Seeing a beautiful old building deteriorate, knowing it could be torn down soon, is truly heartbreaking. Thankfully, passionate preservationists and renovators have taken action to save these amazing abandoned homes, mansions, and castles. Because of their dedication, these historical gems have been brought back to life, ready for future generations to enjoy and cherish.
1. McClain House
When Betsy Sweeny, 27, moved to Wheeling, West Virginia, for work in 2019, she stumbled upon more than just a new city. Exploring her surroundings, she discovered a quaint yet neglected old house that caught her eye. Seeing its potential, she reached out to the owner and managed to buy the abandoned property for a bargain price of £14,300 ($18,000).
The house, named the McClain House and dating back to 1892, had suffered severe water damage and was unlivable. Traditional mortgage options weren’t available, so Betsy secured a construction loan and sought help from a local preservation group to fund the extensive restoration.
Before the makeover, the McClain House was in rough shape. Exposed wall framing, damaged plasterwork, and even a hole in the floor revealed the extent of the deterioration. But Betsy saw beyond the decay and recognized its potential as a 3,025-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom gem.
For ten months, Betsy poured her energy into the restoration project. Alongside her partner, she spent six months meticulously repointing the entire structure, a laborious task that saved her roughly £23,900 ($30,000). They tackled the roof and repaired the water-damaged masonry before focusing on the interior.
Putting her personal touch on the living spaces, Betsy preserved many of the home’s historical elements. The renovated living room now showcases the original Victorian fireplace, refinished wood floors, and replica curved glass windows.
The kitchen, one of the last areas to be finished, required an additional loan of £27,900 ($35,000) to bring Betsy’s vision to life. This included fixing and painting the rusted tin ceiling and reviving the original herringbone wood floors. The result is a kitchen adorned with vibrant floral wallpaper, a sleek black cooker hood, and cabinetry that blend old-world charm with modern flair.
2. Pennsylvania Farmhouse
With their grown children out of the house, Jean and DeWitt Paul were itching for a new adventure. They made the bold decision to leave their suburban Las Vegas life behind and search for a fixer-upper in Pennsylvania, a place they frequented for business trips. In 2018, while scrolling through Zillow, Jean stumbled upon an abandoned farm about to go up for auction. Despite its rundown appearance, the sprawling 31-acre property captured their imagination. Although they initially lost out in the bidding war, they eventually snagged it for £175,000 ($220,000).
Dating back to 1890, the farm boasted six structures: the main house, a quaint farmhouse, three barns, and a garage. Eager to dive into their project, Jean and DeWitt wasted no time and moved in just three days after sealing the deal. They kicked off their renovation journey with the main house, which had been taken over by a lingering smell from the feline inhabitants that had claimed it. Spending two months clearing out and scrubbing away years of grime, they prepared the interior for its transformation.
After a painstaking renovation process, the once-dilapidated 5,000-square-foot main house emerged as a stunning family abode. They replaced rotting wood and gave the exterior a fresh coat of crisp white paint, unveiling hidden gems like a charming flagstone path that had been hidden beneath decades of overgrowth.
Inside, the kitchen became the heart of the home, boasting white cabinetry, a stylish tiled backsplash, and brand-new appliances. But the journey wasn’t without its hurdles. A structural beam above the stove thwarted their plans for ventilation, leading to a redesign of the hood to work around the existing layout.
In the living room, they preserved the original bay window and elegant wainscoting, seamlessly blending them into the updated design. Making a bold move, they knocked down the wall between the lounge and kitchen to create an airy open-plan family space.
While much of the main house and the smaller farmhouse have been lovingly restored, Jean and DeWitt are still putting the finishing touches on a few remaining projects. And their ambition doesn’t stop there; they’re already eyeing up the old piggery and other parts of the property for their next renovation endeavors. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on their restoration journey!
3. Château Le Fleur
In search of a tranquil retreat away from the chaos of Paris, fashion designer Anna and filmmaker Philipp discovered a breathtaking château nestled in the Calvados region of France. In 2019, they took the plunge and bought the estate, embarking on a mission to revive its former glory, documenting their journey on their YouTube channel.
