5 Historic ‘Minimansions’ Under $400K Where You Get 3,000+ Square Feet for the Price of a Starter Home

If you’re in the market for a large home but have a limited budget, consider a house that needs some TLC.

For the ambitious investor who wants to roll up their sleeves and dive into a home improvement project, a historic home might just fit the bill.

From New York to Tennessee, we found five “minimansions,” each with more than 3,000 square feet of living space for the price of a starter home.

1. 418 N Main St, Bolivar, TN

Price: $280,000

Magnolia Manor: Here’s a chance for an investor to transform this 1.28-acre legacy compound into a "hospitality destination" or investment property of their dreams, subject to applicable permitting.

Built in 1849 for Judge Austin Miller, the 4,228-square-foot estate, formerly a bed-and-breakfast, has a four-bedroom Greek Revival brick home with a covered front porch, a one-bedroom guest cottage, a potting house, a gazebo, and a detached two-car garage. Historic highlights include double parlors, original architecture, hardwood floors, chandeliers, oversized windows, and brick details.

Located in the North Main Street Historic District, the home needs some work, as reflected in the price, and is being offered as is.

Larry Childers of Childers Real Estate is the listing agent.

2. 14 River St, Nelliston, NY

Price: $375,000

Italianate brick mansion: This "treasured" six-bedroom brick estate near the Mohawk River was built in 1860 and has had only two owners.

Two entrances, including one with original horse ties and carriage step, lead to the 4,192-square-foot home full of charm and character. Period details include a grand staircase, preserved hardwood floors, custom moldings, expansive windows, French doors, a butler's pantry, and an original marble fireplace. An original basement kitchen features a fireplace. A cupola provides panoramic waterfront views of the Mohawk Valley.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home offers the next buyer the opportunity to enjoy a "living piece of American history."

Rebecca Zarski of Howard Hanna Delmar is the listing agent.

3. 100 N Walnut St, Pontiac, IL

Price: $299,900

The A.M. Legg House: Built in 1913, this historic five-bedroom “architectural treasure” was once the home of former Pontiac Mayor Achalis Morris Legg.

The 3,715-square-foot estate has a covered front porch with original mosaic tile flooring, custom millwork, multiple French doors, preserved hardwood floors, elegant built-ins, four fireplaces, and a pocket door. Other amenities include a sunroom, a dining room with built-in cabinetry, a full walk-up attic with room for expansion, and a partly finished lower-level entertainment room with a bar and a canning room.

A detached two-car garage with a dual-access driveway is also on the property.

David R. Wayman of Eppel Realty is the listing agent.

4. 101 Mill St, Canajoharie, NY

Price: $389,900

Louis Bierbauer Brewery country estate: Sitting on 3.59 acres at the base of the Canajoharie Gorge, this picturesque four-bedroom compound is surrounded by original stone walls and sits along a creek.

Built in 1860, the thoughtfully updated 3,528-square-foot interior still has wood-paneled walls, stone details, and built-ins. Modern updates include radiant-heated floors, a kitchen with wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, and a circular staircase. The primary suite has an exposed wood-beam ceiling and a decorative fireplace. An underground grotto “still exists where the beer vats were aged,” according to the listing, which also says the property is not in a flood zone.

A one-bedroom apartment could be used for multigenerational living or as an income-producing rental. A salon space with a dedicated entry could also be used for other business purposes.

Rochelle Monk of Krutz Properties is the listing agent.

5. 1315 Washington Ave, Parkersburg, WV

Price: $395,000

Updated Victorian: Built in 1903, this five-bedroom home, originally owned by Delia and Henry Logan of Logan Automobile Co., has 3,180 square feet of carefully updated living space.

Time-honored details include original hardwood floors, period millwork, pocket doors, stained glass, formal living and dining rooms, and seven fireplaces. Updates include new windows, a remodeled kitchen with stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast bar, and a finished third-floor bonus level. A wraparound covered porch would be a nice spot to enjoy morning coffee.

A detached one-car garage is also on the fenced lot.

Blaine Ritchie of Coldwell Banker Select Properties is the listing agent.