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. Click or scroll on and let's take a closer look...

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 £57.5 million ($72m). 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. 

The palatial property is nestled on Cromwell Island, surrounded by the gorgeous azure waters of Flathead Lake, which happens to be the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. For your money, you'll not only gain an abandoned mansion but all of the island's 348 acres of land, too.

Taking a closer look at the home, it's clear that someone with real vision took on this impressive self-build project. So, what happened to render the mansion abandoned? Well, in the late 1980s, Cromwell Island was purchased by Robert M. Lee, a reclusive millionaire and renowned automobile and antique arms collector. Robert and his wife, Anne, began constructing the property as their full-time home, but after the exterior of the house was finished, the couple moved to Lake Tahoe.

Then, Robert passed away in 2016, leaving the house unfinished and more than a little spooky. The house spans a staggering 45,000 square feet across three floors. With so much space, the possibilities for the new owner are seemingly endless. Known as The Villa, it was designed to resemble a 16th-century French château. However, step through the front door though, and the interior is quite unlike any European castle we’ve seen before...

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.

The self-sufficient home also benefits from private utilities, which are housed remotely to minimise noise. The plant room has three 8,000-gallon diesel fuel tanks and a 750 kW Caterpillar backup generator that's capable of generating off-grid power for up to 12 weeks.

What’s more, there are five fire vaults located throughout the home and across the island to protect occupants in the event of an emergency, as well as an underground shooting range. Other plus points include the property’s private boat dock, which has five slips and can accommodate a 65-foot yacht. There are also two wells on the island, so you could create a zombie-proof retreat for seeing out any kind of global disaster!

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. 

The location of the private island is shrouded in mysticism. Much like Loch Ness in Scotland, Flathead Lake is said to have its own monster. According to local lore, a huge antlered monster lives below the water, and there are plenty of ancient stories, dating back as far as 1889, of the indigenous Kootenai Tribe of the Flathead Reservation witnessing the creature, which has been nicknamed Flessie – a little nod to her Scottish counterpart!

Click or scroll on for more incredible fixer-upper properties for sale...

If fixing up a rundown house doesn't quite cut it, how about setting your sights on something a little grander? From crumbling castles to faded forts and 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?

Available for a mere £530,000 ($660k), this former bed and breakfast in the US city of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a real steal. Nestled on more than an acre of land, it offers a huge interior, plenty of bedrooms and a sought-after location in the heart of the area's idyllic Historic Downtown.

The affordable historic home dates back to 1904, soars up three floors and encompasses just over 6,600 square feet. Head up the prominent front steps and through the door and you'll find yourself in a spacious, light-filled entrance hall that's defined by its centralised timber staircase. Off from the hall, there are large reception rooms waiting to be transformed into luxurious living spaces.

Upstairs, there’s potential to create nine bedroom suites and a private apartment on the top floor, which, if the house is used as a B&B, could be utilised by the new owner. Despite its age, an elevator runs from the basement to the third floor, making access nice and easy. Plus, every room is overflowing with historic details, such as hardwood floors, original fireplaces, exotic woods and stained-glass windows.

Outside, the leafy backyard comes complete with a large garage that could be converted into extra accommodation or storage space. If you've got the skills and the bank balance, then this dream home could be a very savvy investment.

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 £650,000 ($805k).

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?

Proving that you don't need a bottomless budget in order to buy an incredible period property, this historic house is on the market with Patrice Besse for just €800,000 – that’s £682,000 ($844k)! Located on almost 10 acres of land on the borders of the French departments of Sarthe and Orne, this regal residence is a fairytale waiting to be brought back to life.

The property sits at the end of a long, sweeping driveway that crosses through a forest and a stone bridge. Entirely surrounded by water, a set of 18th-century wrought-iron gates lead into a stunning courtyard and up to the front door. The château dates back to the 13th century and once belonged to one of the biggest aristocratic families in the area. Then, in the 17th century, the fairytale castle was restored and extended, resulting in the property we see today.