Even in its neglected state, the château’s majestic proportions and towering windows, adorned with shutters, captivated Anna and Philipp, evoking a fairytale allure. Inside, echoes of its grandeur lingered, from faded red brocade wallpaper to a glass-fronted bookcase brimming with books, a sweeping staircase, and intricate original moldings and cornices.
For the next four years, Anna and Philipp poured their hearts, energy, and resources into the restoration of Le Fleur, their beloved château. Their endeavors even caught the attention of Channel 4’s TV show, Chateau DIY. Though the project posed its challenges, their shared passion for renovation and design ensured its triumphant revival.
In the initial year, they tackled essential tasks like connecting the château to mains water and sewage, involving extensive ground excavation, and restoring much of the façade along with numerous original windows and doors. Later, they added a grand entrance featuring stone pillars, 19th-century cobblestones, and elegantly crafted iron gates.
Inside, they modernized the plumbing and installed new radiators for enhanced comfort while infusing the interior with a timeless charm. Collaborating with their talented carpenter, Benoit, they revitalized the kitchen with sand-toned cabinetry, a luxurious eggshell-green island, and a meticulously crafted blue and white tile backsplash, personally created by Anna.
Anna’s flair for design shines throughout the château. The Green Room is adorned with botanical wallpaper hand-printed by Anna, while a newly crafted washroom boasts a breathtaking hand-painted mural depicting the château’s picturesque rural surroundings.
Though some projects await completion, such as the renovation of the master suite, Anna and Philipp are also channeling their efforts into landscaping the sprawling grounds surrounding the estate, ensuring that Le Fleur becomes not just a restored masterpiece but a serene haven for generations to come.
4. Rockwell House
Rockwell House, nestled in Milledgeville, Georgia, had been hidden behind overgrown shrubbery, silently deteriorating over 70 years of neglect. Originally crafted in 1838 by architect Joseph Lane, this exquisite mansion once stood as a symbol of opulence, commissioned for Colonel Samuel Rockwell in the neoclassical Federal style with hints of Greek Revival flair. Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast captured the house in its dilapidated state, showcasing the ravages of fire and water damage endured over the decades.
The mansion narrowly escaped destruction in the 1970s when a local individual sought to strip it of its elegant interior details. Thankfully, its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 spared it from such desecration, though the property continued to crumble.
In 2019, a trio of investors—Ross Sheppard, Jacob Hawkins, and Will Walker—all Georgia natives with a deep appreciation for historic architecture, acquired the abandoned estate for £255,000 ($319,500). Sheppard, a real estate agent specializing in the preservation of historic homes, spearheaded the restoration efforts for Rockwell House. Initially, they returned the exterior to its original sunny yellow hue, later opting for a pristine white. The steep staircase and majestic Ionic columns underwent meticulous restoration as well.
Inside, the sitting room received a tender restoration, with a focus on preserving its original features, such as the towering sash windows. Soft, light blue walls elegantly complement the pristine white woodwork, including the intricately carved doorway surround, encapsulating the historical essence of the space.
The master bedroom, previously marred by damage, underwent a complete metamorphosis. Local mason Mr. Woodrow played a pivotal role in restoring the room, preserving the exquisite cornicing above the sash windows. The team also enlisted the expertise of property conservationist Kyle Campbell from Preservation South to ensure the renovation maintained the integrity of the estate.
Following the restoration, Rockwell House found new life as a rental property for holidaymakers and a sought-after wedding venue. However, by the close of 2023, the mansion was put up for sale and subsequently changed ownership in March 2024, according to property records from Zillow. The destiny of this historic gem remains unwritten, awaiting its next chapter.
5. Page Mansion
The Page Mansion in North Carolina, a majestic Colonial-style brick residence, had languished in abandonment for close to four decades. Crafted in 1913 for timber magnate Frank Page, this sprawling 6,000-square-foot estate boasted grandeur with its sweeping staircase, parlors, dining areas, six bedrooms, and quarters for servants. However, the harsh grip of the Great Depression inflicted severe financial strain on the original owners, precipitating years of neglect and decay.
