Find Historic Housing

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by Tammy Jones, HGTV.com

There's just something different about living in a historic home. The thoughtfully designed spaces, handcrafted fixtures and attention to detail found in older homes are bygone charms that you just don't find in newer homes, even custom-built ones. It's little wonder that historic homeowners are passionate about their homes and committed to restoring them to their former grandeur.

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It's that kind of passion and commitment that supports the National Trust for Historic Preservation. And thanks to them, finding and owning your own historic home might be easier thank you think.

The Historic Homeowner section of the National Trust website is full of resources and information for anyone interesting in buying, selling, renovating or just protecting a historic property. There are tips on getting started, researching a home's history, working with builders on renovation projects, and even finding the funding to purchase a historic home. Dig a little deeper and you'll find information about insuring a historic home, easements, even historic house paint, color information and tips on cleaning and maintaining your historic gem.

If you don't own a historic home yet, the NTHP has a list of historic real estate available all over the country, including homes, inns and other properties like the ones here.

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At the time of this writing, this beautiful 1911 shingle-style Victorian with 6,500 square feet, five fireplaces, inlaid floors and other original elaborate features is available for $1, but it has to be moved to make way for a parking lot in Attleboro, Mass.
Most of the homes listed were built 100 or 200 years ago or more, and several have already been restored to their fabulous original selves. However, if the thrill of renovation is what you're after, check out the Distressed Properties section. If you're up for a real challenge (and a real bargain), you'll like what you find there. Distressed properties aren't just those in need of the most TLC, either; they are properties that are in immediate risk of being destroyed and need to be rescued, like the one pictured at the right. The types of properties listed vary from historic bridges to homes on blocks that desperately need to be moved--and made--home.

Additional Listings

For more information about historic homes and properties for sale, please visit the historic real estate listings on the NTHP website, where you'll find more information about the homes and the real estate agencies listing them.

Resources
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Trust for Historic Preservation
1785 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-588-6000
Toll-free: 800-944-6847
Fax: 202-588-6038
E-mail: members@nthp.org
Website: www.nationaltrust.org