It’s a good thing houses aren’t like people—you don’t have to use euphemisms like “mature” or “golden” for homes (like you do with certain TV bachelors).
When it comes to private residences, you can boldly declare they’re just plain old.
So let’s celebrate the true geezers of the bunch. The oldest of America’s five most seasoned homes dates all the way back to 1658. Yet that one and the others are still in fine shape—most of them move-in ready.
Historic homes, however, do not come cheap. This quintet of old houses range in price from $639,000 to $1,720,000. But you truly get what you pay for, and then some. One has a history that links it to founding father George Washington.
All five of these properties still have original features, including planked floors, brick, and many fireplaces. Let’s dial the clock back three centuries and have a look.
5. 55 Middle Rd, Brentwood, NH
Charm and character: Once you set foot inside this house, you’d never know it was over 300 years old. Known as the Henry Marshall Garrison, the home has “primitive rooms with built-ins, ancient paneling, [and] hardware,” according to the listing details. But the rest of the three-bedroom, 2,383-square-foot house has been updated and restored fairly recently.
A newly renovated kitchen and dining area are especially spacious and lovely, with vaulted and beamed ceilings, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The bedrooms are uncommonly spacious, and there are five fireplaces scattered throughout the house.
In addition to the main house, there’s a barn with plenty of storage and garage space on this 1-acre, wooded property.
4. 2494 Simonson Rd, Farnham, VA
Rich in history: There’s nothing rustic about this luxuriously elegant abode known as Indian Banks. The property gets its name from its location on Morattico Creek, where it joins the Rappahannock River. Spanning 17 acres, it was part of a land grant to Captain Thomas Glasscock, who married Ester Ball (a cousin of George Washington), and created this family home on the parcel.
The main residence has been beautifully restored and renovated to the highest standards. The Manor house has four bedrooms and 3,684 square feet of living space. Distinctly English in its architecture, it features Flemish bond brickwork and a rare scrolled soffit above the main entrance. There is a total of seven fireplaces, a timeless kitchen with modern appliances, and beautiful river views.
The property also includes a dock on the water, a cabin, smokehouse, barns, stables, sheds, and various other outbuildings.
3. 3097 N Route 9, Seaville, NJ
Cozy colonial comfort: The Reeves-Iszard-Godfrey house was expanded in 1800, and moved to its current location in New Jersey in 1962. It’s listed on both state and national historic registers, and while it might take a little work to bring the shingled three-bedroom home up to date, it has many virtues—including an 8.4-acre lot.
Beyond the sturdy beams, decorative gunstock posts, and wide-plank wood floors, the home has numerous highlights. There’s a spacious, repurposed laundry area and utility room, along with another multipurpose room that could easily be used as a den, library, or sitting room.
The property also includes a newer, two-story barn or garage with three bays, storage areas, a utility room, and a second-floor workshop. Plus, the property comes with a charming, 18th-century, one-room house with a brick fireplace and a second-floor bedroom.
2. 13 Great Neck Rd, Wareham, MA
If these walls could talk: Brimming with character, this historic home is the epitome of antique charm accentuated by modern amenities. Its history includes an occupation by Revolutionary War Lieutenant, Prince Burgess, and a restoration by master craftsman Gerry Pearle in 1973.
The three-bedroom residence includes a large kitchen with a cathedral ceiling, a dining room with the original fireplace, and a library. Outside, there are workshops and a greenhouse.
Situated on a verdant acre with vegetable and herb gardens and plenty of mature trees, it’s located near beaches, a golf course, and highways to Boston, Providence, and Cape Cod. While the place could use a little work, its potential is endless.
1. 162 Cherry St, Wenham, MA
Historic treasure: The Newman-Fiske-Dodge House was built over 100 years before the Declaration of Independence was even conceived. Considered a “historic landmark” in Wenham, it’s been expanded and renovated over the decades. But much of its original structure remains, including oak-wood beams, wood floors and paneling, five fireplaces, and brick walls.
There are now five bedrooms and four baths, spread across 4,000 square feet. The 2-acre lot includes a spacious and picturesque barn that can be used for cars, storage, and gatherings. It also has rolling, grassy lawns and wooded areas.
Newer features include a large, modern kitchen with skylight; a sun porch; and a three-room in-law apartment with a separate entrance and dedicated driveway.
