23 Years in the Making: Half-Built Michigan Mansion Lists for $1.9m

Tour this mysterious Michigan property with a glass dome

Would you spend $1.9 million on a half-built mansion that's been under construction for a staggering 23 years? This curious property in Marshall, Michigan, is up for sale, and it could offer a brave buyer a unique investment opportunity. Rising in the middle of dense woodlands, the mansion is a surreal sight, with its glass dome and grand front portico. Work on the sprawling manse began in 2000 and yet somehow, all these years later, the pad still isn't complete. Click or scroll on to take a tour...

Elaborate design

Described as “a palace of the Great Lakes region” by the listing agents, the new-build mansion benefits from a gated entrance and a winding brick driveway, as well as 30 rolling acres where plans are in place for a pond, swimming pool, pool house and guest house. Visually unique, the pad was designed by award-winning architectural firm DesRosiers, and features a jaw-dropping rotunda that takes center stage both externally and internally.

Blank canvas

Stepping inside and the extent of the work that's still required become obvious. With bare stud walls and construction materials scattered across every room, the house is certainly a blank canvas that could be finished in a variety of ways. The house is laid out over four floors, with 15,800 square feet of space in total. The current owners can even provide contractor quotes to finish the house, as well as blueprints and optional architectural designs to help the buyer complete the job. 

Ambitious plans

The sprawling layout includes a chef's kitchen, numerous living rooms, a dining room and a grand entrance hall with a spiral staircase, a glass elevator and the imposing glass rotunda overhead. There’s also an epic owners' suite that occupies the full right wing of the main level, plus space for four additional bedrooms. The basement was designed to house a gym, games room, home theater, bar, aquarium, sauna, yoga room and cryogenics salon, but the space could be put to almost any use. Plus, an adjoining seven-acre parcel is also for sale and comes complete with a concrete bunker! Up for the challenge?

Read on to discover more amazing abandoned mansions for sale

READ MORE: Marvelous neglected mansions

Designed to impress and delight, mansions come in all shapes and sizes, but while some are occupied and loved for centuries, others are forgotten and left to the sands of time. From sprawling historic homes to impressive new estates that were never quite finished, these abandoned mansions for sale are the ultimate fixer-uppers. Click or scroll on to take a look inside the grandest neglected homes on the market right now...

Federal-style home, Kentucky, USA: $99,900

Available for a staggeringly low sum, this beautiful, federal-style home can be found in the city of Columbia, Kentucky. Spacious and filled with lovely historic features, the fixer-upper has endless potential.

Federal-style home, Kentucky, USA: $99,900

Known as the Field House, the property dates back to 1812 and is said to have a connection to classic American author, Mark Twain, although the listing doesn't elaborate further. Head through the front door and you'll find yourself in a light-filled, 4,480-square-foot interior. There's a spacious entryway, decorated with incredible vintage wallpaper, walnut hardwood floors, antique light fixtures and a prominent staircase.

Federal-style home, Kentucky, USA: $99,900

On either side of the hall, there are two parlor rooms that are perfect for entertaining guests, or curling up with a book. There's also a dining room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Every single room is also filled with historic details, such as hardwood floors, original fireplaces, sash windows and built-ins. However, it's clear from the state of the walls and ceiling in this once-segmented room that some renovation efforts will be needed to bring the house back to life.

Federal-style home, Kentucky, USA: $99,900

According to the listing, there’s also a partially finished attic, which could be utilized as a master suite. However, the house needs work both inside and out and, apparently, the plumbing and electrical systems will need to be updated in order to meet modern standards. If you fancy taking on this beautiful affordable historic home, it's for sale with RE/MAX Highland Realty for a mere $99,900

Old West End home, Ohio, USA: $169,900

If you have a slightly bigger budget you could get your hands on this amazing historic home in Toledo, Ohio. Described by the listing agents, Wiens & Roth Real Estate, as an "Old West End home", the property has bags of curb appeal, as well as seemingly endless interior space.

Old West End home, Ohio, USA: $169,900

Built in 1902, the Victorian residence benefits from almost 5,000 square feet of inside space, spread across three floors. There's a light-filled entryway with a gorgeous timber staircase, numerous reception rooms for hosting and relaxing, a kitchen, a library, six bedrooms and three bathrooms.

Old West End home, Ohio, USA: $169,900

Every single room boasts dreamy period details that the new owner will no doubt want to preserve. These include hardwood floors, tiled fireplaces, sash windows, wood trims, wrought iron radiators and beamed ceilings – and despite the home's age, these elements all seem to be in great condition, so not too much work should be needed in order to get the house move-in ready.

Old West End home, Ohio, USA: $169,900

As well as the main house, the property also comes complete with a spacious yard and a garage, above which there's a rental unit with its own kitchen, laundry space and bedroom. So, whether you want to buy the house and flip it for profit or create your dream home, this listing is one you shouldn't overlook, especially when it's priced at $169,900.

