Practically crumbling with potential, this Grade II* Listed Victorian-era fortification and barracks awaits snapping up in Pembrokeshire, Wales. For sale with Strutt & Parker for a healthy $536k, the old defensible barracks dates back to the mid 1840s. Should you fancy a restoration project steeped in history, this is a rare opportunity to grasp. Click or scroll through for more...
The expansive, Renaissance-style fort has 20 sides and is surrounded by a dry moat. Entered through a north gatehouse, the dramatic runway comes complete with holes for muskets and winches for the former sliding drawbridge.
A perfect blank canvas, the interiors are ready for a lick of paint and arranged over three to four floors. Natural light sweeps throughout, through large sash windows, impressive stairwells, and soaring ceilings. Once renovated, the building is ready to move in, originally built for defense as well as living and working.
Built between 1841 and 1846, the barracks were designed to house the dockyard’s garrison of Royal Marines and to “cover the landward side of the dockyard from an infantry assault” as per the listing description. An ultra-secure property, it was likely the last ‘trace bastion’ fort to be built in Europe.
With a secure stone, brick, timber, and steel structure, the basements contains areas for laundry, stores, latrines, and magazines. Should you decide to snap up the barracks, you’ll be in good company having housed famous residents including Gordon of Khartoum, who was later deployed to join the fighting in Crimea, and Arthur Lowe, who played Captain Mainwaring in Dad’s Army.
The parade ground sits within the centre of the fort, enclosed by blocks of barrack rooms, mess areas, magazines, and gun sheds. The courtyard and parade ground is surrounded by elevations of a "Georgian-style square with pedimented centerpieces on three sides" and charming 12-pane sash windows throughout.
Taking a closer look at the listing photos you’ll find intriguing details throughout, such as cast-iron rails with Prince of Wales feathers and VR crests, as well as artillery stores disguised with 'hairdresser' signs alongside numerous gun loops and canon batteries.
Sitting proudly atop what is locally referred to as Barracks Hill, the fort boasts an enviable position overlooking the town and dockyard below. Famous for its coastline and attractive beaches, Pembrokeshire is laden with history and culture throughout its hamlets, villages, and communities. It is also home to Pembroke Castle—considered a fantastic example of a Norman castle in the UK, and the birthplace of Henry VII of England, no less. At $536,000 it's a bargain for all its rich history and stunning views.
From crumbling castles to abandoned mansions, there are thousands of palatial structures out there in need of restoration. We've scoured the world to bring you the most magnificent fixer-uppers on the market right now. Could you restore these masterpieces to their former glory?
For those hunting for a project in England, Manor Farm House might just pique your interest. Offering space, charm, and an incredible time warp interior, this is one fixer-upper that has plenty of promise. Located in the city of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, the historic home is up for grabs with Savills for a very reasonable $617,000.
The Grade II listed farmhouse was built in the late 17th century but has been extended over time. Today, it spans 3,499 square feet and features stunning original details, such as decorative fireplaces, rustic ceiling beams, built-ins, and charming window seats.
The dilapidated dream home is laid out over three floors and has four reception rooms, a dining room, a laundry room, a kitchen, and six bedrooms, so there's more than enough space to create a home office, a playroom or even a gym. While some buyers would want to rip out the home's vintage fixtures, others may want to keep hold of those loud carpets and yellow walls!
Manor Farm House also benefits from a large attic space—the perfect master suite—and almost half an acre of land. Outside, there’s a large yard, multiple garages, and an unlisted outbuilding that’s ripe for renovation. Though not an easy fixer-upper, this pad received a new Welsh slate roof in the 1990s, while the flat roof at the rear was refelted in July 2020, which would make the project that little bit easier, and cheaper. So, what are you waiting for?
Described as a castle complex in the listing, this particular renovation project dates back to the 13th century. Residing in western Upper Lusatia, in southern Brandenburg, this imposing building sits within an area known for its idyllic hilly and mountainous landscapes laced with thick, dense forests. The region hosts a proud history, with many settlements having existed for over a thousand years playing a vital role in the history of Saxony, Bohemia, Poland, and Central Europe.
On the market for $771,000 or €800k, the Renaissance castle comes complete with its own moat. Originally the castle was built into a rectangular main building with outbuildings in front, before being extended with short side wings and a tower in the Baroque period.
While the rooms are impressive and expansive, with soaring ceilings and incredible cornicing, the property is in need of major refurbishments having last been renovated in 1975. As per the listing, the castle has been standing empty for many years and contains neither furniture nor sanitary facilities while the existing electrical installation is said to be defective and will need replacing.
However, for those keen to breathe some new life into an exquisite 13th century castle, you will be richly rewarded with 39 rooms, mountainous views and your very own tower in the historical surrounds of western Upper Lusatia.
