Here & Wow

So we're walking by the newsstand when a neon sign blinking the amount of the current lotto (well over $100 million) gets us thinking about where we'd live if we won. Of course, it changes hourly, but right now, we're thinking northern California's divine Napa Valley would be ideal, and this home in particular would be sheer nirvana. Built in 1942, the home has 12,000 square feet, which translates into 32 rooms, which includes 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, sun room, library, 3 offices, wine cellar, and gym. In some of those rooms you'll find things like hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper (the very idea makes us drool) and an actual Louis XIV fireplace (like, from France, y'all!). There are 20 acres of seriously stunning landscaped grounds to enjoy, with lawns, gardens, paths, patios, a huge pool, and views to die for. $16.950 million seals the deal. We insist you go here immediately to see more gorgeousness. (Warning: swooning, and weeping, may occur).

Heavenly Haven

We haven't featured a church in a while, so here's an especially lovely one: built in 1879, this gorgeous blue clapboard is on a peaceful street in Newport, Rhode Island, but close to downtown's shops and restaurants and, of course, the harbor. Although currently configured as two apartments—a 2 bed/2 bath downstairs, and a 4 bed/2.5 upstairs—the $699K home can easily be converted into a single family (or you can live in one and keep the other to help pay  the mortgage). Although the exterior remains intact, don't worry that the interior details have been wiped away, as there are lots of reminders of the home's former purpose, namely cathedral ceilings, stained glass windows, and arched windows. Are we the only ones wondering if guardian angels are more likely to visit if you live here? For more info/pics, go here

Brick Talk

We're back in one of our favorite places, Savannah, Georgia, where this pristine 1950 brick ranch is on the market for a quite reasonable $239K. The 3 bed/1 bath home has been nicely updated—the bath is new (white subway tiles/bath/sink/etc means you can easily change out the towels and maybe wall color and, voila, a whole new look emerges), as is the kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and deep cherrywood cabinets. We especially love the original hardwood floors, the sweet sun room off the kitchen (fantastic floor-to-ceiling windows) and the stone patio and backyard. A carport built for two completes the picture, which is pretty damned perfect for the tiny price, don't you agree? See more here

Music City Mania

It happened again: we were minding our business in a local store (ok, we were eavesdropping), when we overheard someone talking about a couple they knew who had just packed up and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. "They got a great house and their monthly mortgage is less than renting a small apartment here!" There's a reason we keep hearing this story—Music City has awesome houses at reasonable prices. Why, here's one now: nearly 2000 square feet, with 3 beds/2 baths in the historic Lockeland Springs nabe (2 miles from downtown), this reno'd Victorian bungalow has amazing curb appeal (we're dying over that porch), leaded glass windows, burnished wood floors, crown molding, interior columns, and a sweet patio and yard. Asking price? $339.9K. You're thinking about moving there now, too, aren't you? Take a closer look here

Legend of Litchfield

These digs have a pedigree: The king of Bauhaus, Marcel Breuer, designed this sleek beauty 45 years ago where it still reigns over 9.5 acres in posh Litchfield County, Connecticut. On the market for $3.395 million, "Stillman II" as the home is known, has been featured in many books and magazines (beginning with the late great House and Garden in 1967), and has been studied by wide-eyed architecture students for decades. A museum-quality restoration has upgraded Breuer's distinct vision of modern living, but his emphasis on indoor/outdoor coexistence remains. The 5 bed/3.5 bath home includes a cantilevered guest "cube," large pool, garage and, of course, breathtaking vistas from every giant glass wall. Get schooled here

Winners and Saints

This is one of those properties that, once you scratch the surface, you realize what a great deal it is. Just a stone's throw from the bay in northern Vermont, this 1890-era St. Albans' farmhouse has been solidly updated and revamped with new roof, heating, and electric, updated kitchen, gas fireplace, etc. The vintage details are, thankfully, intact—high ceilings, bay windows, carved doorways, and built-ins galore. Asking $495K, the 5 bed/3.5 bath home sits on nearly half an acre and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the town movie theatre, not to mention all sorts of outdoor activities, from snowshoeing and skiing, to hiking and swimming. (Of course, we'd just be happy to park it on that fab front porch and watch everyone else sweat, but to each his own.) To see more, go here

