If you’re tired of cookie-cutter homes that all look the same, why not step into the opulent world of historic homes?
These architectural masterpieces aren’t just for history buffs—they’re for anyone who wants to feel like royalty, walk in the footsteps of legends, or simply pretend they’ve won the lottery.
We’ve rounded up 12 must-see historic homes in the US that range from majestic castles to cozy getaways, each with a story as big as their front doors.
1. The Biltmore Estate (Asheville, NC)
Imagine walking through the doors of the largest privately owned home in America, a 250-room mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II.
It’s so massive, you could host a family reunion and still not fill every room. Constructed in the 19th century, the estate boasts a whopping 8,000 acres, vineyards, and gardens that look straight out of a botanical calendar.
The Biltmore was designed to impress—and trust us, it does. The only thing more extravagant than the home is the Christmas decorations when they roll out the seasonal flair.
Seriously, they’re practically a tourist attraction on their own. And if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey-esque moments, try the wine tasting—it’s a class act.
2. Old Westbury Gardens (Old Westbury, NY)
Take a trip to the North Shore of Long Island, and you’ll find yourself stepping back in time with Old Westbury Gardens.
The estate is an elegant 1906 mansion surrounded by 200 acres of pristine gardens, and it looks like it came straight from the pages of a Gatsby novel.
With its perfect symmetry and endless hedges, you’ll want to wear a vintage dress and sip tea on the lawn while pretending to be an aristocrat.
The mansion itself is as lovely as the gardens, with its rich history and carefully preserved interiors.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of an event or two—they host everything from art exhibits to garden tours, and there’s always a good excuse to show off your Sunday best.
3. Graceland (Memphis, TN)
It’s hard to think of a more iconic American home than Graceland, the residence of the King himself—Elvis Presley.
This isn’t just a house; it’s a shrine to a legend. With its unmistakable décor (hello, plush velvet, mirrors, and the infamous jungle room), Graceland is where history comes alive.
Elvis’s life and legacy are on full display as you stroll through the rooms that once housed his rhinestone-studded costumes, gold records, and even his collection of vintage cars.
Don’t forget to stop by the Meditation Garden, where the King is laid to rest alongside his family. It’s a fittingly peaceful spot to reflect on how a small-town boy turned his home into a rock ‘n’ roll palace.
4. Lyndhurst Mansion (Tarrytown, NY)
Gothic architecture enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Lyndhurst Mansion sits on the banks of the Hudson River, and it looks like a castle straight out of a 19th-century horror novel—minus the ghosts (probably).
Built in 1838, Lyndhurst was home to a variety of prominent figures, including a railroad magnate and a financier.
The mansion is known for its impressive Gothic Revival style, complete with pointed arches, intricate woodwork, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
As if the architecture weren’t enough, the grounds are lush with gardens, making it a prime spot for an afternoon stroll. It’s a home that offers a unique blend of history, beauty, and a little mystery.
5. Conestoga House and Gardens (Lancaster, PA)
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to live in a peaceful, picturesque oasis, then Conestoga House and Gardens is your answer.
Located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, this 18th-century home features manicured gardens, a beautiful stone manor, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to beat.
The house itself is a classic example of Colonial Revival architecture, with wide windows that invite sunlight into every room.
But it’s the gardens that steal the show, with their vibrant colors and perfectly arranged flower beds. Trust us—Conestoga is the type of place that makes you want to move in and never leave.
6. Castle Hill on the Crane Estate (Ipswich, MA)
Who doesn’t want to live like royalty? Well, in Ipswich, Massachusetts, you can pretend—at least for a few hours.
Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is perched high above the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views from its expansive lawn.
The house itself is a grand, 59-room mansion designed in the early 20th century by the legendary architect David Adler.
It’s a masterpiece of architecture and design, with a grand staircase, sweeping terraces, and gardens that stretch all the way to the water’s edge.
It’s the ideal place for a romantic picnic—or a dramatic scene from a period drama.
7. Oheka Castle (Huntington, NY)
If you’ve ever dreamed of living in a French château but didn’t feel like moving to France, Oheka Castle is the perfect solution.
This historic mansion on Long Island was built in the early 1900s and is one of the largest private estates in the US.
With its ornate French-style architecture, manicured gardens, and sweeping views, Oheka feels like a fairy tale.
It’s been featured in numerous films and weddings, and who could blame anyone for choosing such a spectacular venue?
It’s a place where elegance meets grandeur, and it’ll make you feel like you’re part of the elite social set—at least for a day.
8. The Bishop’s Palace (Galveston, TX)
Built in the late 19th century, The Bishop’s Palace in Galveston is a Victorian mansion that’s as elaborate as it is fascinating.
With its ornate ironwork, stained-glass windows, and towering turrets, it’s the sort of place that makes you think of Victorian steampunk adventures.
Once home to a wealthy Bishop, it’s now open to the public for tours that showcase its grand interiors and intricate details.
The house is filled with fascinating history, and the craftsmanship on display is simply stunning. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves a good fairy-tale mansion with a touch of Texas charm.
9. Swan House (Atlanta, GA)
If you’ve ever wanted to live in a mansion with a side of Southern charm, the Swan House in Atlanta is the place to visit.
Located on the grounds of the Atlanta History Center, this 1928 estate is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, with columns, grand staircases, and impeccable gardens.
It’s known for its stunning elegance, but it’s also famous for being a filming location for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
It’s a dream home that feels like something straight out of a novel—and if you ever wanted to pretend you were a Capitol citizen, this is your spot.
10. Hemingway House (Key West, FL)
Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Key West is a treasure trove of history and a quirky peek into the life of one of the world’s greatest writers.
Hemingway moved to this charming Spanish colonial-style house in the 1930s, where he wrote some of his most famous works.
But the real stars of the show? The six-toed cats that roam the property. They’re descendants of Hemingway’s own feline companions, and it’s said that having extra toes was a family trait—so don’t be surprised if you meet a few cats with an extra digit or two.
With its lush gardens, serene atmosphere, and fascinating history, Hemingway’s home is a must-see for fans of literature and quirky, historical spots alike.
11. The Breakers (Newport, RI)
A trip to The Breakers in Newport is like stepping into the world of old-money royalty. This Gilded Age mansion was once the summer home of the Vanderbilt family, and it’s a sight to behold.
With 70 rooms, opulent décor, and a dramatic location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it’s as if the house itself is saying, “I’m wealthy and I know it.”
The architecture is jaw-dropping, from the gold ceilings to the marble floors, and the grounds are just as magnificent.
It’s a perfect place to imagine living a life of luxury, complete with servants, private picnics, and enough space to get lost in for a week.
12. Vanderbilt Mansion (Hyde Park, NY)
The Vanderbilts just knew how to build homes that ooze grandeur, and their mansion in Hyde Park is no exception.
While it may not be quite as over-the-top as The Breakers, this elegant estate still offers plenty of old-world charm.
Set against the rolling hills of the Hudson River Valley, the Vanderbilt Mansion is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, with expansive gardens and lavish interiors. It’s a perfect place to get a taste of Gilded Age luxury without the crowds.
Plus, it’s an educational experience in the best way—just don’t be surprised if you end up daydreaming about how nice it would be to live like a Vanderbilt.