From the mountains of New Hampshire to the tropics of South Carolina and the splendour of New York, there’s plenty of history to be found in America’s homes. We’ve put together a collection of the oldest, most characterful properties for sale in the US – by which we mean those built before 1800. Take your time swooning over these historic mansions!

This four-bedroom, two-bathroom log cabin stands on a whopping 19 acres of land. It was built in the 1770s as a carriage house. Now listed for sale on OldHouses.com, this great big piece of history could be yours for just $449,900.

Inside, this historic building is just as striking as outside with its exposed timber frame, vaulted ceiling and wooden floor. Most striking of all is the tree trunk running through the centre of the open-plan living space, giving this property a unique sense of connection to the outdoors.

You can’t get much cosier than this house’s living room, which features exposed beams, cabin windows and a large open fireplace. The current owners have enhanced the effect by introducing soft furnishings such as rugs, window blinds and painting some of the woodwork in a characterful green shade.

Despite the Chestnut Log Cabin’s cosiness, there’s no shortage of space. The carriage house includes a detached garage, office space, art studio, guest cabin and even a two-storey barn. If you’re after old-world charm with all the benefits of living in the 21st Century, you might just have found your dream home.

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Nestled in over 100 acres of grounds, this Early American farmhouse has the most land out of all the properties on our list. Having been built in the early 1700s, it’s even made it onto the National Register of Historic Places and is now being listed for sale by Select Sotheby’s International Realty.

The eight-bedroom home is bursting with period features, including wide-plank floorboards and a Connecticut spiral staircase. Sash windows and an open fireplace, plus elegant furnishings are in keeping with the age of the house but with an eat-in kitchen diner and three bathrooms, the property has all the modern amenities necessary for 21st-century life.

The sprawling grounds are littered with historical gems, including this hop house from 1840. In a celebration of its past, the building’s pyramidal roof has been converted into a small museum displaying hops farming tools and equipment from the 1800s!

With multiple porches and a large patio area, there are plenty of spots to sit and soak in views of the property’s diverse wildlife – from deer to turkeys and even bears! There’s also no shortage of storage space, with a large barn, old icehouse and functioning blacksmith workshop all on offer. 

Fancy living in a house once owned by a famous Revolutionary War hero? Well, now you can, as this striking southern plantation house is currently listed for sale on OldHouses.com. It was built in approximately 1793 by Thomas Sumter – or, as he’s more often known, the ‘Carolina Gamecock’ – who gave the town its name. It sits in more than six acres of land, bursting with colourful flowers and palmettos.

Inside, the property is just as impressive. We’re talking high ceilings, large windows and hand-cut, original floorboards. And that’s not to mention those fireplaces, of which there are seven! The current owners have kept the decor faithful to the Antebellum Greek Revival style that characterises this property, with naval artwork on the walls, glamorous chandeliers and patterned rugs.

With three storeys, five bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms, this property has no shortage of space. The original wood flooring continues throughout the property, as does that sense of grandeur. Imagine waking up in this traditional yet impeccably-finished bedroom every morning!

Even outside, there’s no escaping this property’s history. The current owners have completed the charming look of this spacious porch with a classic rocking chair and logs. And there’s even deeded access to a pond and fishing dock. However, it’s not all about history – you’ll also find a large and luxurious modern swimming pool.

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This charming farmhouse looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, with its honey-coloured stone and quaint green shutters. Built in the 1700s, the property also features a rear stone extension added in the 1800s. Now listed on Circa, here’s why we’re sure it’ll get snapped right up.

The gorgeous building has been lovingly restored using antique and reclaimed materials. One stunning example is the live edge island top, which was crafted from a 150-year-old tree on the property’s land. It adds that special touch to this classic country kitchen, as do the wide heart-pine floorboards, locally sourced in Virginia.

With exposed stonework throughout, this four-bedroom house is scattered with natural materials that link the indoors with the outdoors. And there’s nowhere that demonstrates that better than in the light-filled conservatory, complete with a wood-panelled ceiling and unbeatable views of the countryside.

What would a farmhouse be without land? Luckily, this gorgeous stone house comes with 6 acres of gardens, along with some cute outbuildings and a barn that is currently being restored. It even has a trout stream! But if the countryside isn’t for you, don’t worry – the property is only a 13-minute drive from Winchester, where you’ll find all the shops and restaurants you could ask for!

Built in the late 1700s, this property isn’t just historic because of its age. It will also go down in history as the site where the charter establishing the town of Tuftonboro was signed, in 1795. With its timber construction and charming shutters, it’s a delightful property that only gets better inside...

Charter House Farm is packed with historical features and the spacious living room is no exception. The wide wooden floorboards and wood-panelled walls add heaps of character, as does the brick fireplace which would be ideal for warming up during those snowy New Hampshire winters.

Upstairs, there are four large bedrooms. This beautifully presented bedroom features exposed joists, wood panelling and yet another period fireplace (one of seven in the house). We’d say It has the perfect combination of history and luxury. It's on the market for $895,000 (£694k).

