Built in 1873, this striking Italianate-inspired Federal townhouse is ripe for renovation, offering 6,570 square feet of interior space and plenty of attractive original features. Known as the McCoy-Donlon estate, the two-storey home in historic Mobile, Alabama, makes a regal first impression with a double front porch, wrought iron balustrades and Colonial-style shutters.

Love a dramatic makeover? These dream home renovation projects are unbelievable.

Inside, the house offers gorgeous high ceilings, a grand foyer, eight-foot doorways and extensive glazing. While the decor may be outdated, the property is in sound shape, making it ideal for a savvy real estate investor. In need of a little modernisation, accommodation includes three large bedrooms, five bathrooms and an attractive garden to the rear. If this historic gem is ticking all the right boxes, you can snap it up from Sotheby's International Realty for $849,000 (£655k).

On the market with Military Movers Real Estate for $289,900 (£224k), the home is in need of some attention but does offer plenty of reasons to invest – from its custom kitchen countertops to the original wood-burning stove. Exposed logs clad the property's interior, while swathes of windows frame fantastic rural views. With three separate entrances, four bedrooms, two kitchens and two bathrooms, this cosy cabin offers character and space in abundance.

For sale through HomeSmart Success for the sum of $169,999 (£131k), the ranch offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus over 1,508 square feet of interior accommodation. In need of an internal renovation and room reconfiguration, the home has the potential for an extension thanks to its 7,000-square-foot garden – or you could even install a swimming pool to cool off during those humid Arizonan evenings!

Offering a unique design aesthetic, this craftsman-style bungalow was inspired by the work of America's most renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the sought-after home has 4,980 square feet of interior space and is listed on the National Historic Register. Currently on the market with Coldwell Banker for $950,000 (£738k), this magnificent architectural gem is calling out for some TLC.

Once a school, this grand Queen Anne-style Victorian abode is positioned in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Grass Valley, California. The charming property was built in 1895 and would make a truly spectacular family home. Yet, despite undergoing a conversion in 2000, the interior has been left tired and lacklustre.

Want to refresh your decor? These 26 old fashioned homewares are making your house look dated.

The elegant building boasts new plumbing, electrics, heating, and air conditioning systems, as well as a brand new roof. In fact, the only thing you'd need to worry about is updating the interior! For sale for $839,000 (£642k) with Coldwell Banker, your money will get you 4,776 square feet of home, nearly half an acre of garden, four bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a three-car garage and a separate one-bed guesthouse. 

For sale with Keller Williams for $380,000 (£293k), this American chalet-style home certainly looks unique with its two-tone decorative exterior. Sitting on a desirable acre of land in the Rustic Hills neighbourhood of Colorado, the large family house is ripe for a contemporary refurbishment.

Over in Meriden, Connecticut, this classic Cape Cod house could be yours for just $233,900 (£181k). For sale with William Raveis Real Estate, the antique property dates back to 1800 and retains many of its original features, including its interior doors and stone and wood floors. This generous lot comes with 2,236 square feet of living space and almost an acre of land. 

If you're seeking a real estate bargain look no further. This classic Colonial masonry home resides in the Wilmington area of Delaware and is currently available for just  $180,000 (£139k) with Coldwell Banker. Constructed in 1940, the traditional property offers 1,875 square feet of interior space, making it ideal for a family.

Love a home transformation? Discover Fixer Upper's best-ever renovations.

On the market with Realtor for just $139,900 (£109k), this fixer-upper has three bedrooms and one bathroom, with internal living spaces spread across 1,360 square feet. Internal features include hardwood flooring, original timber frame doorways and decorative sash windows – perfect for those seeking a home with real character.

Inside, the historic inn is a little old fashioned, but with an astounding 15 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms and 10,147 square feet of space to work with, there's plenty of potential. Sitting on almost half an acre of land, the Colonial building has a gorgeous veranda that's ideal for romantic nights under the stars. If you have a cool $1.75 million ($1.4m) in the bank, this classic B&B could be yours.

If you'd prefer to settle on the shores of Hawaii, this one is for you. Get your hands on this authentic plantation house in Puna for just $347,000 (£269k). With two acres of garden, the single-storey home dates back to 1987 and houses three bedrooms and as many bathrooms. 

Yearning for tropical climes? These paradise islands for sale cost less than a city apartment.