60-acre homestead, Massachusetts, USA: $700,000

Providing fantastic bang for your buck, this 60-acre homestead in Franklin County, Massachusetts, is priced at just $700,000. For your money, you'll gain two homes and a barn, as well as seemingly endless land that's waiting to be put to good use. 

60-acre homestead, Massachusetts, USA: $700,000

The main residence might look like a historic farmhouse, but it was actually built in 2005 and never quite finished. So, the buyer will need to bring their imagination and their tool belt with them in order to complete the job. Measuring 4,500 square feet, the property occupies an elevated position, meaning it benefits from incredible views across the surrounding landscape. As for the interior, it's a real blank canvas.

60-acre homestead, Massachusetts, USA: $700,000

The remote residence offers plenty of lovely touches inside too, such as hardwood cherry flooring, full-height fireplaces and solid timber doors. However, most of the rooms need to be finished – we’re talking floors, walls and ceilings – so this isn’t a job for the faint of heart. However, some of the work has already been done, including the installation of heating, plumbing and septic systems. The standalone two-bedroom cottage is also in need of a makeover.

60-acre homestead, Massachusetts, USA: $700,000

Of course, the land surrounding this homestead is truly spectacular, with rolling hills, thick woodlands and soaring peaks in the distance. What's more, the estate lies close to the mountains of The Berkshires and the sought-after ski slopes of Vermont, making it ideally placed as a vacation retreat. Turn the spare home and barn into rental cottages and you've got a house with a job thrown in! 

Dr John C. Dubois House, New York, USA: $995,000

If you're house-hunting in Hudson, New York, then your search could be over. Known as the Dr John C. Dubois House, this majestic mansion has history, style and space in abundance. For starters, it's positioned on one of Hudson's most glamorous tree-lined streets and has so much curb appeal it's sure to make your neighbors green with envy. Plus, it's up for grabs with Compass for a fairly reasonable $995,000. 

Dr John C. Dubois House, New York, USA: $995,000

An architectural gem, the property was built for the local doctor’s family in around 1880 and now lies at the heart of the Hudson Historic District. The 6,200-square-foot residence has been chopped and changed a lot over the years, including numerous extensions. Thankfully though, the previous owner began returning the house to its original splendor and has left it in a good state for the buyer. 

Dr John C. Dubois House, New York, USA: $995,000

Core restorative works have already been undertaken, which should make finishing the job slightly easier. The timber staircase has been restored, the home's hardwood floors repaired and original stained-glass windows fixed – they just need to be installed. However, clearly quite a lot still needs to be done. Inside, there are six bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and endless living spaces, spread across three floors.

Dr John C. Dubois House, New York, USA: $995,000

Original features include the home’s huge arched windows, etched glass apertures, fireplaces, brick exposures, parquet floors and the exquisite turquoise turret that decorates the façade. The third floor provides panoramic views of Mount Merino and the Catskills, while the quarter-acre private yard has plenty of space for a swimming pool. There’s even a huge basement that needs to be finished. What’s more, the house lies in an opportunity zone, meaning the buyer will be eligible for federal and local tax credits.

Private island estate, Montana, USA: $72 million

If you're in the market for an abandoned American mansion like no other, then look no further. Priced at an eye-watering $72 million through Hall and Hall, Cromwell Island in Montana is the ultimate private paradise. The idyllic isle not only benefits from more than 348 deeded acres of land and a guest villa, but also a huge unfinished mansion that's waiting to start a new chapter. 

Private island estate, Montana, USA: $72 million

Construction started in the 1990s, when the current owner and her late husband purchased the plot. The building works continued for a decade, until the couple decided to move elsewhere, leaving the mansion abandoned and incomplete. Apparently, it was designed to emulate 16th-century French architecture and we can certainly see what the couple was trying to achieve. Stretching an impressive 45,000 square feet, the property radiates grandeur. 

Private island estate, Montana, USA: $72 million

Built to survive extreme island weather, the house has a concrete shell case, reinforced with epoxy-coated rebar. Currently, the interior is laid out as a three- or four-bedroom home with nine bathrooms, but since it's still very much under construction, there's plenty of flexibility when it comes to the floor plan. Two staircases in the main entrance would offer guests a dramatic welcome, while a helical staircase takes visitors up to the north tower. 

Private island estate, Montana, USA: $72 million

Every single room is huge, with soaring ceilings, endless windows and plenty of elaborate design details that haven't quite been finished. Talk about the ultimate fixer-upper! As for the guest villa, it's all but complete and just needs a few final touches. Travel to the island is mostly by boat and the property comes with five slips that can essentially accommodate every kind of vessel, including a 70-foot yacht!

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