Old Stagecoach Stop: Your Next Home?

Imagine a time before air and car travel. A time even before rail travel. When the only way to get from point A to a distant point B was to hop aboard a stagecoach, a horse-drawn carriage designed to convey passengers and luggage along one of several well-traveled routes.

historic stagecoach stops

To accommodate weary travelers making more than a day’s journey, inns and taverns popped up along the most frequently traveled routes. Many of the “stops” have survived and today thrive as inns, bed and breakfasts and historic sites open to the public for tour. And, every now and again, you come across a stagecoach stop turned private residence. Which brings us to this batch of old stone homes for sale.

Feast your eyes on some true American beauties, historically significant and awaiting thoughtful caretakers. Can’t you almost hear the faint sound of wagon wheels and the clip-clop of horses’ heels in the distance?

Perkionmenville, Pennsylvania

Inn at Perkiomenville
This circa-1800 stone inn, located in the historic village of Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, has been stripped down to its original plaster and stone and pine floors. Formerly known as Wynn’s Creekside Inn and the Inn at Perkiomenville, this building sits vacant, awaiting an owner who can lovingly convert it to a single-family home or maintain it as an inn or quaint café.

Everett, Pennsylvania

Weaverly House Everett Pennsylvania
A plaque that reads “Weaverly” adorns the exterior of this grand old stone home, which was built in 1843 and served as a stagecoach stop and, later, an inn. A gift shop, coined the Sheepskin Country Store, was also located on the premises. The home, which sits on 10 acres of lush farmland, boasts four bedrooms and a circa-1963 barn.

Hollowville, New York

Hollowville Stagecoach House
This three-story stagecoach house, circa 1780, is nestled on a quiet drive away from the main road, which was originally known as the Columbia Turnpike. Surrounded by woods and meadows, the home has been painstakingly restored and features four bedrooms, its original fireplace, wide-planked floors and more.

A Soft Spot for As-Is Stone Homes

Something Special in York Springs

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What you get: An “as-is” log home and a stone summer kitchen that date back to the early to mid-1800s, 40 acres of some of Adams County, Pennsylvania’s, finest farmland (plus creek frontage) and old stones the present owner has gathered from the property for use in the home’s restoration.

Salvation for the General Store?

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This old stone building in the center of Long Valley, New Jersey, goes by many names: the River Building, the Lyman Kice General Store and, simply, the blacksmith shop. It’s an important piece of Washington Township history, as it served as a blacksmith and wagon repair shop, a general store and, later, the center of socialization in the community. The building sits along the south branch of the Raritan River, awaiting a kind-hearted caretaker.

Gentleman’s Farm Facing Hard Times

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The stone home was built in 1796 and features five bedrooms and six (!!) fireplaces. The property comes with 24 acres of land, a bank barn, a stone springhouse and a small stream. Lots of history and potential here, if the owner is willing to dig in and do good for this time-forgotten property.

Keep it (Under) 100: Old Stone Homes for a Steal

They’re out there, you may just need to do a little scouring (and be willing to live in a smaller community or a bit off the beaten path). Take a look at these gems at $100,000 or less. Each stone home has its pros and cons. Which one would you choose?

Pennsylvania Farmhouse with Potential

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Primitive. That’s the best way to describe this Fayette County jewel. Utilities are available but not connected and the home is stripped down to its bare essence. Although the property is listed as circa-1870, there is some speculation that it was constructed earlier and the farmstead of settler John Hamilton Bryson.
Price: $89,900

Quaint Canal Worker’s Cottage


The village of Medina sprung up during the construction of the Erie Canal in the early 1800s. Canal workers built homes of sandstone and brick, and hotels were constructed to house barge passengers making an overnight stop. A remnant of its former bustling days, this quaint cottage, circa 1820, is nestled within a stone’s throw of the community’s main street historic district. The childhood home of well-known resident Arthur Newell, this home surely has its own stories to tell.
Price: $39,900

A True Texas Rose


One of the oldest homes in Comanche County, this circa-1874 beauty was built by W.C. Switzer, a local blacksmith, and served as his residence and boarding home for students who attended the local community college. The back patio alone is worth the budget-friendly price tag.
Price: $84,000

Stone Ruins, Shells and More

Say, you purchase a plot of land, and sitting atop that slice of earth is a stone foundation, a random wall or the shell of an old stone home. What would you do with it? Take a look at these for-sale properties and tell us what you think. Which one do you like the best? Which has the most potential? Which one makes you long to see photos of the property from former days?