Currently listed with Savio Realty, the house measures 882 square feet and sits minutes from the beauty of the Fern Acres jungle, the Waiakea Forest Reserve and the coast. An open-plan interior offers plenty of options for modernisation and features attractive hardwood flooring, ceramic tiling and extensive glazing. In need of a little care and attention, this lovely property comes complete with a vegetable garden ripe with avocado trees and sweet potatoes.

Inside there are five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a separate silo garage. On the market with Silvercreek Realty for just $210,000 (£136k), the property's interior looks untouched since its construction in 1987, but offers plenty of space and character for a fantastic conversion project.

It's hard to believe that this stunning Victorian mansion could be yours for just $249,000 (£193k). For sale through RE/MAX, the characterful property lies in Peoria, Illinois, and boasts plenty of striking Queen Anne details, including a turreted roof, columned front porch and beautiful sash windows.

Over in Indiana, this historic Victorian home is listed with Keller Williams Realty for the bargain sum of $135,000 (£105K). Stretching 3,399 square feet, the house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and just under half an acre of land. Dating back to 1898, the building's main draws include the stunning facade and the wealth of original historic features.

Like a property with a past? Step inside America's most endangered historic houses.

The building's clock has recently been repaired and the bells chime on the hour, every hour. The first floor was once the town theatre and boasts gorgeous 18-foot ceilings, offering both retail and commercial opportunities. The second floor is currently laid out as office space, while the third floor features several apartments. The centralized wooden staircase is by far the crown jewel of the building – and amazingly, all this could be yours for just $599,000 (£464k).

This classic turn-of-the-century house is situated in Great Bend, Kansas, and is on the market with Coldwell Banker for just $137,900 (£107k). The majestic all-American home was built in 1901 and has a grand lot size of 7,405 square feet. From the outside, the property looks picture-perfect, with white-wash timber cladding and a pretty porch. 

For sale through Kentucky Select Properties for $2.46 million ( £1.9m), the extensive estate is in need of some attention. Yet, behind the old fashioned decor lie a host of beautiful period features, from antique fireplaces, sweeping ceilings and intricate plasterwork to floor-to-ceiling windows and hardwood flooring. 

From the outside, this contemporary timber home looks like a wooden holiday chalet. Built in 1992, the 2,156-square-foot property features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and three acres of land. Situated in the Covington neighbourhood of Louisiana, the pad's unique selling points include its wraparound porch and double-height internal ceilings.

Want to escape the rat race? Check out these amazing woodland homes you'll want to hibernate in.

Inside, the house oozes 90s nostalgia, yet there's plenty of potential to create a stunning modern home. The dramatic mezzanine floor, for example, is a stand-out internal feature that's just begging to be revamped. Available through Keller Williams for $215,000 (£165k), this bespoke pad would make a truly individual escapist home.

Inside, the home offers six bedrooms, four bathrooms and 2,600 square feet of living space. The main lounge room is home to an original stone fireplace and rustic floor-to-ceiling timber cladding. In need of just a little modernization, the building's 443 feet of lake frontage make it well and truly worth the purchase. This unique waterside retreat could be yours for $799,000 (£614k) via The Christopher Group. 

Inside, a wealth of original details await, from carved doors to window surrounds, moldings and wood flooring. Plus, with a generous six bedrooms and four bathrooms, there's no shortage of space for a large family. Elegant and timeless, this remarkable piece of preserved architecture could be yours for as little as $525,000 (£406k).

Dating back to 1865, this Colonial farmhouse resides in the Ipswich neighborhood of Massachusetts. Close to popular Crane Beach, the timber-clad house has plenty of curb appeal thanks to its attractive blue clapboarding.

Offering a quarter of an acre of land, the home's interior measures just shy of 2,000 square feet and includes three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. Despite being slightly dated inside, the building has gorgeous high ceilings, wide pine floorboards, stained glass windows, exposed ceiling beams and attractive fireplace surrounds. Ripe for renovation, this promising fixer-upper could be yours for $485,000 (£375k).

This unusual property is a rare find in Michigan. Situated in Lapeer, north of Detroit, the building dates back to 1865 and comes with over 23 acres of land. On the market for $865,000 (£670k), the historic 3,554-square-foot home features a truly stunning Italianate-style facade with an intricate turret that's straight out of a fairy tale.

Over in Minnesota, you could buy yourself a rather quaint and colourful Arts and Crafts house. Marketed by Circa for $625,000 (£484k), the unusual residence has been used as a bed and breakfast for numerous years and offers six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 7,600 square feet of accommodation.