Those seeking a sprawling home in Virginia, USA, should pay attention to Red Hill. This magnificent stately property dates back to around 1825 and boasts a glorious red-brick home that benefits from beautiful pastoral mountain views, thanks to its elevated position. Yet, perhaps, more importantly, it's up for grabs with Gayle Harvey Real Estate for $995,000. That's surprisingly low—especially considering all it has to offer. Let's take the tour...
The romantic residence has Federal-style architectural details and is laid out across four generous floors. There’s a bright entrance hall, dual reception rooms, a kitchen, a full basement, and plenty of rooms upstairs that could be turned into dreamy bedrooms—each with idyllic garden views. As for period fixtures, there are countless...
From six-over-six sash windows to ornate moldings, raised panelling, original pine floors, veneered handrails, square balusters, and hand-carved staircases, this characterful home has so much to admire. There’s even an attic that’s waiting to be converted into a remarkable master suite. As you can see, though, a lot of work is needed to bring the home back to its former glory. As well as general decorating, you'd need to tackle the residence's structural issues, which would be no small task!
Along with 40 acres of land, there’s also a second brick structure that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This quaint property is also in need of a major overhaul, but has the potential to add a few more bedrooms to your holding. What’s more, the estate comes with several other outbuildings, including a historically significant log barn, and a series of terraced gardens, reminiscent of those found at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Now's your chance to flex your royal muscles and inhabit your very own castle. Located in South Daytona, Florida, the 9,000-square-foot palatial property has been given a head start in terms of the renovation, as well as a recent price reduction down to $995,000 with Adams Cameron Realty.
Sitting on almost two acres of land, the six-plus-bedroom home comes complete with an elaborate stone archway entrance, two fountains, turrets, and a dungeon for good measure. The current owners have completed 50-60% of the renovations required, so you’re well on your way to inhabiting a home fit for royalty.
Residing proudly across two main floors, the Florida-based abode boasts plentiful space with five-foot-wide staircases and a library showcasing 18-foot-high ceilings. An additional third floor hosts another bedroom, while an expansive attic space awaits above for even more storage options, home office space or Rapunzel-esque roleplaying.
Outside more magical features abound, with over 1,200-square-feet of patio space shaded by magnificent 200-year-old oak trees. A golf cart-sized covered entrance welcomes you through to the back, where a 4-8 car garage and workshop resides. Rule the roost with your very own castle in Florida!
Built in 1890, this stately mansion in Augusta, Georgia comes with a pretty amazing history. A bustling hub of high society over the decades, the property is said to have regularly hosted the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft, in the early 20th century.
Offering eight bedrooms and six bathrooms, the sprawling home may be somewhat faded from its glory days, but its timeless elegance is still evident. Even with dusty floors and greying woodwork, this reception space is nothing short of spectacular, from the Art Nouveau-style glass light fixtures to the magnificent leaded windows, and detailed paneling.
In addition to the striking living spaces, the home is surrounded by over three acres of land. While somewhat overgrown and time-worn, signs of the once-manicured landscaping are still visible and certainly aren't beyond the point of rescue. Having been in the same family for over a century, it's now listed with Blanchard & Calhoun Real Estate for $1.3 million.
If one sprawling building in need of renovation isn’t enough to whet your appetite for space, how about an eight-acre paradise island of your own? Fort Montgomery Island Estates can be found on Lake Champlain, which comes complete with an additional 86 acres of deeded land underwater surrounding the Island, and an extra 260 acres of property on the mainland.
Nicknamed ‘Fort Blunder’ initially after it was found to have been built over the Canadian border in 1816, the original fort was abandoned and a new fort was built in 1842. In 1936, part of the fort was demolished and reportedly tipped into Lake Champlain to help construct the bridge between New York and Vermont.
For the ultimate in privacy-loving locations, Fort Montgomery Island offers rare access by yacht or by car via the locked and gated private causeway lovingly lined with oak and maple trees. While the breathtaking panoramas of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont might catch your eye, the current décor may take some work to live up to its beautiful surrounding vistas.
The Island itself includes the remaining portion of the 1800s era Fort Montgomery, which includes thousands of tons of Gray Limestone Blocks that you can put to use in your restoration project. Currently on the market at $1.4 million, this historic lakefront civil war fort is certainly a project worth taking on, and all for less than the price of a two-bedroom New York City condominium as per the listing!
For a similar price, you could pick up a grand palace in Europe. This ancient castle can be found on almost 23 acres of land in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, with the historic structure originating from the second half of the 18th century.
The regal castle has already been partially refurbished, but there’s plenty more work to be done to render this palatial home livable. It's laid out over three wings that cover a staggering 13,185 square feet. During the mid-2000s, two of the wings were turned into four apartments, which are fairly modern. The new owner could choose to keep them as they are, or undertake a restoration project to return them to their former glory.