Charles Springer Tavern Stone Barn Remains


On a plot of land that fronts Lancaster Pike in Wilmington, Delaware, you’ll find these beautiful circa-1852 stone barn ruins. They were once part of the larger circa-1780 Springer Tavern property that sits just across the lane from the barn. The barn was built by farmer Moses Journey, who purchased the tavern property in 1848.

Marshall Family Land Holdings


Own a piece of Bucks County history! This Erwinna, Pennsylvania, plot of land, originally owned by some of the township’s earliest residents, boasts amazing views across the Delaware Canal and River to New Jersey. The almost five-acre property includes its original farmhouse, which is in dire need of restoration, plus a barn, a corn crib and the remains of the property’s original bank barn.

Old Farmstead with Stone Shell


Gentleman farmer? Winemaker? Horse breeder? Now’s your chance to own 28 rolling pasture-like acres of prime farmland in lush York County, Pennsylvania. This Dover property comes with a barn with an old stone wall forebay, an open-span shed, a courtyard-style area and a circa-1900 stone farmhouse surrounded by a stone-capped wall. The home is in shell condition, awaiting the personal touches of a loving owner.

A Patch of Mountain Paradise


Private mountain views in all directions? Sold! This 97-acre plot of land in Madison, Virginia, is surrounded by 500 acres of Rapidan Wildlife Management Area land and provides space for a new house or cabin and includes the remains of the property’s original stone homestead, which could be incorporated into a new build. Beautiful!

Stone Home Living in the Old Line State

My, oh, my, the stone homes for sale right now in Maryland! These beauties are on the higher end of the scale, but talk about dreamy! Take a look. Which one would you grab if money were no object?

Something Special in Spark


This three-story beauty is located very close to the Pennsylvania border. Dating back to 1800, the home has been completely remodeled and sits on almost two acres, along with a barn and workshop.

Natural Beauty in Knoxville


This historic home, coined Stoney Brook Farm, was built by Dr. Zachariah Claggett is 1821. The home is surrounded by lush Pleasant Valley farmland and Maryland’s burgeoning wine country. The 57-acre estate includes a converted smoke house, a spring house, an artist workshop/outbuildings, a huge bank barn with stables and work rooms, a heated commercial greenhouse and a small glass greenhouse.

Stone Dream Home Near the City


The backyard and patio alone are worth the investment! The original portion of this old stone home was constructed in 1808. Located just outside of Baltimore, this expansive homestead sits on almost five acres of property.

Sweetheart Stone Cottages in Pennsylvania

Thank God for Pennsylvania, the land of old stone homes. We have German, Swedish and Scots-Irish settlers to thank for bringing with them distinctive architectural styles, plus masonry skills that would guarantee the longevity and durability of these early dwellings.

Today, we focus on the smaller homes, the cottages that most often dot the countryside. Charming? Absolutely. Affordable? More often than not. Dreamy? Without question.

Take a peek at these four steal-your-heart homes, waiting for someone willing to take a chance.

The Real Deal in Robesonia


A fly fisherman’s dream come true. This two-story cape, circa 1820, is nestled right across the street from trout-stocked Furnace Creek. The home has been completely remodeled, while maintaining the cottage’s most charming original details (exposed stone walls!). Outbuildings are just one of several amenities that make this property a keeper.

Fleetwood Cottage Far from the Madding Crowd


Pennsylvania or the Irish countryside? Honestly, it’s hard to tell when one first spies photos of this 868-square-foot stone cottage, circa 1850. Situated on three acres, the home comes with many outbuildings, including the original summer kitchen with open walk-in hearth and barn structure. It wouldn’t take much effort or elbow grease to put your unique stamp on this historic home.

Care Needed for Coopersburg Cottage


Located in the beautiful Lehigh Valley, close to Allentown, this circa-1890 stone cottage is in dire need of some love and attention. Two pluses: the big stone fireplace and the home’s location on a quiet country road that cuts through picturesque Pennsylvania farmland.