Left untouched for so long, the mansion became a haunting scene, its once-stately walls now crumbling around a dining table still adorned with elegant glassware. Yet, a new chapter unfolded when Abby and Trey Brothers stumbled upon it on Zillow in April 2018 during their house-hunting escapades. Without hesitation, they acquired the property in July 2018 for £124,000 ($155,000), embarking on an ambitious journey of restoration.
Approaching the task with fervor, the couple opted for a contemporary layout, demolishing interior partitions to fashion a seamless flow between the dining area and kitchen. Despite these modern alterations, the dining room retains its timeless allure, boasting original elements like the majestic fireplace and expansive sash windows.
The study, once cloaked in grime and neglect, now exudes sophistication with a captivating feature wall bathed in ochre hues, complemented by built-in cabinetry framing the fireplace. Concealed within the new shelving are the property’s updated plumbing and air conditioning systems, cleverly camouflaging any unsightly pipework within a recessed ceiling.
The master bedroom, previously a scene of debris and ruin, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a tranquil sanctuary. Despite encountering significant setbacks, including damage from hurricanes, Abby and Trey have triumphed in revitalizing this dilapidated edifice into a cherished family abode, brimming with historic character.
Their inspiring journey is chronicled on both Instagram and Facebook, inviting others to share in their restoration odyssey.
6. McDonald House
During its prime, this mid-century gem in Birmingham, Alabama, epitomized the sleek modernism of the 1960s, boasting expansive horizontal lines that fostered an airy interior. Embracing the ethos of organic architecture, the home seamlessly melded with its idyllic surroundings, thanks to its generous windows and use of natural materials. Captured by Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast, the architect behind this marvel, John Randal McDonald, aimed to democratize innovative design, crafting affordable yet inviting living spaces for families.
Once a cherished family abode, it fell into disrepair following the owner’s passing. Yet, even in its dilapidated state, McDonald’s vision of open, light-filled spaces remained palpable. McDonald’s designs were pragmatic interpretations of Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary concepts, featuring projecting rooflines, repeating geometric shapes, expansive ribbon windows, and horizontal emphasis, sans the extravagant masonry, glasswork, or intricate carpentry synonymous with Wright’s creations.
Thankfully, local investors recognized the home’s enduring appeal and rescued it from oblivion. Despite its 1960 origins, the residence boasts a timeless modernity, now with restored window panes and a meticulously manicured lawn adorned with shrubbery. The property underwent a comprehensive update to meet 2019 energy standards, including revamped electrical and plumbing systems and a modern septic tank installation.
Remaining faithful to McDonald’s vision, the living room envelops occupants in a harmonious blend of natural elements and exposed brickwork. The verdant hue of the walls and expansive windows amplify the seamless indoor-outdoor connection, while a sculptural rocking chair crafted from wooden slats adds a touch of organic charm. Spanning 1,500 square feet, the renovated abode boasts an open-concept living area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy family den, a spacious walk-in closet, and a convenient pantry.
The master bedroom exudes a distinctive allure with its rich dark wood accents and intimate ambiance fostered by the low ceilings. Artwork strategically placed at one end conjures a whimsical forest vista, imparting a playful touch to the space. Thoughtful illumination, courtesy of recessed lights and table lamps, adds warmth and character sans a central fixture.
The restoration expertly preserved McDonald’s original intent while seamlessly integrating modern amenities, rendering the residence as captivating today as it was in its heyday. Unsurprisingly, the house garnered swift attention and was promptly snatched up, commanding a price of £179,000 ($225,000).
7. Arkansas Victorian House
A magnificent Victorian gem, left to languish for decades, captured the hearts of dedicated historic house aficionados Kevin and Laine Berry. For Laine, whose childhood memories in Conway, Arkansas, were intertwined with this property, purchasing it in 2011 fulfilled a lifelong dream, despite the daunting renovation ahead. Priced at £85,000 ($106,000), the house bore the scars of neglect, with termite damage and dry rot plaguing its very foundations, casting a shadow over its former glory.
