Christmas in Connecticut?

THIS HAS BEEN SOLD!  "Stunning" is the first word that comes to mind with this nearly 300 year old saltbox in Norwich, Connecticut. Restored to museum standards, it has the kind of details you have to see to believe, like five fireplaces including a huge granite beauty in one of the two parlors, detailed raised panel front doors, two pantries and a beehive oven in the kitchen. With 4 beds/3 baths and over 2600 square feet, it could be a grand weekend home for New Yorkers who like to entertain, or a family who like living with history. Either way, at $299,900, it's got your number. For more info/pics, go here

Here Comes the Sun

Valley, that is, the star of the state of Idaho, home of the potato and sometimes Demi Moore. Anyhoo...it's a stunning place to live—fresh air, mountains, hiking, skiing, kayaking, fishing. We feel healthier just thinking about living here! And you could do that easily in this 4 bed/4 bath home that comes with a gourmet kitchen, beautifully landscaped grounds, and two terraces. Cozy but comfortable at 2775 square feet, the $699K asking price is more than reasonable for the location and character. Hurry and you could be making smores in the fireplace come Valentine's Day! For more info/pics, go here

Suite Sixties

THIS HAS BEEN SOLD! Okay, you already know that the Rose Bowl takes place in Pasadena every New Year's, but did you also know that exotic parrots hang out in the trees of this L.A. satellite? Well, for those of us who don't die for football, it's nice to know that this gorgeous town has other interesting things going on (besides the wild birds, there are fabulous museums, an upscale downtown, and a lively restaurant scene). $405K gets you this sleek 2 bed/2 bath condo in a small 10-unit complex built in 1961. Parking, pool and central air included. For more info/pics, go here

Midwest Marvelous

THIS HAS BEEN SOLD!  It's not only presidential candidates who dig Des Moines. This sturdy city, home to the majority of America's insurance companies, has a reputation as a great place to raise a family. Why not do just that in this renovated $189,900 4 bed/2 bath home in the historic Sherman Hill area (close to downtown)? Built in 1868, it's got high ceilings, shining wood floors, a beautiful backyard with patio and the comfy wraparound porch. Perfect for hanging with all your new bffs from down the block. For more info/pics, go here

Northern Light

When you watched the Sandra Bullock romcom "The Proposal," did you love the real estate and location as much as the love story? Yeah, so did we—which is why you should take a look at this drop-dead $1,239,500 4 bed/3/5 bath oceanfront home in cinematic Sitka, Alaska. Built in 2010, nearly every room has panoramic water views and the details are all top notch, from radiant floor heating to carerra marble countertops to scraped walnut floors. Although Ryan Reynolds' abs are not included, it's still totally worth it.  For more info/pics, go here

French Bliss

VACATION RENTAL: Yes, Virginia, you can spend your vacation in a gorgeous 15th century chateau in the south of France, and, No, it won't cost you what's left of your 401k savings. Within spitting distance of  Carcassonne, Montpellier and Nimes is Chateau St. Laurent, which sleeps up to 10 and which rents for between $2200-3800 per week depending on the season. There's gorgeous gardens, a stunning dining terrace, a pool, plus a private beach and waterfall beside the river just below. Airport pickups, babysitting, cooking—all can be easily arranged. So, when do we leave? For more info/pics, go here

Gone Fishing

Stressed out from city life? This cozy cottage on Michigan's Lake Briggs (north of Anne Arbor) could be the cure. Just under 600 square feet and basically one room with a bath, it has all you'll need: compact kitchen with granite counters, large glass windows opening to the deck with water views, two sinks in the bathroom, and a basement for storage. There's a sandy little beach to park your exhausted bones, the lake's clean for swimming, and the fish bite year-round. $109K for your sanity? Priceless. For more info/pics, go here

(Big) Easy Does It

New Orleans is arguably America's most original city, so this eclectic former warehouse, reno'd post-Katrina, fits right in. Located in the Lower Garden District, the $699K property consists of three parts: the main house, with nearly 3,000 square feet of living space; the guest house, with another 1390 square feet, and a lushly landscaped courtyard with fountain. And just think: if you lived here, maybe you'd be on nodding basis with fellow locals Brangelina. It could happen! For more info/pics, go here

House to Worship

Even if you're not religious, living in a converted church could be a temptation—especially when it looks like this. Modern on the inside/19th century on the outside, the $239K 2 bed/2 bath condo has 1700+ square feet of lofty spaces on 3 floors in Richmond, VA. Vintage details include stained glass windows, a brick fireplace and an original wooden choir archway; new ones include travertine floors and granite countertops. And how about a 40 foot vaulted living room ceiling? Now that's heavenly!  For more info/pics, go here