Rural Home with a River View


There’s a lot to say about this old stone cottage in Wrightsville. Can we start with that stellar view of the Susquehanna River? Breathtaking. Not to mention the completely renovated interiors. Originally a schoolhouse, this circa-1892 structure would prove an ideal starter home for a small, growing family.

Dreamy Old Mills For Sale

You can almost hear the wheel slowly cranking, as it lifts water to power the millstones inside. Mill workers hustle about, stacking burlap bags filled with milled seed and shooing away stray cats that have made the stone building their new home.

Stone mills. Why do they fill us with such feelings of nostalgia? One can’t help but stand in awe when within earshot of a working grist mill. Better yet? When you pass a grand stone mill that has been preserved and/or adapted by some patient soul.

If you think the notion of living in an old stone mill sounds simply dreamy, then you’ll love this round-up of mill properties-turned-homes currently on the market. And if you have a few extra minutes, cruise through Jim Miller’s site, Millphotos.com, to see images of mills (stone and timber-framed), broken down by state.

The Edisonville Mill, Strasburg, Pennsylvania


Since 1768, a mill of some sort has stood on the site that now houses the Edisonville Mill/Herr Mill, built around 1822. The building, fed by the Pequea Creek, has served as a flour, corn meal, grist and saw mill, a distillery, a museum and apartments throughout its history. Now vacant and boasting 30-inch-thick walls, 9-foot ceilings, keystone lintels and more, the building seeks a caring soul to call it home.

The Stein Mill, Kutztown, Pennsylvania


With the oldest portion built in 1816, this stone miller’s farmhouse has been lovingly maintained. It sits on 33 acres that is shared by a nearly four-story circa-1857 sandstone mill, which was built by Adam Stein. Fed by Mill Creek, it operated as a merchant mill until 1899, and most recently housed an antiques gallery. The property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Hulshizer Mill, Stewartsville, New Jersey

Situated along the Pohatcong Creek, this fieldstone and red sandstone mill was constructed sometime around 1750 and, during the time of the Revolultionary War, provided much-needed provisions to the Continental Army encamped nearby. The mill was converted to a private residence in the early 1900s and, when owned by actor Harry Bannister in the 1930s/1940s, was the site of many posh parties and star-studded events.

Beekman Brothers Mill, Saint Johnsville, New York

Hurry! Auction bids for this amazing Mohawk Valley property are being accepted through March 31, 2016. Situated near falls created by a gorge along Timmerman Creek, this native limestone mill was built circa 1830 and remained in operation through the 1930s. The mill, long abandoned, was purchased by Judith and Ron Hezel in 1988 and converted to a private residence. The property, which includes a barn, a three-stall garage, and a guest house, plus some of the antique milling equipment, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Steeped in legend and lore, the mill is said to have served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Irish Country Cottages for Sale

There’s something so romantic about an Irish cottage, surrounded by acres of emerald green. Feast your eyes on these beauties — and feel free to daydream your heart away on this St. Patrick’s Day!

Southwest Cork


This grazing property, located on the Southwest coast of Ireland and only 70 minutes from Cork City (aka the “Irish Riviera”), is as far away from trouble as one can get. The land itself (.5 acres) would prove an ideal organic farm and comes with the remains of a stone cottage. You could rebuild the home, preserve it in glass or use it as the foundation of a garden.

County Clare


Located close to the villages of Bodyke and O’Callaghan’s Mills in County Clare, this old stone cottage is nestled on a half acre. Mind you, the home needs a complete renovation, but with views like this and proximity to exquisite countryside, you may just be more than happy to take the leap.

County Leitrim


Located in the town of Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest town in the county, this three-bedroom beauty boasts views and proximity to the town center and the River Shannon. Perfect for expansion, this home could serve as a holiday getaway or primary residence.

West Cork


Perhaps the best of the bunch, this old stone farmhouse is surrounded by lush farmland and mature trees. The River Brandon runs right through the property, which features an outbuilding and paved yard. The entire home, complete with expansive open hearth, requires a complete renovation (and modernization). Thankfully, you’d be located just three miles north of Brandon, known as the gateway to West Cork, to gather much-needed home improvement supplies.