Seasoned in the art of reviving heritage homes, with 20 such projects under their belt, Kevin and Laine were undeterred by the challenges that lay ahead. The living room, stripped of its original period features and cloaked in unappealing wood slats and ceiling tiles, posed a formidable obstacle. Yet, the couple remained entranced by the home’s rich history. Erected in 1909, the house underwent a remarkable journey in 1925 when its original owner opted to relocate it. Lifted off its foundations, placed on logs, and drawn by mules across the block before being rotated 180 degrees into its final resting place.
Their first Herculean task was to elevate the entire structure to mend the decaying foundations. The resplendent cornflower-blue facade now serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication, although the initial 16 months of toil and investment amounted to an estimated £96,000 ($120,500).
As they peeled back the layers, the house unveiled a trove of hidden treasures. Behind paneling lay lofty 12-foot ceilings, while the garage harbored original eight-foot pocket doors. Amidst a pile of refuse, they unearthed a pristine kitchen sink, a relic of bygone days. The dining room, transformed into a regal sanctuary, boasts meticulously restored floor-to-ceiling windows, adorned with framed embroidered waistcoats and Laine’s grandmother’s cherished china, infusing the space with an air of authentic historic allure.
The once-termite-infested bedroom underwent a complete metamorphosis, now adorned in a dreamy color palette accented by an array of intriguing antiques, including vintage trunks nestled by the bed. To accommodate their beloved rescue dogs, the couple coated the floors throughout the house with a durable paint designed for saltwater boats, ensuring resilience and longevity.
Despite their ongoing restoration endeavors with several other historic properties, Kevin and Laine have lovingly transformed this enchanting house into their cherished abode, a sanctuary brimming with history and love.
8. Kilmartin Castle
Renovating a weathered 16th-century fortress proved to be an ambitious endeavor for the dynamic duo of Stef Burgeon and Simon Hunt. Nestled on the captivating west coast of Scotland in Argyll & Bute, Kilmartin Castle stands as a formidable Z-plan tower house, boasting a three-storey main block flanked by projecting round towers at opposing corners. Enchanted by Scotland’s allure during a holiday, Stef stumbled upon a listing for the castle priced at £375,000 ($470,000), prompting the couple to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Throughout the restoration process, they encountered challenges aplenty. Damp patches marred the ground floor, necessitating the lifting of original flagstone tiles for investigation. Beneath the surface lay leaking fertilizer bags, a makeshift solution to combat encroaching dampness. Following a builder’s recommendation, they excavated a foot to install modern insulation and underfloor heating before reinstating the flooring—a laborious task spanning eight weeks. Yet, the once-forlorn fortress now exudes warmth and comfort, a testament to their perseverance.
The newly refurbished kitchen seamlessly integrates the castle’s cave-like stone walls, preserving its intrinsic character. The imposing original fireplace has been ingeniously repurposed into a cozy seating nook adorned with a table and benches salvaged from an old pub. A central island, replete with two ovens and a suspended herb garden, serves as the focal point of culinary endeavors.
In the living room, exposed original stonework encircling the windows and fireplace transforms the 500-year-old thick stone walls into ornate accents. Rich wooden ceiling beams further enhance the ambiance, evoking the castle’s storied past. Once home to John Carswell, a prominent Protestant reformer during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots, and later held by the Campbell Clan for approximately two centuries, the castle now stands as a testament to bygone eras.
The restoration’s scope was vast, with the upper floor cloaked in dilapidated carpeting, even in the lone bathroom servicing the entire edifice. Fortunately, the sturdy floorboards beneath proved salvageable and have been meticulously refurbished. The marriage of old and new is exemplified in the renovated bedrooms, where original stonework peeks through beneath lime plasterwork. Heritage-design fabrics adorning the headboard and throw infuse the compact space with period charm.
After seven years of unwavering dedication and toil, Stef and Simon’s vision culminated in the transformation of this 500-year-old fortress into a luxurious boutique hotel, a labor of love that now welcomes guests to immerse themselves in history and indulgence amidst Scotland’s breathtaking landscape.