American Beauty

No less a source than Smithsonian Magazine just named gorgeous Great Barrington, Massachusetts, #1 on its list of The 20 Best Small Towns in America. In the middle of the glorious Berkshires, it's an ideal place to live, and just imagine doing it from this exquisite shingled manse sitting on a lush 8 acre lot. Originally built in 1812, the roomy 7 bed/5 bath home has been carefully restored and revamped within an inch of its life. From the marble countertops in the kitchen to the fireplaces in every bedroom, from the creamy woodwork and built-ins to the screened in patio, no detail has been overlooked. Asking $2.675 million, there's a greenhouse, sunroom, perennial gardens, salt-water pool, plus the Green River runs right through the grounds, so you also can take a plunge in one of nature's best swimming holes. To see more of this amazing house, go here

San Antonio Steal

There's so much to do in San Antonio: if you're into history, you can visit the Alamo or the famed Spanish Missions; if you've got kids, there's Six Flags or Sea World; you can also just meander along River Walk, cheer at a Spurs basketball game, or go and stare at the 40 foot tall cowboy boots at the North Star Mall. And if you grab this fantastic house, you can do all of it for just $174.5K (nope, not a misprint). Located in the Windcrest nabe, the 3 bed/2.5 bath on a private cul-de-sac has a huge curved picture window in the dining room, wood-beamed living room with gas fireplace, and a shady patio/atrium. Takas Park and Windcrest Park are within shouting distance, as is access to golfing and nature trails. Which is great and all, but we're most excited about eyeballing those 40 foot tall boots. For more info/pics of this bargain, go here

What A Raquet!

This Palm Springs, California, butterfly-roofed beauty is an Alexander original, built in 1959, but completely gut-renovated earlier this year. Located in the Racquet Club Road Estates and asking $519K, it has 3 beds/2.5 baths, sliding glass walls, new kitchen, new baths, and all manner of sparkling upgrades. The outdoor areas are where you'd be spending a lot of time and you can take your pick of where to hang out: the patio/lounge area, the firepit/conversation area, the grassy lawn, or in the gorgeous pool. And we almost forgot the spectacular mountain views that ring the property. And just think, you'll only need two kinds of outfits: swimming suit for day, caftan/loungewear for night. What could be more comfy? To see more, go here

Razzle Dazzle 'Em

Just in case you win the lotto this weekend, or rich old Uncle Cecil kicks and you inherit everything, here's a house for thought: a 12,000 square foot 1906 stunner in Minneapolis, Minnesota with over an acre of landscaped grounds and a carriage house. Asking $6.5 million, the totally revamped brick beauty has 7 beds/3 full/6 partial baths and swoon-inducing details like 10 fireplaces, stained and leaded glass, hand carved woodwork, and a cypress paneled sun parlor. In what was once a nursery, you'll still find the original Mother Goose tiled fireplace, and between the main house and the 2 bed/2 bath carriage house, the underground tunnel has been revamped  (so you don't have to get snow on your Prada boots in winter) and a full gym added. If Jay Gatsby had relocated a few hundred miles west, this is where he'd have hung his hat. To see more, go here

Ringling Respite

This Florida home—sort of a mashup of Spanish/mid-century—was built for a Ringling Bros. circus staffer who was also rumored to have been the agent for The Wizard of Oz Munchkins, enough to qualify it for inclusion on this site, but it's also got great style. Located just 3 blocks from the water in Sarasota's quiet, historic Bayview Heights nabe, the 1948 home has 3 beds/3 baths, plus updated plumbing and electric. Naturally, we like the vintage touches like rare Cuban tile flooring in the living area, the kind of wild green kitchen cabinets, wood ceilings, and terrazzo floors. $499K includes all the mangoes you can eat (there's a prolific trees on the large lot), and puts you in walking distance of shops, restaurants and of course the waterfront. Click here for a closer look.