County Kerry


Nestled near the town of Tralee, the largest town in County Kerry, this thatched-roof stone cottage comes with … wait for it … 12 acres of land, six outbuildings and its own hay barn. Gentlemen farmers, you’ve met your match! Major improvements will be necessary, but you can always warm yourself by the humongous open hearth while a construction crew transforms this magical space for you.

County Waterford


Saving the best for last, this three-bedroom stone home (once a creamery) is located within walking distance of the coastal town and picturesque harbor of Dungarvan. The beautifully renovated home, complete with open hearth and solid timber floors, is being sold with all its contents and furniture. Seaside getaway, here we come!

Quirky Stone Homes and Cottages Along the Water’s Edge

Consider it the best of both words: an old stone home with a sensational water view. Yes, waterfront stone homes do exist. To find them, we hiked up to the Great Lakes region, where, believe it or not, stone homes dot the shorelines.

Take a peek at our four favorites, currently on the market. Caveat: They’re not all in top-top shape, but we think that with the right upgrades and TLC, they could serve as cozy family vacation homes for generations to come.

Wisconsin Boathouse with Beautiful Views


Nestled on a wooded lot and surrounded by Wisconsin’s Nicolet National Forest, this old wood- and stone-clad boathouse would prove the ideal retreat for a writer or artist in need of solitude and inspiration. This adorable cottage overlooks Pine Lake, located at the headwaters of Wolf River, and boasts its own dock and close proximity to sandy shores.

Crystal Lake Cottage to Call Home


The interior of this old cobblestone home would require a complete gut-renovation, but the rewards might just be worth the effort. The property sits along Crystal Lake, a 730-acre body of water located in Michigan’s Montcalm County. The lake is spring-fed and ideal for sailing, fishing and watersports. No shared access means complete privacy no matter what the season.

Fieldstone Home with Hella-Good Views


Another Crystal Lake gem, this lovely circa-1874 home boasts 18-inch-thick fieldstone walls and extensive renovations throughout. A new master bedroom even opens out to a private brick patio! Located in the village of Beulah, this home sits on 10 acres of property that includes 150 feet of lake frontage.

Island Getaway in Ohio


Last but not least on our list of faves is this circa-1870s stone home, located in the “Key West of Lake Erie,” otherwise known as South Bass Island. The home is a stone’s throw from the shore and boasts a circa-1850s all-stone wine press cottage, a pole barn, a garage and a tool shed. Both the main home and cottage are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the property previously served as a tourist attraction that celebrated Lake Erie’s winemaking history.

The Cutest Stone Cottages

Spring is so close we can almost feel it. And that means a whole new batch of stone homes will hit the market. The latest to pop up on our radar date from 1740 to 1810. Can you just imagine savoring a cup of tea in front of the cozy fireplace or tending garden in the backyard of one of these adorable cottages? Like puppies, kittens and all things diminutive, these beauties can’t help but warm the heart. Enjoy!

Former Artist Abode in Blairstown, New Jersey

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This stone cottage, circa 1740, is built in the pre-Revolutionary War Moravian style. Architectural details include three stone fireplaces, hand-hewn beams, and stone and wood floors. A detached studio is perfect for the artist or musician and the place where previous owner, artist Ben Wilson, created some of his finest work! The home is sold “as is”.

Solid Stone Farmhouse in Annandale, New Jersey

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Beautiful stonework, a desirable location in Clinton Township, New Jersey, beautifully reworked interiors — what’s not to love about this circa-1800 stone cottage? The right owner would have great fun researching the history of this property, which was formerly hidden from view by overgrown pine trees and brush.

Weekend Retreat in Whitehall, New York

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Vermont is just a stone’s throw away from this historic stone cottage, built circa 1775-1776. The home sits high on the cliff overlooking the last lock before entering Lake Champlain. The perfect country getaway for someone who works in New York City and seeks refuge from life’s stresses on the weekends.

Former Distillery in Parkton, Maryland

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All we can say is, “Oy, yoi, yoi!” For sale for the first time in over 250 years, this circa-1810 stone cottage once served as the distillery on the Castle Calder estate. The historic home is being sold with 84 acres of beautiful Maryland farm- and woodland and sits along a meandering stream. The new owner is expected to preserve this dwelling and serve as a caring steward for years to come.