Since 2013, CIRCA Old Houses has helped history buffs folks find the house of their dreams. Its curated marketplace, featuring an extensive catalogue of Victorians, Queen Annes and Mid-Century homes, showcases some of the most beautiful historic houses for sale across the country. Now, it’s also releasing a new mobile iPhone app, specifically geared towards old-house enthusiasts, that makes the house-searching process that much easier.
“CIRCA came about in response to my own search for my family’s dream house,” said Elizabeth Finkelstein, the founder of CIRCA Old Houses, who calls herself an “old house junkie.” Finkelstein was previously the Director of Preservation at the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation.
“There was no online real estate destination where the charm of an 1800s Cape-style cottage or the whimsy of a converted mill or lighthouse was presented as a celebration of all things antique…”
In complete contrast to the industrial buildings we’re so used to seeing in the city, these houses have a unique and colorful charm that’s not replicable. Here 10 of the most stunning old homes that can be found in New York:
10. 16 Sylvan Terrace (Washington Heights)
What to know: Circa 1892 Address: 16 Sylvan Terrace New York, New York, 10032 Price: $1,700,000 Style: Early-American
Circa 1850 Address: 223 Washington Avenue Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, New York, 11205 Price: $2,499,000 Stylte: Italianate Urban Retreats
This wood frame, single-family rowhouse in Clinton Hill is a representation of a pre-Civil War home, built in the mid-1800s, during the first developmental phase in the neighborhood. The home is just a few blocks away from Pratt Institute and Fort Greene Park.
8. 28 West Lake Street (Skaneateles)
What to know: Circa 1850 Address: 28 West Lake Street, Skaneateles, New York, 13152 Price: $1,950,000 Style: Gothic Revival
Architect Alexander Jackson Davis, named one of America’s most notable architects by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is the mastermind behind this beautiful, single-family home, which was designed for Reuel Smith, a partner in a New York City shipping firm. A.J. Davis, who was known for his “country” homes, drew inspiration from the Gothic Revival style and incorporated elements such as peaks and verandas into this specific house.
For years, the home remained under the ownership of the Smith family until it was sold in 1975 to Robert and Shirley Feldmann, who have worked to preserve and restore the home. It is currently on the National Register of Historic Places. Skaneateles is one of the Finger Lakes, smaller than its more famous counterparts but with a quaint town center, bustling culinary scene, and an increasing wine, cider and beer business along its shores.
7. 2730 Washington County Route 17 (Granville)
What to know: Circa 1900 Address: 2730 Washington County Route 17, Granville, New York, 12832 Price: $249,900 Style: Fixer-Upper Queen Anne
This Victorian house, formerly White Rose Inn, once held a former bed & breakfast, as well as a bar/restaurant built by Mrs. Lord of Lord & Taylor. The Village of Granville, located on the eastern border of Washington County in New York, serves as a gateway to the Adirondack Mountains and the Lakes Region of Vermont. It is noted for its green hills and forests, and has been called the “Colored Slate Capital of the World” thanks to its mine slate quarries that come in a range of colors from gray and black to purple and green.
6. 158 Montgomery Street (Newburgh)
What to know: Circa 1870 Address: 158 Montgomery Street, Newburgh, New York, 12550 Price: $399,000 Style: Queen Anne
The Stockbridge Ramsdell House, located in the Newburgh’s historic district, was once the family home of Homer Stockbridge Ramsdell, the president of the Erie Railroad. Today, it overlooks the Hudson River, operating as a bed & breakfast. Newburg itself is frequently the subject of urban design and architecture classes at Columbia University, which is usually the sign of a city or neighborhood on the cusp of attracting hefty attention from real estate folks.
5. 4051 State Route 89 (Seneca Falls)
What to know: Circa 1837 Address: 4051 State Route 89, Seneca Falls, New York, 13148 Price: $479,900 Style: Colonial
Seneca Falls, the town rumored to have been the inspiration behind It’s a Wonderful Life, is home to High Hill Estate, a 1837 farmhouse sitting on nearly four acres of park-like grounds. The colonial house is located in the Finger Lakes wine region, which is home to than 100 wineries, 1,000 waterfalls and the famed Watkins Glen auto track.
Geneva, situated at the northern end of Seneca Lake, was originally occupied by the Seneca tribe, who established a major village (Kanadaseaga) on the land in 1687. Today, the city, known as the “Gateway to Finger Lakes Wine Country,” recognized for its rural quality and scenic views. Although it still maintains its agricultural roots, it has grown commercially over the years.
3. Restored Barn (Stony Brook)
What to know: Circa 1836 Address: Long Island, New York, 11790 Price: $850,000 Style: BarnShingle Style
Since this barn was restored in 1949-151, it has been meticulously maintained and occupied by the same family for 67 years. Stony Brook, Long Island is a village that dates to before the American Revolutionary War and the village just next door, Setauket, is where the first American spy ring was located – the subject of the AMC televisions how TURN. Stony Brook has a waterfront marina, a quaint old-town village center, a university (SUNY Stony Brook), and some historic mansions including one by architect Stanford White.
2. 5663 County Hwy 2 (Delancey)
What to know: Circa 1795 Address: 5663 County Hwy 2, Delancey, New York, 13731 Price: $350,000 Style: Early American
Although this Colonial home was originally built as a tavern, it has also served several other functions. Over the years, the property has been used as a farmhouse, a meeting house during the Anti-Rent Wars and a safe house for the Underground Railroad.
1. 287 Marcott Road (Stone Ridge)
What to know: Circa 1815 Address: 287 Marcott Road, Stone Ridge, New York, 12484 Price: $915,000 Style: Stone House
Sitting on 15+ acres of green space, this stone house has served as a residence to several painters over the last forty years. Stone Ridge, located un Ulster County in New York, is also home to a Main Street Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. The Cornelius Wynkoop’s house is perhaps one of the most notable buildings inside the district. According to legend, George Washington once slept in the bedroom on the second floor.
