Port Huron real estate watch: Starter homes and ... a castle

Springtime. What better time to check out the real estate market? The weather is warm and spirits are high. Whether you’re looking for a starter home, an investment, or just window shopping, these homes fit the bill. And then there’s that castle. No, really. An honest-to-goodness Port Huron castle is for sale.

1415 Sanborn Street: $129,900

This charming 1940s bungalow just went on the market and, for that price, seems like it might not last that long. Although a kitchen update may be in order, the house itself appears to be in wonderful shape, with well-tended hardwood floors and built-in drawers and features throughout. And for those worried about storage space, an extra-deep two-car garage with a loft above provides plenty. There’s also a private deck with a hot tub — though you’re not supposed to buy a house because of a hot tub, right? Right…

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1626 Military Street: $149,000

If the price is right on that last home but you need a little more room to stretch out, this turn-of-the-century Victorian isn’t listed for that much more yet comes in at nearly double the size. Beautiful wood doors and trim and a claw foot bath tub make this a home for those who like a bit of that old world charm. Within walking distance to the Blue Water River Walk, the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, and beautiful downtown Port Huron.

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1719 Military Street: $299,900

While the asking price is a bit beyond what one might reasonably consider a “starter home,” this home on Military is too unique to ignore. Dubbed a “once in a lifetime” opportunity in the listing, one might chalk that up to a realtor’s hyperbole — except, really, how often do you get a chance to live in a castle? This historic home, built in 1892 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, is known locally as The Castle and for good reason, too. It really does look like a castle, this thanks to the exterior’s rough-hewn Berea sandstone, arched double-doorway, and a three-story cylindrical tower, capped with a conical roof. You’d sooner find a building like this in the UK than you would in Michigan, yet here it is, right in Port Huron.

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