Inside, the house is in need of some modernisation but with six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a wine cooling room, there's plenty to get your teeth into. Custom silk adorns the walls while hand-carved moldings and chandeliers decorate the ceilings. Complete with an elevator, this spectacular one-of-a-kind home could be yours for the cool sum of $1.25 million (£968k) via RE/MAX.

This designated local landmark dates back to 1906 and lies in the old town of Florissant, Missouri. This historic Victorian house comes with half an acre of woodland and 1,498 square feet of living space. The home hasn't been on the real estate market for 40 years, making this $134,900 (£103k) property a rare find.

Step inside this amazing abandoned house that's been untouched for 40 years.

Properties don't get much more unique than this. Though not to everybody's tastes, this geodesic dome house in Clancy, Montana, could be yours for $449,000 (£346k). Sitting on five acres of land, there are plenty of reasons to invest in this bespoke property. Marketed by Montana Westgate Realty, the unusual abode offers an extensive 3,235-square-foot interior for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

For sale with BHHS Ambassador Real Estate for the affordable sum of $135,000 (£104k), this raised ranch can be found in the popular city of Omaha, Nebraska. The property has been owned by the same family for over 50 years and its unique period features have been lovingly preserved.

Offering bags of mid-century modern character, this 1960s bungalow is a real estate treasure. Located in Sparks, Nevada, the property has 1,464 square feet of living space, plus a lot size stretching over 6,000 square feet. The existing layout includes three bedrooms and a single bathroom but there's lots of potential for alterations.

Inside, the house is in need of a modern touch, but its sloping mid-century ceiling and timber-clad walls make it a worthy investment. Take some paint to those turquoise tones and transform this struggling abode into a retro-lovers dream. It's currently listed with Realtor and could be yours for $299,000 (£229k).

For sale with Bean Group, the historic family dwelling is in need of a little interior design inspiration but its original features more than make up for any revamp work. With period fireplaces, hardwood floors and stained glass, every room comes with packed with character. Plus, outside you'll find a wraparound porch and a spacious garden complete with a fire pit and a gazebo. If that doesn't seal the deal we don't know what will...

For sale with Turpin Real Estate for just $279,500 (£217k), the interior of the home could do with some work. Yet aside from some obvious modernising, the house's gorgeous period details make it a real diamond in the rough. High ceilings in each room impart an airy spacious feel, while wide-plank wood floors and Fieldstone fireplaces give the home warmth and character.

With a little imagination, this unique ranch home in New Mexico's Edgewood could be a real gem – and with a $119,000 (£91k) price tag, it's a cheap buy to take a chance on. Nestled on a private five-acre estate in the hills of Sante Fe County, the property has numerous selling points. Ideal for outdoors types, it comes complete with four horse stalls, a workshop, chicken coops and several storage units.

Each spacious room features stunning period detailing, from traditional timber ceiling beams to stable doors and rustic brick fireplaces. As well as three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main 2,049-square-foot property, the estate contains additional buildings, including a painter's cottage and numerous outbuildings and garages. This creative lot will cost you $896,500 (£695k) with Berkshire Hathaway. 

Despite being lovingly restored some time ago, the interior of the 2,500-square-foot dwelling still needs some contemporary touches to make it 21st-century ready. Three extra lots, totalling 1.5 acres, are also available to purchase, providing a real opportunity for serious expansion. All this, and just a $185,000 (£143k) price tag! 

Apart from the odd cosmetic update, the house is in sound shape, offering recently updated vinyl cladding and a new roof. Listed with KW Inspire Realty, this 1900s charmer also offers an expansive garage and a whole host of handy built-in storage spaces, all for a bargain price.

Fancy more of a challenge? Step inside these abandoned American homes for sale now.

For sale with HomeSmart for $365,000 (£282k), the three-bed, three-bath family home sits on over half an acre of land and offers more than 3,000 square feet of internal space. Its original features include beautiful period windows on every floor, decorative timber panelling and idyllic bay window seats – all that's missing are a few modern decor touches.

On the market with Keller Williams for a staggeringly low $80,000 (£61k), this ranch sale actually comprises two properties. For your cash, you'll gain a spacious three-bed, two-bath home with 1,857 square feet of space, as well as an attached two-car garage. The second house offers one bedroom and bathroom and just 540 square feet of space, making it ideal for guests or rental opportunities.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this attractive Victorian farmhouse dates back to 1897 and showcases the best of 19th-century craftsmanship. Situated in Canyonville, Oregon, the house benefits from an idyllic pastoral setting, with plenty of quirky features packed inside. Offering over two and a half acres of grounds, including a separate barn, the home’s $395,000 (£306k) price tag buys you plenty of bang for your buck!

