5 Enchanting Storybook Homes Now on the Market Where You Can Live Happily (Ever After)

by Lisa Johnson Mandell

There’s nothing more enticing than a good story—except, perhaps, a good storybook home.

Americans have been intrigued by these delightful dwellings for more than 100 years. These well-crafted, slope-roofed houses can be found across the U.S., whether outside a big city or set in the hills along leafy country roads.

We’ve found five lovingly restored storybook homes currently on the market (but surely not for long). They’re all filled with old-world charm and some modern convenience.

3 Clayton Ter, Frontenac, MO

Price: $900,000
Fast-selling beauty: This lovely brick cottage is pending sale after less than a week on the market, and once you take a look at it, you’ll see why.

Built in 1932, it’s been updated and expanded, yet it still maintains much of its original charm, including gleaming hardwood floors, stained-glass windows, elegant paneling, and two fireplaces.

Its sizable 3,207 square feet of living space contains four bedrooms—one of them a primary suite on the first floor—and three baths. The remodeled kitchen has been opened up to a family room and includes an island and quartz counters.

This storybook home is situated on an acre in the woods, among other homes of similar style and provenance. Although it’s only a 15-minute drive from St. Louis, it has a setting reminiscent of the English countryside.

———

524 S Catherine Ave, La Grange, IL

Price: $537,900
Popular property: This charmer is also pending sale after less than a week on the market, drawing multiple offers with its signature gabled roof, colorful flower beds, and overall curb appeal.

The arched windows and entryways are original, as is the fireplace flanked by built-in bookcases, most of the hardwood flooring, and the moldings. There are also special touches like French doors, original glass doorknobs, and a mosaic tile floor in the entry.

An extension was added in 2018, so there are now three bedrooms and 2.5 baths in 1,407 square feet of living space. Other amenities include a home office and a backyard deck with a retractable awning overlooking a thriving vegetable garden.

———

2753 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA

Price: $2,625,000
Sweet surprise: It’s a little-known fact that the Hollywood Hills are dotted with storybook houses built in the 1920s. This three-bedroom, three-bath gem with a double-gabled roof and leaded-glass windows sits in Beachwood Canyon, right under the iconic Hollywood sign.

This 2,205-square-foot home has undergone a recent face-lift with period-appropriate updates. The hickory wood floors, built-in shelving, and fireplace are all as good as new, if not better.

The first floor includes two light-filled bedrooms, the living room, and the brand-new kitchen with a breakfast nook. The primary suite is on the second floor and comes with a cozy sitting area, built-ins, a skylight, a large walk-in closet, and a new bath.

The backyard features lounging and dining areas, a brick patio, and a hillside rock fountain. The location is close to hiking trails, the famous Sunset Ranch riding stables, and the Beachwood Market and Cafe.

———

218 Martha Rd, Harrington Park, NJ

Price: $768,821
Storied home: This distinctive English Tudor was built in 1922 and charms all who walk by with its original wood front door and quaint mail chute.

This three-bedroom, three-bath home features a sun-filled garden room, which has windows that look out onto the 9,300 square feet of lush landscaping. Other unique features include a storage attic and a basement with a den, laundry area, and workroom.

The property is located just a few blocks from good schools, parks, tennis courts, and other Harrington Park amenities. It’s also close to a New York City transportation line.

———

37 Bronson Ave, Eastchester, NY

Price: $899,000
Fairy-tale ending: With a few updates, this could easily be your forever home. It’s located in the tranquil Green Knolls neighborhood of Eastchester, yet close enough to the big-city attractions of Manhattan.

There are three bedrooms and three baths in this 2,148-square-foot home, built in 1926. Original features include an impressive slate roof, hardwood floors, and a wood-burning fireplace. There’s also a bonus space in the third-floor attic.

The kitchen with double pantries, and the bathrooms, one with a claw-foot tub, might be due for updates, but the bones of this home appear to be solid.

The 9,060-square-foot lot is studded with stately shade trees and mature foliage. The listing notes that there are significant tax advantages as well.