher block countertops and two-tone cabinetry. The 969-square-foot, open-concept floor plan also boasts an expanded primary suite with a walk-in shower.

An expansive deck accessed from the living room was designed for entertaining and soaking in the scenery.

Offering river views, the buildable 1.19-acre lot also features an outdoor storage area currently being used as a laundry room that could be transformed into a studio, fitness center, or home office.

Chris Barr of Realty One Group Results is the listing agent.

Storybook Cottage on New River in Grassy Creek, NC, on sale for $299,989
Storybook cottage on New River in Grassy Creek, NC (Realtor.com)
Interior of Storybook Cottage on New River in Grassy Creek, NC, on sale for $299,989
Interior of Storybook Cottage on New River in Grassy Creek, NC (Realtor.com)

2. 1109 River Front Dr, Clifton, TN

Price: $289,900

Tennessee River: Here’s the chance to buy a brand-new riverfront retreat with covered parking, two RV hookup sites, a covered deck, and boat parking pad!

The recently completed residence boasts 800 square feet of wide open space. Offering one bedroom with walk-in closet and one full bathroom, the home also features a sun-soaked kitchenette, and a living room with dual sliders that open up to an enormous deck to soak in the stunning waterfront views. According to the listing, an exterior elevator will be installed upon delivery for convenient access.

A $42 monthly association fee provides community access to a host of amenities, including a boat ramp, sports courts, and a winter camper storage lot.

Brenda Perry of Re/Max Pros is the listing agent.

New home on Tennessee River in Clifton, TN, on sale for $289,900
New home on Tennessee River in Clifton, TN (Realtor.com)
Interior of new home on Tennessee River in Clifton, TN, on sale for $289,900
Interior of new home on Tennessee River in Clifton, TN (Realtor.com)

3. 141 River Rd, Northville, NY

Price: $219,500

Sacandaga River: This 1.6-acre wooded lot located within walking distance of the river and nearby numerous recreational activities boasts several buildings to create your own personal camp.

Designed for the investor, a three-bedroom primary residence looking to be finished off features a rustic interior with wood-clad walls and floors, a pellet stove, and “some insulation on the first floor.” A covered open-air pavilion out back with concrete floor and an outdoor kitchen overlooking a fire pit could be transformed into a carport.

There is also a bath house, a shed, and a playhouse that could be used as a studio or guest accommodations.

Christian Klueg of Howard Hanna – Northville is the listing agent.

Rustic camp on Sacandaga River in Northville, NY, on sale for $219,500
Rustic camp on Sacandaga River in Northville, NY (Realtor.com)
Interior of rustic cabin on Sacandaga River in Northville, NY, on sale for $219,500
Interior of rustic cabin on Sacandaga River in Northville, NY (Realtor.com)

4. 58858 River Heights Dr, Three Rivers, MI

Price: $179,900

St. Joseph River: Built in 1950, this updated two-bedroom cottage is ideally situated with multiple decks overlooking the water.

The 720-square-foot residence features a living room with gas fireplace and a kitchen with breakfast bar and French doors that open up to a deck for entertaining. Another nearby deck with a fire pit overlooks tiered decking, a boat dock, and the river.

A one-car garage can also be found on property.

Melody Stirk of Strong Properties – Portage is the listing agent.

Cottage on the St. Joseph River in Three Rivers, MI, on sale for $179,900
Cottage on the St. Joseph River in Three Rivers, MI (Realtor.com)
Interior of cottage on the St. in Three Rivers, MI, on sale for $179,900
Interior of cottage on the St. in Three Rivers, MI (Realtor.com)

5. 345 Wildwood Ln, Shenandoah, VA

Price: $289,900

Shenandoah River: This two-bedroom retreat is nestled on 1.72 wooded acres near the river and George Washington National Forest.

Built in 1975, the 512-square-foot cabin “designed for anyone looking to unwind” sits on a secluded lot surrounded by peaceful views. The updated interior features rich hardwood floors, a modern kitchen with custom cabinetry and center island, and a living room with wood stove. An expanded deck and a fire pit area provide additional outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing.

The turnkey property is being offered fully furnished.

Ryann Thomas of Funkhouser Real Estate Group is the listing agent.

Cabin near the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah, VA, on sale for $289,900
Cabin near the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah, VA (Realtor.com)
Interior of cabin near the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah, VA, on sale for $289,900
Interior of cabin near the Shenandoah River in Shenandoah, VA (Realtor.com)
Architect, Architectural Style, architecture, Artists, Daily Email, midcentury modern, New Jersey, Slot 02, Unique Homes, Video

Glass-Walled Midcentury Modern Gem With Ties to the White House Hits the Market in New Jersey

Posted on by Mike B
24
Jul

Tucked away on a verdant parcel in a New Jersey woodland sits an unexpected midcentury modern gem so rich in architectural pedigree that its design origins are actually tied to the White House.