With enviable views of the mountains, this historic property sits in 23 acres of land. From fenced, open fields to a four-car garage and period barn, there’s space for the new owner to turn their hand to almost anything. But the most unique addition has to be the bunkhouse, which offers plenty of room for summer guests and could be a source of income as a vacation rental.

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This 1700s vintage farmhouse couldn’t feel more traditional, with its white timber walls and wide porch and the Stars and Stripes flying proudly at the entrance. Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this five-bedroom Early American home has been carefully restored in a way that perfectly blends the old with the new.

In the large kitchen diner, exposed beams and wood flooring give the space plenty of character, while spotlights and quartz countertops add a hint of modern sophistication. The kitchen comes fully fitted with a classic Shaws farmhouse sink and high-end appliances. But best of all are the south-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the garden.

Another room that perfectly blends modern luxury with timeless classicism is this spacious bathroom – one of three in the property. With vaulted ceilings and even a chandelier on display, it would be hard to beat a soak in the rolltop bath here!

Throughout the property, there are constant reminders of the house’s colonial past. And nowhere demonstrates that more fittingly than in the living room, complete with an exposed brick wall and large fireplace. Now listed on Realty Connect USA, this farmhouse is just begging to be snapped up!

Built in 1684 by David Burnham of the Essex shipbuilding family, this saltbox house is a perfect example of American colonial architecture. Surrounded by mature English gardens that lead down to Chebacco Lake, the idyllic country retreat comes with more than nine acres of land and has been renovated to a high standard throughout.

The property retains many of its original features, including diamond pane casement windows, large fireplaces and cedar siding. The current owners have completed the picture with furnishings faithful to the First Period. So much so that in some rooms, it would be easy to forget we’d moved on from that time period at all!

Despite most original features having been kept intact, the property does boast some modern luxuries, including this fully fitted kitchen. White units and walls keep the space feeling fresh and bright, while exposed beams and a beautiful tiled floor add that all-important character. The property also boasts three luxury bathrooms and even a hot tub!

This picture-perfect house is certainly one you’ll want to show off to your guests. And with five good-sized bedrooms, there’s plenty of room to do so! Does this property take your fancy? It’s currently being listed for sale by Engel & Völkers.

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Built circa 1700, this waterfront property combines history, astounding views and modern-day amenities. With its distinctive Early American gambrel-style roof and wooden cladding, it’s the kind of property that belongs on the front of a postcard. And it’s now listed for sale on Estately for $1.8 million.

Inside, the property has been completely remodelled and restored, resulting in this stunning open-plan living space, perfect for modern-day life. Gorgeous period features, like these wooden floorboards, beams and doors make sure it retains its original character, while the white wood panelling gives it a quaint waterside feel.

Upstairs is equally as charming, with large windows, wood panelling and period floorboards across all three bedrooms. We love how the current owners have highlighted the property’s waterfront location in the decor, with decorative fish ‘swimming’ above this cosy-looking bed!

As gorgeous as the house is inside, really this property is all about the views. With 490-foot of waterfront, it’s been nicknamed, ‘The house on the bend’. Every room features beautiful vistas of sunsets, wildlife and sailing boats. Plus, the house features its very own dock and boathouse.

Constructed in 1710, this white wooden house may be quaint but it’s by no means small. Set in six acres of breathtaking grounds with views of the Mianus River Gorge Preserve, it has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and more outbuildings than you can count (almost!).

A fireplace might be a welcome luxury during those cold New York winters but this house takes it to a whole new level – it has eight! From wide plank floors to wood panelling and large windows, every room is packed with original features. There’s even an original cooking crane in the dining room.

This brick-floored sunroom may just be this property’s piece de resistance. The wood-panelled ceiling and walls give it a touch of traditional charm, while the floor-to-ceiling windows let in floods of natural light. And that’s not to mention the views of ancient trees!

If the house itself wasn’t enough to tempt you, perhaps the historic barn on its grounds will. Not only does it house four horse stalls and three garage bays but it even has its own separate two-bedroom apartment. Within the grounds, you can also find a greenhouse, henhouse, wishing well and picturesque pond. Head over to the Ginnel Real Estate website to get a closer look.

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The renowned Elm Grove Estate started life as a stone settler’s cottage. Today, it consists of three sections dating back to 1700, 1739 and 1938. The estate was built by the Paxon family on land gifted to them by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania himself. Home to generations of Paxons, the house is now being offered up for sale outside of the family for only the second time, by Sotheby's International Realty.

Having been carefully updated and renovated over the last 15 years, the property is perfectly presented with wooden floors, high ceilings, sash windows and 10 intact fireplaces. In fact, this is the largest house on our list. It has a whole 10 bedrooms and nine bathrooms on offer, as well as a butler’s pantry and even a library!

As if the cavernous main house wasn’t big enough, the estate also comes with a renovated carriage house. Featuring vaulted ceilings, beams and an exposed stone wall, this characterful space offers impressive quarters for guests or a fantastic rental opportunity.

With more than 75 acres of grounds, Elm Grove Estate is currently home to a working horse farm. Its level pastures are perfect for equestrian activities such as polo and show jumping. Aside from horses, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied outdoors, from the quaint stream to the fountain and three good-sized barns. It's so good you'll never want to leave!

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