Character Properties for sale: Historic Villa Show info

Unique living: Timeless elegance and historic charm

European castles and venerable houses for sale

The somewhat different real estate search: Experience an incomparable range of historic homes on the one and only portal for European character properties. Connect with the history and atmosphere of your future home and learn more about the different expressions and varieties of this fascinating type of real estate.

The term originated in the United Kingdom and is occasionally used for historic properties for sale. There, they are mostly rural properties in which particularly individual qualities such as history, cultural value, but also personality and emotion play a foreground role. This sets them apart from ordinary and often purely functional residential properties and gives them their uniqueness. Character properties emphasizes the special appeal of such properties and addresses prospective buyers who are looking for historic or architecturally interesting houses for sale.

Absolutely. While real estate jargon lacks standard definitions for many terms, character properties generally do not refer to properties that are recent. New buildings are exceptions if parts of them have a historical connection, for example by integrating historical structures. Otherwise, they are historic buildings that were constructed before 1945 and often predate the Modernist era, with the exception of Art Nouveau and Art Deco.

Character properties can undoubtedly also have luxurious features and be classified as luxury properties. This is especially true for large, fully restored castles or historic villas in prime locations, which are often marketed as luxury or prestige properties.

The main difference lies in a special value in terms of history, authenticity and emotional significance. In contrast, luxury real estate focuses on contemporary luxury and comfort. This may also involve modern apartments or new buildings.

Character properties may be in need of renovation or restoration, and they often become what they are today through the passion and dedication of their owners over many years. Preserving their historic charm combined with modern luxury can present an additional challenge when these are landmark buildings that may be subject to certain regulations and restrictions.

Tip:
Historical real estate with luxury features can be easily found using the "Classification" filter.

Primarily, these are residential properties which, due to their characteristics, are often also used for tourist or commercial purposes. Even ruins can be described as character properties, especially if they represent cultural monuments or have a special historical value. As with other real estate, prices for these properties vary depending on a number of factors such as demand, location and condition.

Tip:
Refine your search using the "Condition" filter: From ruin to fully refurbished properties.

Castles and manor houses are certainly the best known examples of character properties. For those who do not see themselves as lords or ladies of castles and would rather live in harmony with contemporary lifestyle in smaller dimensions, there is a diverse selection of other properties, including exotic properties such as historic towers or converted church buildings. Find the overview below of the most common categories. More detailed information on each property type is available on the corresponding listing results pages.

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Listings: Living in a castle

Character estate search results

Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Part of a historic villa with pool and lake view in Stresa Binda
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
The 20th-century villa was renovated in 2016 and still exudes historical character. With a total area of 350 square meters spread over three floors, there is ample space available, and a stunning panoramic view of Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands is also included.The architecture reflects the typical style of smaller historic villas in Northern I...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale 22019 Tremezzo, Lombardy,  Italy
Charming Villa with Swimming Pool and Privacy
Historic Villa for sale 22019 Tremezzo, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Carlottina was built approximately 200 years ago and was part of the Brentano family estate, a family of merchants and one of the most influential families on Lake Como in the 18th century. The property was fully updated in 1997, retaining many charming features such as floors, fireplace, doors, and windows. Set back 150m from the lake amidst lush...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Brno, Jihomoravský kraj,  Czech Republic
Modernist villa with park in the neighborhood of Villa Tugendhat in Brno
Historic Villa for sale Brno, Jihomoravský kraj, Czech Republic
The functionalist villa from the 1940s is located at one of the most prestigious addresses in the Czech Republic, in the Černá pole residential district in Brno, South Moravia. Situated just minutes away from the city center, it directly borders the famous Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece by architect L. Mies van der Rohe from 1929-1930, which has been a ...

Castelan Real s.r.o.
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont,  Italy
Period house in Stresa overlooking Borromean Islands
Historic Villa for sale 28838 Stresa, Piemont, Italy
Characteristic historic house in a tranquil location of Stresa. One highlight is certainly the enchanting view of the Borromean Islands and Lake Maggiore. The bourgeois villa is located in the Carciano district of Stresa and embodies a high-class residential property from the turn of the century. The house has been renovated, blending elegant and simple...