Inside, you’ll find 6,243 square feet of living space waiting to be rescued. The front door leads into a dramatic entrance hall, which was redesigned in the 19th century and boasts an elegant, wooden stairway and terracotta tiled floors. The space flows into a large lounge and two reception rooms from the 17th century, which come complete with carved panelling, engraved with garlands of fruit and flowers and inlaid with oil paintings. 

There’s also a medieval kitchen, a basement, seven bedrooms and a private chapel in the grounds that was built in the 14th century. Everywhere you look you’ll spot gorgeous period features, such as marble fireplaces and herringbone parquet flooring. There’s also an old shed, stables, a barn and an idyllic garden – not to mention an original dovecote. Standing in the middle of an islet, the hexagonal structure was constructed in 1539 and would once have housed the estate’s 700 doves. 

Around 45 minutes outside of Toulouse in the South of France lies this enchanting historic estate. Perched on a hill, the abandoned castle dates all the way back to the 15th century and is said to have been built by a member of the court of King Louis XI.

With over 10,000 square feet to play with, the possibilities are endless for this vast estate. Inside, it's evident that a thorough overhaul is required to bring the living spaces into the 21st century. The elbow grease, however, would be more than worth it. From the exquisite bay windows and brick archways to the ornate coffered ceilings, the castle has the bones to be a truly remarkable residence.

In this bedroom on the floor, vaulted ceilings and intricate mouldings take centre stage, overshadowing the dated furnishings and flaking paintwork. Listed for sale with Jonathan Charles for £750,000 ($928k), or €880,000 in the local currency, the estate also includes a three-bedroom caretaker's house and over 24 acres of rolling woodlands.

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 £804,000 ($995k). 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 mouldings, 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.

Partially concealed by trees and set against the stunning Tuscan hills, this 10th-century fortress is the stuff of legends. Christened Castello Neve or Castle Snow, the building has been extended and developed over the years, creating a gorgeous mishmash of architectural styles. For those with a clear vision and a love of ancient structures, this is the perfect fixer-upper to renovate.

Aside from the main building, there's also a two-floor cottage, a stable block and a number of additional outbuildings. Though the castle is currently habitable, there is still significant room for future development and renovation of the existing structures. Priced at €975,000 or £830,000 ($1m) with Savills, this magnificent property, steeped in centuries of history, definitely merits a viewing.

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. 

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 million ($1.3m).

If you fancy something with a little more Gothic appeal, then how about this one-of-a-kind villa in the Welsh town of Conwy? Priced at just under £1.3 million ($1.6m), the historic home dates back to the 19th century and is Grade II-listed, meaning any renovation works would need to meet strict criteria. 

Known as Bryn Corach, the Gothic-style villa offers 3,519 square feet of inside space, as well as a detached three-storey west wing equipped with 26 bedrooms. Most of these come with an ensuite, which makes them perfect for anyone looking to create a B&B. Some of the rooms even offer views of the Vale of Conwy and the high peaks of Snowdonia!

Every room is in need of work, but there are endless period fixtures that would make the effort well worth it. From high coved ceilings, to open fireplaces, parquet floors and French windows, there’s plenty to love about this abandoned home. What’s more, outside there’s also a detached former lodge house that could easily be turned into a holiday home or private owner’s retreat.

The home's near three-acre grounds benefit from jaw-dropping views across Conwy. The land has plenty of development potential and this lawned area would be the ideal dining terrace. Just imagine pulling up a chair and soaking up this scenery while you sip a glass of something cold...

For the same price, you could pick up a grand palace elsewhere 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 liveable. 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 just under £1.3 million ($1.6m) or  €1.5 million in the local currency.

If you happen to have €15 million (£12.8m/$15.8m) going spare, then this spectacular Portuguese palace could soon be yours. Located in the Lisbon neighbourhood 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 panelled 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.

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