This quaint and colourful stone cottage is set within 18 acres of land in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1824, the cosy home measures just 780 square feet. With two bedrooms and one bathroom, this compact property is in dire need of a little TLC.

Fan of thatch? Look around these cute country cottages for sale right now.

Despite its compact size, the home is for sale for $450,000 (£348k) with Coldwell Banker. For your money, you get original pine floors, deep-set window sills, a pot belly stove and a kitchen with walk-in fireplace. There's also a barn in the garden and numerous outbuildings suitable for farm animals. With some attention, this classic cottage could be a real beauty.

A traditional Colonial gem, the home is set in over two acres of pretty grounds and has plenty of authentic interior detailing, from original wooden floors to open brick fireplaces. Despite needing some decorative inspiration, the house would benefit from a sensitive refurb that preserves its character and charm. For sale with Sotheby’s International Realty for $749,000 (£580k), this lovely family home could be a right royal masterpiece.

Built in 1800, this gorgeous former post office exudes country charm. With its white picketed veranda and over one and a half acres of idyllic parkland gardens, $444,000 (£342k) buys you plenty in Columbia, South Carolina.

Sweet and symmetrical, this 1,228-square-foot ranch-style house offers heaps of charm. Built in 1955, the property benefits from a large garden and valuable extra living space in the basement. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, it's on the market with RE/MAX for $143,000 (£110k).

Dating back to 1988, the interior looks unchanged, featuring plenty of retro gems and a bathroom that any vintage fan is bound to fall in love with. There's even a covered outdoor patio that could form part of a modern indoor-outdoor living scheme. On the market with Keller Williams for $225,000 (£173k), this detached family home won't break the bank either.

Listed for $359,900 (£227k), this striking three-bed property in Houston, Texas, is a must for any lover of mid-century modern architecture. On the market with Robert Searcy, the 1950s house is one of many iconic gems in this historic part of the city. The property benefits from a generous 2,334 square feet of interior space and provides three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.

Fans of 40s style will love this classic family home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Sitting pretty at 2,664 square feet, the spacious pad offers five bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a spacious garden.

Revamping your home? Check out these 21 home improvements that are a waste of money.

Listed by Keller Williams for $549,900 (£422k), the property has plenty of quality finishes inside, from solid wood cabinetry to feature fireplaces. Whether you choose to keep these features or start from scratch, this roomy pad has plenty to offer, including a large two-car garage, covered front porch and an outdoor patio to the rear.

With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, the cute cottage is spread over 1,181 square feet and features pine flooring and original wainscot panelling, as well as bespoke cupboards and closets. The kitchen even has an original Elmira-Heartland cast iron gas stove! Outside, a separate smaller cottage offers the perfect opportunity for a holiday rental. For sale with Josiah Allen Real Estate for $239,500 (£184k), this characterful home just needs a little love.

Listed by RE/MAX, the Colonial estate has a dated interior that's hiding plenty of fantastic period features. Strip back the old-fashioned wallpaper and let those stunning original wooden floorboards, doors and ceilings shine. For your money, you will also receive a historic smokehouse, gardening shed and a large garage.

Windermere Real Estate has a real treat for retro fans. This classic dwelling dates back to 1965 and oozes vintage charm both inside and out, from its brick fireplaces to its timber-clad walls. In need of a refresh, this home is firmly stuck in the past, however, we'd love to see some of the quirky original features incorporated into a more up-to-date scheme.

Retro enthusiast? Step inside these untouched time capsule homes.

Inside, the interior needs some cosmetic attention but nothing too drastic, with attractive plus points including the spacious living room, kitchen and dining room, which all lead out to a private covered porch, not to mention the tempting $140,000 (£107k) price tag. 

Brickyard Pottery is asking $295,000 (£226k) for the building and its two acres of grounds, which include woodlands, an orchard, a garage and kiln sheds. There are plenty of characterful features in the living areas, from extensive timber panelling and hardwood floors to period kitchen tiles. With a refurbished basement, three bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, we reckon this artsy estate is a pretty good deal!

For sale with Real Estate Leaders, the compact ranch offers quirky mid-century detailing, from stone and timber walls to a period stove in the main living room. In need of some sympathetic restoration and a good lick of paint, the interior is currently dark and dingy, though with the right decor it could be transformed in no time. With 1,388 square feet of living space, this pad offers masses of potential and a flexible blank slate for an ambitious buyer.

Loved this? These incredible American home renovations need to be seen to be believed.