Types of Historic Homes for Sale in Southeastern

Virginia

By Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker, Notary, Team Leader, Property Manager, Award Winning Agent

Virginia has a rich history dating to the Colonial era and also a wide variety of historic homes and properties for sale. It was one of the first places colonized by the British and is also known for Civil War era structures as well as Late 19th and Early 20th Century homes. When it comes to purchasing historical properties, the home buyer has various choices in Virginia. There are rural and urban historic homes for sale across the Commonwealth of Virginia today, from many different eras and in various conditions.

It takes a special type of home owner to purchase and renovate or restore a historic home. Oftentimes, historic home purchasers are so enthusiastic about history they want to preserve part of our American heritage by living in or restoring a historic property. While many are passionate about history, they also seek special amenities such as equestrian facilities or waterfront docks and want to live in unique properties with maximum privacy in a secure, quiet setting.

The Classic Virginia Estate

A classic example of an estate property found in Virginia would date from the late19th Century and be made from brick - in the Colonial style. This style of custom built estate home may still retain many of its original features such as cathedral ceilings and multiple fireplaces. Original details like walnut bannisters and yellow pine floors, brass locks and fittings, chair rails and built in bookcases may still be in place. Many of these scenic, expansive Virginia estate properties are surrounded by fresh water ponds or streams and even offer waterfront access with docks on property. Historic properties may offer hardwood forests, meadows, equestrian facilities and water features as well as multiple outbuildings. Even with these amenities, privacy and 19th Century charm, many historic properties with at least five acres can be purchased for around one million to five million dollars. Compared to single family home pricing in many urban markets such as San Francisco, New York City and Boston, Virginia estates are an affordable acquisition. Those who have the means for this lifestyle - and are prepared to maintain a property of this size - find the extra luxuries extremely satisfying and worth the price.

Renovation/Restoration Budget

Investors in historic homes in Virginia may want to include a renovation (or restoration) budget in their purchase plans. Finding the right historic property is the first step. Renovating or restoring the property can make all the difference in quality of life there. Customizing a historic property for an individual or family lifestyle will be important to making it feel more like a home.

Historic Homes in Richmond and Henrico County Virginia

In downtown Richmond and areas such as Shockoe Slip and the Fan, there are many 1920s ad 1930s Art deco homes to choose from. Since restoration of the historic district began in the 1970s, Shockoe Slip has now become a premiere shopping and dining destination in Virginia. The Fan is in close proximity to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) making it a popular section of Richmond. Many historic estate properties and farmhouses are located just outside of Richmond in Henrico County.

Rural and Urban Historic Homes in Virginia

The Southeastern portion of Virginia, also known as the Tidewater region or Hampton Roads, was the site of original English colonization. Many historic properties have waterfront access and docks because boats were a main form of transportation in Early America.

In rural areas, such as Surry and Charles City, Virginia, buyers will find historic farmhouses and even plantations along the James River and its tributaries. While a search for a historic home in Williamsburg, James and York City Counties will yield many 18th and 19th Century urban properties. Many of Williamsburg's historic properties are owned by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation or the College of William and Mary. But the Foundation and College do not exclusively own all Williamsburg historic properties. The buyer will find numerous historic treasures in Williamsburg and in surrounding counties because Williamsburg was the 18th Century capital of Virginia and attracted many prominent residents, artisans, students and families as well as those charged with governance.

Historic Homes in the Northern Neck of the Chesapeake Bay

In Gloucester and Gloucester Point Virginia and areas north of here, such as Mathews and Gwyn's Island, the seafaring way of life has been a longstanding tradition. These areas are known for historic sea cottages and estate properties built on the York River, Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Many of these historic properties are waterfront, with docks. Today these tranquil areas are known as the Northern Neck of the Chesapeake Bay. The Northern Neck is not highly populated and it is the perfect environment for the waterman, those who love boating - or people who simply enjoy being on or near the water.

Smithfield & Isle of Wight County: Hidden Historic Homes

Across the River from Williamsburg, Virginia, many historic homes can be found in Smithfield and surrounding Isle of Wight County. I once sold an 18th Century cottage in downtown Smithfield to an editor of the Daily Press. This was the oldest home in Smithfield. Like many who purchase historic homes, this particular buyer had a passion for history, and she fell in love with the home, its history, and its location. Outside of Smithfield in Isle of Wight County, there are many historic estates, farmhouses and even plantations.

Whether it's a love of history, or wanting to live a luxurious lifestyle on an estate in Virginia, historic home buyers find a wide variety of choices across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Southeastern part of Virginia has a plentiful amount of historic properties, largely due to its proximity to the coast and coastal rivers as well as being deeply rooted in Colonial history. Learn more about historic homes in Virginia for sale, call Elaine VonCannon at 757-288-4685 or email voncannonrealestate@cox.net. Visit http://www.estatesinvirginia.com for more information about Virginia estates currently for sale.