The glass-walled home in Stockton, NJ, which has just been brought to the market for $2.1 million, looks at first glance like a glittering jewel box nestled among the trees—particularly when the light hits its floor-to-ceiling windows.

Built in 1976, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom abode is the work of artist and designer Charles Solt, whose spent decades working for Lenox China, during which time he was responsible for crafting some of America’s most recognizable presidential tableware.

During his tenure at Lenox, Solt contributed to several White House china services and even served as the chief designer for the 4,372-piece gold-encrusted collection created for President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Solt’s china designs became known for their understated elegance, a quality that listing agent John C. Clement says is equally evident throughout the home he conceived.

Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
Tucked away on a verdant parcel in a New Jersey woodland sits an unexpected midcentury modern gem so rich in architectural pedigree that its design origins are actually tied to the White House. (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)
Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
The glass-walled home in Stockton, NJ, which has just been brought to the market for $2.1 million, looks at first glance like a glittering jewel box nestled among the trees. (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)
Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
Walls of windows can be found throughout the home, even in the primary suite, which features a soaking tub in the corner. (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)

Known as the Solt House, the 2,320-square-foot property at 74 Brookville Hollow Road sits on 5 acres and reflects the disciplined design that defined Solt’s celebrated professional work.

“The house may be considered a residential counterpart to Solt’s design work: refined, carefully composed, and elegant without being showy,” Clement says.

The architecture embraces the hallmarks of classic midcentury modern design: simple geometric forms, clean lines, expansive walls of glass, and a seamless connection to nature. Low horizontal rooflines and dark shou sugi ban siding create the impression of a house that blends into its surroundings. 

Shou sugi ban is a Japanese technique that involves the use of intentionally charred wood for house siding. The result is a deeply textured, ink-black finish that gives homes a dramatic, cinematic silhouette against natural landscapes.

Combined with the walls of windows, which reflect the natural landscape around it, the home appears almost like an optical illusion that blends in with the trees.

“The architecture is intended to frame the natural setting rather than compete with it,” Clement says. “Its appeal is not based solely on period details or nostalgia; many of its features remain remarkably relevant to contemporary living.”

Those floor-to-ceiling windows also foster an open relationship with the surrounding forest, allowing shifting light and changing seasons to become part of everyday life. Inside, crisp geometric framing is balanced by warm wood ceilings and light white oak flooring.

Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
Built in 1976, the property has been thoughtfully updated by its current owner, who added upgraded details like new bathroom tile. (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)
Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
The home looks like part of the landscape with its shou sugi ban siding. (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)
Charles Solt designed MCM, selling for $2.1M
Outdoor seating areas (Keith Conrey / Tohickon Media)

The open floor plan flows effortlessly between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces before extending to a spacious teak deck beneath the trees. In the primary suite, walls of glass and a free-standing soaking tub create a peaceful retreat immersed in the landscape.

While the home’s character remains faithful to Solt’s original vision, the current owner has thoroughly modernized its systems and finishes. Recent upgrades include a newly resealed roof, dual-zone HVAC, new water heaters, and authentic Nakamoto Forestry Shou Sugi Ban siding.

The kitchen features custom Reform cabinetry from Copenhagen, Fisher & Paykel appliances, a built-in Miele coffee system, and a custom island by furniture maker Noam Wise. The renovated bathrooms showcase handcrafted clé tile and custom concrete sinks by Trueform Concrete.

In fact, the only thing missing from the property is one of Solt’s famous china collections—at least one of which is currently on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

According to property records, the latest listing marks only the second time in the home’s history that it has been put on the market—having last changed hands in 2023 for $550,000.

Past deeds indicate that Solt owned the home when he died in 2019. It was later sold by the executors of his estate.

For architecture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an exceptional modern woodland retreat, the Solt House offers the chance to live inside the vision of an artist whose work once graced the tables of the White House.

Beach, beach houses, California, Celebrity Homes, famous musician homes, Los Angeles CA, Malibu CA, Unique Homes, Video

Joni Mitchell’s Former Malibu Beach Retreat Hits the Market for $27 Million: ‘Magnificent in Every Respect’

Posted on by Mike B
23
Jul

Music legend Joni Mitchell‘s former Malibu beach house has been put on the market for $26.99 million—listing for the first time in nearly 40 years.

The property was custom-designed for the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer, who purchased beachfront land in the early 1980s, then commissioned acclaimed architect Ron Goldman to craft her perfect retreat, according to information shared with Realtor.com®.

Mitchell later sold the property in 1988 to a Walt Disney Company board director, in whose family it has remained. Now, they are ready to give someone new the chance to own the “truly exceptional offering,” which is located in the exclusive Malibu Colony enclave and features several rare amenities that likely could not be replicated today.

