Is there anything more appropriate than celebrating Independence Day in a colonial relic as old as our country? Well, yes, there's the beach and boozing and fireworks and all that, but for the more high-brow inclined among us, here are five colonial relics. Let's start in Gilmanton, N.H.—which, it should be noted, has highly permissive fireworks laws. The next owner won't want to fire up that sort of entertainment close to the antique wooden structures. The 1665 saltbox colonial, dubbed the George Farley House, was moved to this 12.5-acre property along with several outbuildings, including an 1800s barn, a corn crib, a water tower, and a restored school house stocked with desks and slates. In short, this $1.85M offering is a ticket booth away from a museum.
? Built at the height of the Revolution, this c. 1780 farmhouse in Topsfield, Mass. must have been quite the extravagance during those hard times. With seven bedrooms and ornate detailing, this place also serves modern occupants well, even if the Red Coats are long gone. With 68-acres, the estate enjoys supreme privacy as well as plenty of space for equestrian pursuits. There's a c. 1900 barn with eight stalls, heated tack room, and separate apartment, perfect for the rural gentleman, provided that gentleman has $3.5M to spend.
? Down in Buckeye Hollow, Va., this haunting stone edifice, c. 1792, offers a much cheaper introduction to the world of antique homes. While the original structure remains largely untouched, a new wing was added in the 1990s to accomodate a modern lifestyle. That means the $295K farmhouse has some modern comforts and the historic provenance.
? Nearby in Oak Grove, Va., there's a farmhouse from 1710 that has two boldfaced names attached. For one, it was owned by a signer of the Leedstown Resolutions, one of the first public repudiations of the Stamp Act and an early precursor to rebellion. Perhaps more importantly, it was visited by a young George Washington. Though there's no mention of cherry trees on the property, there is plenty of it: 417 acres. Which helps to explain the price, $1.95M. Not such a steep ask for a mile-long driveway.
? Lastly, this is a Chestertown, Md. colonial that has been carefully updated to 21st-century standards without disturbing the period look. Except in the back yard, where the owners added extensive gardens and a swimming pool. Set on a corner lot and thus not hemmed in by neighbors, the $795K house's only downfall might be the remote location, an hour from Annapolis on the Eastern Shore.
· The George Farley House [Landvest]
· Copper Beech Farm [Landvest]
· Scott Walker House [Keller Williams]
· Twiford [Keller Williams]
· 400 Cannon Street [Redfin]
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