A Piece of Lake

To kickstart the long weekend, we're giving you something reasonable to obsess over: a $225k cottage in the northern reaches of Vermont, along the shores of Lake Champlain. Yeah, that's not a misprint, you can get waterside for that price. We're not claiming it's luxurious or large, but it gets the job done and has charm and location on its side. Built in 1945, the 2 bed/1 bath home is in the old area known as "The Pines" and sits across the street from the community's private beach and has a front porch, back deck, and views over the lake. The landscaping's lovely, there's a matching blue detached one car garage, and the hideous northeast flooding of 2011 didn't touch this place. So hurry and snatch this one up so you can get in before Labor Day rolls around. For more info/pics, go here

Trullo Love

How's this for a dream: Imagine you're in Italy, but not any of the usual places (sorry, Tuscany Rome, and Venice). No, you've journeyed  south, into the heel, actually, smack between the Ionic and Adriatic coasts. You're in exotic Puglia and you find yourself standing in front of this sublime old stone structure, called a "trullo," that's far away from the noise and the tourist buses. Meticulously restored and updated, the $1.7 million home has 4 beds/3 baths, stone vaulted ceilings, two open fireplaces, and radiant floor heating. Outside, where you'll spend at least half of every day, are gardens, stone terraces galore, and an exquisite pool—all with views of the intoxicatingly lush Italian countryside. Oh: and the tasteful furnishings? All included. Now, don't you want to make this dream a reality? For more info/pics, go here

Story Hill Fairy Tale

Milwaukee's got a lot of charming neighborhoods, but none more than Stony Hill, developed in the 1920s for the growing middle class who wanted to be close to downtown, but didn't want an urban look. The 300 or so homes here, rather ornate and made of stone or brick, are on quiet, tree-lined streets just north of verdant Miller Park. This 1929 Tudor is one of the loveliest, with 4 beds/2.5 baths, updated baths and a granite-and-stainless steel kitchen. But it's the original details that make the $380K price such a bargain: leaded and stained glass windows, wood beamed ceilings, two fireplaces, sunken living and dining rooms, arched doorways, stucco walls, vintage light fixtures and one-of-a-kind iron work. So: scroll through the pictures here, fall in love, and start job searching in Milwaukee. Now!

Agressively Passive

Ladies and gentlemen: behold the first certified passive house in the entire state of Virginia. Brand new and located in Charlottesville—just down the road from Thomas Jefferson's grand Monticello—the 2250 square foot 3-level house should reduce your utility bills by leaps and bounds as it was built for energy efficiency. Constructed of cedar and stucco, there's air purification and fresh air recovery systems, passive solar heating, a vacuum system and touches like cork floors and surround sound. The 3 bed/2.5 bath home, which has a warm, contemporary feel with clean lines, high ceilings and non-toxic materials (of course), also has several outdoor decks and porches with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. $649K gives you a nearly invisible footprint, but the impression on your soul? Deep and meaningful. For more info/pics, go  here

Amuse-Louche

This stunning Austin, Texas, home has lived twice before: in 1890, it was a firehouse, and in 1940 it became Capitol Saddlery, where everyone who was anyone had their boots made (even Al Capone!). Now dubbed Palazzo Lavaca, the nearly 7000 square foot home has been turned into a lavish sanctuary that looks like it belongs on Venice's Grand Canal. Fortuny-esque wallpaper, vintage crystal chandeliers, high ceilings with old wood beams, a mirror-and-marble bathroom we'd happily live in forever—it's all here, wrapped in a luxe, somewhat decadent air. In addition to the 3 beds/3.5 baths plus all sorts of nooks and crannies, the $4.4 million price includes city views, terrace, parking and some ghosts, but we're sure they're friendly. And obviously they're stylish. To see more, go here immediately!

Ranch Lesson

The call of Charlotte, North Carolina, was too strong to ignore, especially as it was coming from this super sweet 1964 rehabbed ranch in the friendly Stonehaven nabe. Asking $249.5K, the 3 bed/2.5 bath has tons of upgrades—new roof, heating/air conditioning, cork floors, updated kitchen with stainless appliances, and refurbished wood floors—and has been spiffed up within an inch of its life (great paint colors, crown molding, light fixtures). There's a fireplace, two living spaces, a screen porch that overlooks the backyard, plus parking for 4 cars and fantastic curb appeal. What can we say? Charlotte's our idea of real estate heaven. To see more of this house, go here

Pilgrim Party

Hugging the Massachusetts coast, Plymouth is best known as the site of the first Thanksgiving and the place where the pilgrims landed. It's also got incredible beaches, forests and scattered ponds, and for just a smidge under $500K, this 3 bed/1 bath house there could make sure you enjoy all of it. Situated on a half acre, the 1500 square foot home sits on a hill 90 feet above sea level, overlooking Gurnet lighthouse and Saquish and Duxbury beaches from one side, and the town of Plymouth from the other. In other words, the views are to die for and you can stare at them to your heart's content from two decks in warmer months, or from the second floor, where the living/dining/kitchen are, in the winter. Just thinking about this place has us wishing for a bowl of seafood chowder and a mug of beer. See what you think here

Liberty or Death!