However, the main wing of the castle hasn’t been touched, so there are plenty of original 18th-century elements inside. From huge arched windows to stone floors, ornate woodwork, vintage light fixtures, and pretty fireplaces, the main wing is overflowing with charm. Plus, the castle's reception rooms are incredibly large, offering plenty of scope for development.
There are also numerous outbuildings with plenty of additional space—perhaps these could be converted into characterful homes, or used as guest lodgings? There’s even an old stable block, too, making this an ideal property for equestrian fans. If you fancy your chances, it's currently on the market with Vermittlung Historischer Immobilien for $1.5 million, or €1.5 million in the local currency.
Who doesn’t need 20 bedrooms to sprawl out in? Should you fancy having a choice of chambers to retire to of an evening, this manor house in Southampton, UK, might just take your fancy. What’s more, you can have fun renovating each and every one to your specific style, or create 20 different themed rooms.
The New Forest manor house sits on grounds of approximately 3.8 acres and dates back to the early 19th century. According to the listing, however, a small area in the centre may have been a Tudor hunting lodge. We love the multi-paneled windows that proliferate throughout, throwing natural light into each room.
While it may look a little unloved and abandoned, the roof was recently replaced by the previous owners and planning permission has been granted to transform the expansive estate into multiple residences by The New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA). You could become an innkeeper overnight, after some extensive renovations and the hefty $2 million price tag that is.
The manor house sits within the north-eastern boundary of the National Park, which would be a draw for potential guests at your new luxury hotel. An extension was reportedly added in the 1980s when the so-called Tatchbury Manor was a nursing home until the early 2010s. The possibilities are endless for this extensive English abode.
Now, how about an Italian villa that comes with not one but two private beaches? Villa Castello Pellegrini is located in the resort town of Lake Maggiore and boasts stunning views out across the lake itself—the second largest lake in the country. Alongside your very own beaches, you also get the castle itself, an annex, and a small cottage to boot.
Built in the late 19th century, the castle spans over 129,000 square feet of living space and boasts three levels, including service rooms and two cellars. A large foyer greets you upon entry with a sumptuous marble staircase, while an elevator can transport you from floor to floor if you were to tire of the castle's many stairs.
In need of major renovations throughout, Villa Castello Pellegrini was once owned by renowned fashion designer Gianfranco Ferrè, who passed away before completing renovations on the neoclassical estate. The epic job could now lie with you, should you have a spare $2.8 million to hand.
With stunning views and plentiful festivals and music events occurring in the city, Stresa is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and has been awarded as one of the best places to live in Europe. From your new pad, you could retire from the hustle and bustle, admiring the lake from a large wraparound balcony,
If you happen to have €15 million ($14.4m) going spare, then this spectacular Portuguese palace could soon be yours. Located in the Lisbon neighborhood of Xabregas, the house was once a large farm belonging to the nobility. With more than five centuries of history, Xabregas Palace was first owned by the world-famous explorer, Tristão da Cunha.
Partially restored about 10 years ago, the historic home needs a little work to bring it up to scratch for modern living. However, there's no end of elegant period features and one-of-a-kind interior touches, from paneled ceilings to frescoes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Built in 1510, the house features 30 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a huge formal dining hall, a ballroom, and almost an acre of surrounding land. Every room benefits from exquisite flooring, including stone, hardwood, and parquet, while some spaces boast towering barrel ceilings, oversized doors, dramatic chandeliers, and decorative plasterwork.
For sale with Sotheby's International Realty, this opulent palace has lots of development potential—it could be broken down into multiple residences or even transformed into a five-star hotel.
If you have the budget, the determination, and the imagination, then this incredible half-finished mansion in Lake County, Montana, could well be the home of your dreams. While it may not be for the faint-hearted, it does have plenty of promise, plus it comes with its very own private island.
In need of more than just a lick of paint, the extreme fixer-upper is on the market with Hall and Hall for a whopping $72 million. Still, it's fairly easy to imagine how impressive the home will be once it's completed. From the large windows to the double-height ceilings and twin, symmetrical suspended staircases, there's plenty to admire already.
Inside, there are plenty of living areas for entertaining and relaxing, and though it was originally designed to have four bedrooms and nine bathrooms, the floorplan is flexible and the new owner could choose to transform the rooms as they see fit. The house was built from concrete and reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar. According to the listing, the construction materials and methods used were chosen to ensure that the structure lasts over a thousand years.
Yet the main mansion isn't the only draw of this listing, as the price tag includes a second home, too. This characterful guest villa is positioned a short distance away from the main house and could be rented out as a holiday let, or even flipped and sold off. Luckily, this property is pretty much complete, but there are a few finishing touches still to be made. The listing also includes a custom-built barge from the 1960s, which could be turned into a luxurious houseboat for seafaring adventures. Sign us up!
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