Walking along historic Rainbow Row in Charleston, SC — arguably the most photographed attraction in the historic port city — could make you wonder why every home isn’t painted a vibrant yellow, pink, or blue. As luck would have it, one of the landmark’s original buildings, at 91 91.5 E. Bay St., is currently for sale. The charming Lowcountry mansion dates to 1787 and has a price tag of $5.75 million.
But you don’t have to be a millionaire to start a “rainbow” of your own. These eight homes for sale take the statement front door a few steps further, with a brilliantly bold exterior. We can’t promise a pot of gold, but you can expect amenities like remodeled kitchens, secret walled gardens, spectacular water views, and a dash of American history.
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Ravishing in red: $75,000, 505 W. Main St., Tiskilwa, IL 61368
You’ll find this not-so-little house on the prairie in the tiny town of Tiskilwa, IL (population in 2010: 829 people!). Located in Bureau County, about 120 miles southwest of Chicago, IL, Tiskilwa dates back to 1836. This rusty-red Victorian Gothic home was built 31 years later and includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms across 2,282 square feet. There’s a charming wraparound porch that just begs for a swing. The interior abounds in historic details like crown molding, French doors, four marble fireplaces, and plenty of built-ins.
True blue in Carolina: $189,900, 127 Plantation Blvd., Jacksonville, NC 28540
Accessorized with a cranberry-red front door, this 1,948-square-foot Colonial-style home in Jacksonville was recently remodeled from floor to ceiling. The lighting, crown molding, and floors (carpet and hardwood) are all recent additions. The kitchen has been updated with subway tile, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home occupies a large grassy lot in Jacksonville’s Woodlands neighborhood, which is known for its quiet cul-de-sacs and community feel.
Go green in Galveston: $405,000, 22811 Lunes St., Galveston, TX 77554
The new-in-2016 roof of this 1,719-square-foot home neatly crowns a modern, well-maintained space with an eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The home also has an amazing canal-front location on Galveston Island, a barrier island off Texas’ Gulf Coast. Downstairs is a dockside barbecue and bar area, complete with a boatlift and plenty of space to sit and enjoy the warm gulf breezes.
In love with indigo: $463,000, 307 Taos St., Georgetown, CO 80444
Victorian homes like this 19th-century charmer are a common sight in Georgetown, a historic mining town (and popular après-ski destination). Nestled in the Rocky Mountains’ Clear Creek Canyon, the town is about 50 miles west of Denver, CO. This home’s distinctive architectural style hearkens back to the town’s beginnings in 1859 as a mining camp during the Colorado silver boom. Vestiges of the mining industry remain, attracting history buffs and tourists. Perhaps this 2,078-square-foot, four-bedroom home has a future as a B&B (it’s available for purchase furnished!).
Mellow yellow in the Lone Star State: $674,000, 134 Mustang Island Estates Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Custom-built in 2015, this four-bedroom, 2,638-square-foot home stands tall on the flat terrain of Mustang Island, a barrier island off Texas’ Gulf Coast. The residence was designed to make the most of its surroundings. This three-story home is equipped with a deck or patio on every level, plus a rooftop observation deck. From there, residents can view an unobstructed panorama of the gulf and the bay. Hankering for an ice cream cone or some live music? Downtown Port Aransas is just 8 miles away.
Orange you glad to be in the Outer Banks: $679,900, 797 Mercury Road, Corolla, NC 27927
Promising the privacy and perks of Buck Island, a gated community in the Outer Banks town of Corolla, this 3,008-square-foot vacation retreat has been nicknamed “Tangerine Dream.” It’s a nod to the beachside home’s persimmon paint color, but we bet it also has something to do with the sunset views you’d enjoy from the spacious wraparound decks, hot tub, or in-ground pool. Views inside the five-bedroom home aren’t too shabby either, thanks to cathedral ceilings, ample natural light, and open floor plan. Did we mention this place brought in close to $70K in rental income in 2016?
Violet in the Vieux Carré: $795,000, 826 St. Philip St., New Orleans, LA 70116
Located 250 feet from Bourbon Street in the heart of NOLA’s French Quarter, this 1,290-square-foot, two-bedroom home has updates including a contemporary kitchen, a separate laundry area, and recessed lighting. Natural light floods the open floor plan, from the 12-foot ceilings to the Brazilian red mahogany floors. After exploring the historic neighborhood’s many cafes, restaurants, parks, and art galleries, you can retreat to the home’s private rear courtyard with a glass of wine (or perhaps a beignet).
Pretty in pink: $899,000, 17 Chalmers St., Charleston, SC 29401
How’s this for bragging rights? The Charleston Pink House, built in 1688, is known as Charleston’s oldest residence and America’s second-oldest masonry residence. On the market for $884 per square foot, the one-bedroom, one-bathroom home is crafted from 18-inch-thick pink Bermuda stone, which stands in lovely contrast to its black shutters and the palmetto-lined cobblestone street just beyond its inky front door. Inside the 1,017-square-foot home, time stands still as many of the original details of the structure — which enjoyed past lives as a tavern, a law office, and an art gallery — have been preserved. Out back is a lush and inviting walled garden.