Uh-oh, here goes again: We had sit down with a hefty glass of white wine (Cakebread sauvignon blanc, which we highly recommend!) before we could take a closer look at this glorious deco dreamhouse. Located on Liberty Hill, right in the middle of gorgeous but seriously pricey San Francisco, the $3.15 million home, built in 1938, has 3 beds/3.5 baths and is polished and buffed to utter perfection. Glowing inside and out, it has marble counters in the gourmet kitchen, slate and hardwood floors, interior polished steel railings, open living/dining with fireplace and corner windows, curved walls, classic glass block design, and a garden with irrigation system. The added bonus? Your very own garage (a rarity in the city by the Bay, where parking is a nightmare). Now, go grab your own liquor of choice and be ready to weep over the beauty here

The (Sun) Devil Made Us Do It

Post this house, that is. But it's a worthy inclusion: a 1962 ranch with 4 beds/2 bath and a load of updates in Tempe, land of the Arizona State Sun Devils in all their various forms (football, baseball, basketball). Our favorite room is a toss up between the lavishly-appointed kitchen (Custom wood cabinets! Granite counters! Stainless appliances! An island with seating!), and this comfy family room with light tile floor and dark tongue-and-groove ceiling. Asking $299.9K, it also includes a charming paneled library, screened patio and grassy yard. So whadya say: ready to embrace college sports and make gold and maroon your new favorite colors? Then go here for a closer look.

History Poised

An hour and change from New York City, Brewster is probably best known as the hometown of That Girl (aka, Anne Marie, played Marlo Thomas). It's also a beautiful little village with a train that will take you right into Manhattan, so why not consider putting down roots there, perhaps in this darling 1840 3 bed/2 bath farmhouse? It's got the vintage details we love: painted clapboard walls, multiple interior french doors, wood-burning stove, a great room with cathedral ceiling (above), a living room with a ceiling constructed of old barn beams, chestnut floors, built-ins, etc. And then there's the outdoor areas: a deck, a large brick patio, shallow pond, gardens, and over 4 acres to roam. And for $525K, you could start planning skating parties on that pond for the winter. To see more, go here

Mid-Century Modern Monday: Call of the Canyon

Another unsung southern  California architect, Allen Siple was friends with fellow architect A. Quincy Jones and developer Paul Trousdale and, in fact, oversaw the architectural review for L.A.'s famous mid-century Trousdale Estates (sadly, two of his fabulous homes for that project, owned by Dinah Shore and Richard Nixon, are gone). But all it takes is one look at this eye-popping 2 bed/2 bath in L.A.'s Mandeville Canyon (in the pricey Brentwood area) to know how talented he was. Built in 1953 and made of local slate and wood beams salvaged from Venice's pier, the house has soaring 40 foot tall stone walls in the living room, walls of windows, cantilvered ceilings and voluptuous outdoor spaces on its 5+ acres. Trust us, $2.495 is a bargain, which you'll realize when you look here.

Love Shack

You already know that Portland, Oregon, is a great place to live—big enough at around 550,000 to provide its citizens with tons of things to do and see, but small and spread out enough to give everyone room to breathe—but did you know it's also America's greenest city and ranks in the top 3 for foodies? It's also home to this compact but adorable 2 bed/1 bath cedar-clad ranch on a dead end street, perfect for a couple, especially if they like to garden (there's a sizeable backyard that could be growing your future salads). Today's bargain at $179K, we're digging the the corner windows, beamed ceilings, wood floors and the cozy wood stove in the living room. Just thinking about the reasonable mortgage payments brings tears to our eyes. Take a closer look here