Those include a “grandfathered pool and spa” that are nestled in an enormous backyard deck overlooking Colony Beach, offering incredible—and completely unobscured—ocean views.

Because of updated coastal regulations, these features “would be extraordinarily difficult to recreate today,” according to a statement shared by Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Realty, who is co-listing the property with her colleague, Nanette Iggulden, as well as Jody Katz and Leona Katz of Estates and Trusts Realty.

Rear view of a beachfront house featuring a lap pool, spa hot tub, lounge deck, and sunroom enclosure.
Music legend Joni Mitchell’s former Malibu beach house has been put on the market for $26.99 million—listing for the first time in nearly 40 years. (Anthony Barcelo)
Sunlit living room with large glass doors opening to an oceanfront pool deck and sweeping sea views.
The property was custom-designed for the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer, who purchased the beachfront parcel in the early 1980s. (Anthony Barcelo)
Galley kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, skylights, stone flagstone flooring, and a koi pond rug.
In 1988, Mitchell sold the property to a Walt Disney Company board director, in whose family it has since remained. (Anthony Barcelo)

“This property is magnificent in every respect, from its refined architectural design and beautifully considered interiors to its rare beachfront amenities and irreplaceable Malibu setting,” said Rey.

“The grandfathered pool and spa would be extraordinarily difficult to recreate under today’s coastal regulations, making this a truly exceptional offering within the luxury coastal market.”

To take full advantage of the incredible beach views, the Cape Cod-inspired abode features a wall of windows on the beachfront side of the property, which not only turn the vistas into a living work of art, but also help to fill the living spaces with natural light.

“Sun-filled interiors blend warmth and sophistication through vaulted wood-beamed ceilings, expansive walls of glass and an airy open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living spaces to the shoreline,” the listing states.

Nature plays a significant role throughout the home, which features numerous windows and skylights throughout. Stone flooring runs through the main level and extends onto the deck.

At the back of the property is an idyllic courtyard, which serves as both an entertaining and dining area. Large hedges and trees surround this outdoor space, helping it to feel intimate and private.

Inside the home itself, an open-plan living and kitchen area help the property to feel incredibly spacious, while a fireplace provides comfort and coziness. Separating the living room from the pool area is an elegant solarium, which comes with space for a small dining table and some chairs.

A formal dining area can be found between the living room and the kitchen, and a second living area is located just off the courtyard.

The beach-facing primary bedroom is a serene retreat, complete with an elegant bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the ocean. Two more bedrooms can be found on this floor.

Home office with vaulted beam ceilings, built-in shelving, stone floors, and French doors leading to a stone walkway.
The home is located in the exclusive Malibu Colony enclave and features several rare amenities that likely could not be replicated today. (Anthony Barcelo)
Primary bedroom with vaulted white ceilings, a private oceanfront balcony, and scenic sea views.
It sits directly on the beach and offers incredible views over the water. (Anthony Barcelo)
Open-concept beach house living room featuring stone floors, fireplace, and glass doors with ocean sunset views.
A wall of windows on the beachfront side of the home turn the vistas into a living work of art. (Anthony Barcelo)
Pacific oceanfront stone patio with an outdoor dining set, lap pool, and view of a vibrant twilight sky.
According to the listing agents, the “grandfathered pool and spa” would be almost impossible to replicate today because of updated regulations. (Anthony Barcelo)
Illuminated stone courtyard with dining table and armchairs in front of a gabled coastal Malibu home at dusk.
The home also features a guesthouse and a private courtyard. (Anthony Barcelo)

The fourth bedroom is located on the floor below, and the fifth is located in a detached guesthouse, which sits on the opposite side of the courtyard, along with the garage.

The listing notes that there is an office area that could be used as a flex space.

“A gated entry introduces a serene retreat where timeless architecture, irreplaceable beachfront features and an unmatched Malibu lifestyle converge,” the description adds.

While updates have been made to the dwelling since it last changed hands in 1988—for just $2.75 million—the property remains true to Goldman’s original design.

“What makes it especially compelling is the combination of design heritage, oceanfront setting, and irreplaceable features, which create a rare opportunity to acquire a true legacy estate in one of the world’s most recognized beachfront communities,” Iggulden explained.

“Malibu buyers consistently seek properties that deliver both privacy and convenience, and this residence offers the exclusivity of Colony Beach with effortless access to everything Malibu has to offer.”

Mitchell, who is originally from Canada, has been based in California for nearly six decades now, having moved to the Golden State in the late 1960s, when she bought her first property in the area—a petite cottage in Laurel Canyon.

The singer used the royalties from her debut album, “Song to a Seagull,” to pay for the property, where she later wrote and recorded new music, including the 1970 album, “Ladies of the Canyon,” which was inspired by the home’s location.

Today, 82-year-old Mitchell resides in a historical Bel-Air mansion that she has owned since the mid-1970s and which she previously showcased in a shoot for Architectural Digest.