Stresa Luxury Real Estate
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont,  Italy
Three-bedroom apartment in beautiful villa with lake view in Oggebio
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont, Italy
The apartment is situated within the magnificent historical villa Residenza del Pascià in Oggebbio, surrounded by a 60,000 square meter park. This splendid property offers residents two swimming pools, two tennis courts, a children's playground, and several communal areas. The meticulously maintained apartment spans two floors: the upper floor features ...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28040 Lesa, Piemont,  Italy
Prestigious property in historic building directly on the lakeshore of Lesa with enchanting lake views
Historic Villa for sale 28040 Lesa, Piemont, Italy
This important property is located on the lakeshore of Lesa, overlooking the picturesque Lake Maggiore. Housed in a historic palace dating back to the early 18th century, it is characterised by its retro elegance and breathtaking views of the crystal clear waters of the lake. The property offers large and comfortable spaces, ideal for accommodating a la...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale Santo Pietro Belvedere, Tuscany,  Italy
Historical villa in Santo Pietro Belvedere
Historic Villa for sale Santo Pietro Belvedere, Tuscany, Italy
The spacious historic villa, centrally located in Santo Pietro Belvedere, impresses with its ancient underground cellars. The villa comes with a private garden of approximately 500 square meters .Currently, the building is divided into three separate units:: The first apartment covers approximately 130 square meters and features a panoramic terrace. It ...

Kaste Immobilien
Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont,  Italy
Cozy villa above Verbania with stunning garden
Historic Villa for sale Bee, Piemont, Italy
A 200-square-meter villa located above Verbania with a splendid, well-maintained garden that offers plenty of sun, peace, and privacy. The garden features ample space and tastefully designed corners adorned with beautiful maple trees of various sizes and colors. About 10 years ago, the villa underwent complete renovation while preserving its original ea...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont,  Italy
Charming boutique hotel with breathtaking lake view with 23 personalized rooms and terraced park with pool
Historic Villa for sale 28824 Oggebbio, Piemont, Italy
In one of the most beautiful panoramic location of Lake Maggiore, in the heart of a small village, we offer this well established, beautiful boutique hotel, set in an Italian-style terraced park. A balcony overlooking the lake, that offers breathtaking views from every corner. It was developed inside a period villa and currently comprises of 23 personal...

Città Ideale
Historic Villa for sale Koszalin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship,  Poland
Historic villa in Koszalin, West Pomerania
Historic Villa for sale Koszalin, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
We are seeking an enthusiast of historical landmarks who will comprehensively renovate this gem from 1935 and restore the building to its former glory. The villa could serve as a beautiful home or as a prestigious headquarters for institutions, foundations, or businesses. It is located on Piłsudski Street in the protected and green district of Koszalin....

Urbanowicz Centrum Nieruchomości M.Urbanowicz G.Urbanowicz s.c.
Historic Villa for sale Monsummano Terme, Tuscany,  Italy
Tuscan Estate with Two Villas in Monsummano Terme
Historic Villa for sale Monsummano Terme, Tuscany, Italy
This magnificent tuscan country property: comprises two stunning villas, boasting a combined space of over 1000 square meters, nestled in a tranquil 7-hectare park adorned with lush lawns, dense forests, and enchanting olive trees. The location offers a serene and panoramic ambiance, conveniently close to major cities like Florence, Lucca, and Pisa, eas...

Oikos Immobiliare
Historic Villa for sale Cascina, Tuscany,  Italy
Stylish little Tuscan villa in Cascina
Historic Villa for sale Cascina, Tuscany, Italy
Near the city center of Pisa, just 8 km from the airport, in a quiet and flat area with unobstructed views, you will find a charming restored villa with an annex. The villa dates back to 1800 and was completely renovated about 20 years ago, from the foundations to the roof.