The Hills Have Sighs

Love the desert? Love the mountains? Love city lights? Love privacy? Love to swim in private while looking at city and mountain views? Well, you're in luck, then, because this unusual stone and concrete home in the Four Hills area of Albuquerque is on the market. Asking $595K, the 5 bed/3 full/2 half bath house has lots of interior and exterior space—over 4000 square feet inside and 2 acres outside, including east and west facing patios (because sunrise is just as important as sunset) and a pool with cabana. Built in 1965, the home is casual and airy, with huge picture windows to take in the awesome views, cool flagstone floors, walls of stone and wood-clad ceilings. So like the Partridge Family once sang, point me in the direction of Albu-quer-queee...For more pics/info, go here

Golden Daze

We're starting the day, indeed, the weekend, with a bargain: this gracious 1907 Victorian mansion just minutes from downtown Pittsburgh with 6 beds/3 baths and tons of character. The price? $279.9K and, no, we're not pulling your leg. The elegance starts with the glassed-in portico and follows through the marbled vestible and right into the stunning stained-glass entry door. Inside, the rooms are beautifully proportioned with high ceilings, burnished wood floors, pocket doors, ornate crown molding, a grand staircase and exquisite carved woodwork and mantels. Okay, the kitchen does need some updating, but please don't rip out the baths and replace them with blah-blah modern--the vintage tile is positively dreamy and suits the home's bones. See just how far your hard-earned dollars can go here

Mooning Over Kentucky

Another example of the elusive, well-designed 70s house has been uncovered again, this time just a few minutes from lovely downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Built in 1978 and asking $699K, this wood clad home has an arresting contemporary-meets-log-cabin exterior and a spacious modern interior with wood floors, high ceilings (some also made of tongue-and-groove wood) and walls of windows. There are 3 beds/3.5 baths, with a sitting room and study off the master suite, plus several decks, attached and detached garages for 6 cars and—drum roll please—2.5 acres of luscious Kentucky land. Go here for a closer look.

Ye Auld Bonnie Beauty

Today's extravagance is an imposing old estate in the countryside of Fife (southeast Scotland) with its very own name: Lochiehead. Dating back to 1803, it's a grand property with an enormous main house comprised of 8 beds/5 baths, a handsome drawing room with views over the garden and hills, formal dining room, sitting room, etc. There are several other buildings including the Coachman's House (with a huge party room complete with stage, kitchen, two bathrooms, bedroom, stables), the Coachman's Cottage (3 beds/2 baths) and the Gate Lodge (2 beds/1 bath). The $3.15 million price tag also comes with 95 acres of the greenest land you can imagine and includes a walled garden and pond. The location is close to lake and sea fishing, sailing, golfing (St. Andrews is nearby), horseback riding, hunting, and if the urge to go into a big city strikes, Edinburgh is less than an hour away. Pretty mind-blowing for the price, right? Have a closer look here

Elysian Steals

THIS HOUSE HAS BEEN SOLD!  Even though Los Angeles seems to have more pricey homes than any other city in America—and people like Ryan Seacrest to buy them (he's plunking down over $35 million for Ellen DeGeneres' house!)—there are some affordable alternatives. Take this swell little compound in the hipster Echo Park nabe, on the market for a very acceptable $595K. The one bed/one bath cottage (with an additional study/baby's room) has an especially inviting entry behind a wrought iron gate that involves boxwoods, trees, a stone patio and this gurgling fountain (left). The interior has been thoroughly updated with new plumbing, electrical, central air, etc., and there's a working fireplace for chilly nights and large windows with canyon views for daydreaming. Out back you'll find an adorable guest cottage with this nifty white-tiled bathroom, a deck with views of downtown, and a garden area with another fountain to soothe your psyche. Bottom line: if you don't buy this, we will, so go here immediately.

Wowed in Winnetka

Have you ever seen Home Alone? How about Sixteen Candles? Risky Business? Well, as it turns out, portions of them were filmed in Winnetka, Illinois, although they didn't't fully convey the affluence of the area. So, for the sake of accuracy, we suggest Hollywood shoot a movie in this magnificent 1928 mansion perched on Lake Michigan's finest one acre-plus parcel. Priced at $7.99 million, the 6350 square foot home has eye-popping details: arched ceilings and windows, immense fireplaces, a kitchen so splendid as to induce tears, a glass conservatory, underground parking, wine cellars, plus terraces/ gardens overlooking the lake. We're seriously stunned, and you will be, too—just look here