1. One of the finest historic mansions from the Gilded Age. Is this Oconomowoc, WI or Newport, RI?
Coldwell Banker

This 15,222-square-foot stunner on Wisconsin’s  pristine Lac La Belle is widely regarded as the finest mansion in the Midwest. Established in 1928, the thirty-room estate is located in Oconomowoc -- a swanky resort town that beckoned wealthy families from Chicago, St. Louis, and Milwaukee during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries. Known as Knollward, the mansion was the summer home of Marjorie Montgomery Ward Baker -- heiress to the Montgomery Ward mail order fortune. Built in the French Manor style, the home captures the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era. The estate’s provincial exterior features gabled roofs, dormers, cypress beams, and turreted outlines, while the opulent interiors are bursting with lavish touches such as walnut paneling, ornate wrought-ironwork by Cyril Colnik, marble floors and mantelpieces, and an abundance of crystal chandeliers. The mansion comes with 335 feet of lake frontage and a $3.4 million price tag. Click here to view the full listing.

2.  The coolest pad in Palm Springs is a mid-century time capsule down to the appliances.
Windermere Real Estate

Palm Springs is home to a bevy of mid century modern marvels, but none are quite as alluring as this fortress of California coolness. Surrounded by twelve-foot high stark white walls, the home was built in 1969 for Jerome Factor, cousin of the cosmetics mogul Max Factor. Inside, the 5,471-square-foot, three-bedroom home boasts period interiors by the celebrated designer Richard Himmel, mid century modern furniture, original appliances, and a collection of contemporary paintings and sculptures. Amenities include a spacious terrace overlooking the Disney fountain and fairways, a secluded master suite and lounge, a commanding black granite fireplace, an art gallery, a terrazzo steam shower, and a private pool and spa. This Palm Springs abode, which comes with all furnishings and art, is on the market for a cool $2.95 million. Click here to view the full listing.   

3. One of the most important and iconic Nantucket properties, the "East Brick," is fully restored and just listed for $18 million.
Killen Real Estate

Nantucket’s East Brick is one of the well-to-do town’s most notable architectural gems. Built in 1837 by the successful whaling merchant Joseph Starbuck as a gift for his son, the Georgian style home features eight bedrooms, a wine cellar, a grand entry foyer and hall with its original curved staircase, marble fireplaces, soaring ceilings with original plaster rosettes and moulding details, hand painted whaling era murals from the 1950s, a chef’s kitchen, and a unique second-floor loggia overlooking the residence’s lawn and gardens. The current owners recently helmed a historically sensitive restoration of this American icon, which involved installing period appropriate wall coverings and custom drapery. The Brick House just hit the market and is listed for $17.9 million. Click here to view the full listing.

4. A slice of California history. A rare and preserved Thorne-designed "Case Study" home could be yours.
Moving Marin

The only Case Study House in Northern California  is currently on the market for $1.85 million -- a small price to pay for a piece of mid-century modern architectural history. Located on a sloping hillside in San Rafael’s Peacock Gap, Case Study House #26 was designed by Beverley David Thorne, a renowned Modernist architect known for his steel-centric structures. Sponsored as a demonstration project by Bethlehem Steel Company and Twentieth Century Homes, Case Study House #26 features an alluring mix of Thorne’s signature material, wood, and glass. The 1,955-square-foot, four-bedroom home, which was featured in Arts and Architecture magazine, has remained virtually untouched (except for a kitchen remodel) since it was constructed in 1962. Click here to view the full listing.

5. How about a 1665 Pilgrim saltbox complete with barn, water tower and a school house for the kids. No need for candles, electricity included.
Sotheby's International Realty

This restoration of a 1665 Garrison-style saltbox built by one of America’s first Pilgrims is situated on over twelve acres in bucolic Gilmanton, New Hampshire. The truly unique homestead includes the main home, a carriage house, a barn, a water tower, a corn crib, and a late 1700s one room school house -- all of which were brought to the property and reconstructed by local craftsmen. Does the thought of living like one of our nation’s first settlers seem a bit daunting? Don’t worry. In addition to period details such as original wide pine floors, oak framing, raised paneling, plaster walls, original hardware, Indian shutters, gunstock corners, and barricade doors, the property includes such modern amenities as central air, heated floors, modern plumbing, and surround sound. The three-bedroom home, which has never been lived in, is listed for $1.5 million. Click here to view the full listing.