A bare-bones “retreat” in Maine that lacks almost every basic amenity a homeowner might expect from a residential structure has hit the market for just $130,000—offering little more than a wooden shack that comes compete with 3 acres of rural land.
Described in its listing as a “small cabin,” the property, which has shot to the top of the week’s most popular homes list, is without heat, plumbing, kitchen, bathroom, or even a water well, yet it has been equipped with electricity.
Built in 1973, the 600-square-foot shell in Blue Hill, ME, also boasts a freshly painted interior. And while the property is seeking an investor to transform it into a livable residence, the description notes that the existing dwelling could be used as a camp, artist’s retreat, or getaway.
The cozy cabin, offering a blank slate for the next owner, features a main floor with exposed beams and a ladder-style staircase that leads up to the second-floor sleeping area. Located on 3.22 acres, the property is near Toddy Pond.
Other properties grabbing attention this week are a colorful New Orleans cottage; an Austin, TX, property that is the first 3D-printed home of its kind; and a “mostly underground” retreat in Texas.
10. 434 E 39th Ave, Eugene, OR
Price: $1,100,000
Why it’s here: It’s a four-bedroom dome home built in 1983 that is being offered for the first time.
Found throughout the well-preserved, 4,878-square-foot time capsule area are wall-to-wall carpeting (found in even one of the bathrooms!), a period kitchen, and original woodwork. A spacious living room has super high vaulted ceilings and track lighting. The radical first-floor primary bedroom has mirrored closet doors. A lower level used as a home office has multiple finished rooms, a full bathroom, and separate entry.
The work-from-home investment property has a two-car attached garage. According to the listing, an adjacent lot owned by the sellers is also available for purchase.
Victor L Gerth of United Real Estate Properties is the listing agent.
9. 5114 Cleves Warsaw Pike, Green Township, OH
Price: $1,599,900
Why it’s here: Covedale Gables is a historic 1921 Tudor estate originally owned by distiller William Lucking, who provided financial assistance to bootleg king George Remus during Prohibition.
The elegant 4,891-square-foot dwelling has been thoughtfully modernized over the years. Highlights include a marble- and limestone-clad foyer, an elegant curved staircase, a wood-paneled living room, plaster ceilings, two fireplaces, and a travertine solarium that opens up to a heart-shaped terrace.
As a nod to its past, there is even a concealed speakeasy. The three-bedroom residence last traded hands for $295,000 in 1998 and recently received a $200,000 price chop.
Nestled on 8.52 acres surrounded by pastures and woodlands, the property also features two detached garages and original staff quarters.
Rakesh Ram of Coldwell Banker Realty is the listing agent.
8. 3613 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA
Price: $440,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1850, this colorful Creole Cottage still features many period details combined with modern updates.
The 1,100-square-foot shotgun home’s interior has beamed ceilings, painted pine floors, custom built-ins, wainscoting, and brick fireplaces. A stylish kitchen has copper countertops and stainless steel appliances. The spacious upstairs primary suite has vaulted ceilings and a skylight.
Shuttered French doors open up to a covered back patio overlooking the fenced-in yard.
Samara D. Poché of LATTER & BLUM | COMPASS is the listing agent.
7. 40 Maple Ave N, Westport, CT
Price: $1,699,900
Why it’s here: Built in 1946, this three-bedroom residence is “surrounded by multimillion dollar homes” but no interior photos are included with the listing.
Located near the Fairfield County Hunt Club, the uniquely designed home with silo features one bedroom on the main floor with two more, including a primary, found upstairs. The 3,171-square-foot interior also has radiant heat, a wood/coal stove, and a fully finished walkout.
The 1-acre lot is less than 2 miles from Southport Beach.
Sayed Ibrahim of Nationwide Homes is the listing agent.
6. 26 Milk St Lot 1, Nantucket, MA
Price: $3,800,000
Why it’s here: Built in 1770, the historic Isaiah Folger House is a five-bedroom antique still full of charm and character.
The 3,100-square-foot interior boasts wide-plank floors, original millwork, built-ins, exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, and five fireplaces, including a walk-in one with beehive oven. A modern kitchen has stainless steel appliances and radiant floors.
According to the listing, there may be an “opportunity for expansion or the addition of a second dwelling, subject to local zoning and approvals.”
Melanie Gowen of William Raveis Real Estate – Nantucket is the listing agent.
5. 1700 Riverview St, Austin, TX
Price: $1,998,000
Why it’s here: House Zero is the “first 3D-printed home of its kind” featuring a four-bedroom compound built by ICON in 2021 using its “advanced robotic technology.”
A 2,045-square-foot primary residence boasts three bedrooms and a sustainable and energy-efficient design. Curved concrete walls were designed to create “natural light patterns” while providing a seamless transition to the outdoor landscape. Other impressive design details found inside the award-winning home include Douglas fir wood, sculptural wave walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The property also has a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit.
Amanda Trevino of Compass RE Texas LLC – Austin is the listing agent.
4. 3262 Ridgeway Dr, New Orleans, LA
Price: $499,900
Why it’s here: It’s a waterfront castle overlooking Little Irish Bayou that also comes with a two-bedroom camp on the water.
Ideally suited as a rental property, the unusually designed property has been on and off the market since 2014 when it was first listed for $150,000. Built in 1978, the dwelling was designed “to show off the original owner’s construction skills” ahead of the 1984 World’s Fair, according to the original listing. Renovations seem to still be underway from the listing photos.
The investment property “could do well for weekly summer rentals.”
3. 9267 Red Creek Rd, Casper, WY
Price: $490,000
Why it’s here: It’s an affordably priced, mountain compound “modeled after the windmills of Holland.”
A 1,992-square-foot, primary residence features a circular staircase, wood-burning stove, “hidden storage areas galore,” and “multiple levels of engineering marvels.” The 2.75-acre property also has a two-car garage with living space above, and an additional structure with workshop and office/studio.
A greenhouse, mechanical shed, and standalone windmill can also be found on the spacious lot.
Julian Cogdill of Real Estate Leaders is the listing agent.
2. 1401 W County Road 140, Midland, TX
Price: $239,900
Why it’s here: Calling all preppers, survivalists, and doomsday theorists: Here’s a very affordable, “mostly underground” retreat.
The three-bedroom residence does need some TLC, as the price indicates, but the 3,437-square-foot open floor plan provides a blank canvas for the next buyer to create the home of their dreams. Other highlights include an enormous kitchen with lots of cabinetry, two full bathrooms, and dual staircases.
The property could be used as a residential retreat or commercial space, according to the listing.
Hillary Stephens of S & S Real Estate Brokerage LLC is the listing agent.
1. 590 Range Rd Unit 2, Blue Hill, ME
Price: $130,000
Why it’s here: It’s an inexpensive cabin on 3.22 wooded acres but buyers should note it does not have heat, a bathroom, kitchen, or running water.
The shell structure offering a 600-square-foot “beautiful blank slate for a new owner to finish” was built in 1973 and features a newly painted interior. A great room on the main floor has exposed beams. A ladder-style staircase leads up to a bedroom.
The property could be used as a “camp, an artist’s retreat, or getaway,” according to the listing.