Kaste Immobilien
Historic Villa for sale Santiago de Compostela, Galicia,  Spain
Villa in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela
Historic Villa for sale Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
This is a rare opportunity to own an exclusive Manor House right in the historic center of Santiago de Compostela! The living space of this fantastic property is 338 m², distributed over four floors. On the main floor, there is an elegant, open entrance hall, a spacious living room with a dining area, a large fully equipped kitchen with a breakfast...

Galicia & Green Spain Property
Historic Villa for sale A Guarda, Galicia,  Spain
Grand Period House Indiana in the Centre of La Guardia
Historic Villa for sale A Guarda, Galicia, Spain
The grand period building known as INDIANA HOUSE sits right in the heart of the Coastal Village of A Guarda/La Guardia, which lie on the southern tip of Galicia. The village boasts more than fifty buildings built by returned emigrants from Puerto Rico. These houses were built in the second half of the s. XIX and the turn of the XX century, returnee...

Galicia & Green Spain Property
Historic Villa for sale 22019 Tremezzo, Lombardy,  Italy
Timeless Beauty: Historical Villa in Tremezzo
Historic Villa for sale 22019 Tremezzo, Lombardy, Italy
Experience excellent sun exposure and a view of Lake Como and surrounding mountains in this grand historic villa in a quiet position in Tremezzo. The mansion was built at the beginning of the 18th century and boasts many original features. It is set on three floors plus a basement and has a total surface of approx. 900 sqm. From a beautiful pebble terra...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Hlavní město Praha, okres Hlavní město Praha, Praha, Bubeneč,  Czech Republic
Historical villa in chateau style
Historic Villa for sale Hlavní město Praha, okres Hlavní město Praha, Praha, Bubeneč, Czech Republic
This villa is located in the heart of the prestigious area of Bubenec. Size of the plot of land is 1426 sq. meters, out of which the garden measures 852 sq. meters. Villa is fully furnished with stylish Italian and Spanish furniture. There are ornamental wooden floors and beautiful the stucco ceilings. The villa features a representative living room wit...

Historic Properties Czechia - PRAGA1
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy,  Italy
Villa Gina: Magnificent Historic Residence on Lake Como
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Gina is an exquisite historic villa built in 1766 by an aristocratic Austrian family and named after its owner, Gina. In the 20th century, it belonged to the family of the famous Italian artist Baldassare Longoni, whose paintings still adorn the villa. The main street of the town is named after him. In 2011, Villa Gina underwent a complete renovat...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy,  Italy
Classical Lake Como Villa with Panoramic Views
Historic Villa for sale Dizzasco, Lombardy, Italy
Villa Oleandra is a magnificent villa built in 1930 in Art Nouveau style and is included in the register of historic villas of Lake Como. The renovation of the villa was completed in March 2020. It is situated in the famous Intelvi valley connecting Lake Como and Lake Lugano, only a few km from the well-known lakeside town of Argegno on Lake Como. The v...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Cernobbio, Lombardy,  Italy
Villa with Terrace and Lake View in Prime Location in Cernobbio
Historic Villa for sale Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy
Situated on the hillside in a prestigious residential area of Cernobbio and within walking distance to all amenities, this spacious family residence was built around 1900 and underwent complete refurbishments in 1995 and 2016. A characterful Lake Como home, offering approximately 490 sqm of living space, spans 3 floors and is bathed in abundant natural ...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy,  Italy
Exclusive Lake Como Property: Unique Greenhouse in Griante
Historic Villa for sale Griante, Lombardy, Italy
Dive into the ultimate living experience on Lake Como: This charming and elegant property is situated in the splendid park of Villa Maria and is distinguished by its fascinating style. The property is frequently mentioned in books and articles on the treasures and beauties of Lake Como. A part of the villa is a grand greenhouse with an elegant Art Nouve...

PROPERTY AT LAKE COMO
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