A historic mill in Colorado that was once used for gold and silver mining has just returned to the market with a significant price chop—presenting an enterprising buyer with a “rare opportunity to own a piece of American heritage.”
The prototype property, which was built in 1912 and once brought in investment from titans of industry such as Franklin Rockefeller and N.R. Bagley, is known as the Frisco-Bagley Mill and Tunnel. It sits “just beyond the famed ghost town of Animas Forks on the Alpine Loop” in Silverton, CO.
Originally listed for $375,000 in 2024, the property returned to the market on June 29 after the sellers dropped the price to $325,000. It quickly earned the gold-medal position on the week’s most popular homes list.
Perched on nearly 31 acres of land, the mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of two structures on the parcel. It also features a “livable” off-grid cabin that was built in 1999 and offers 300 square feet of living space.
Found inside the tiny home are a spring-fed sink and solar-powered stove and refrigerator. A propane catalytic heater and a kerosene space heater provide warmth. Buyers should note that the listing makes no mention of a bathroom or outhouse.
According to the listing, the property is “eligible for grants and tax incentives related to historic properties, mining reclamation, and economic development.”
Other properties grabbing attention this week are a party house with a “Gone with the Wind” bar in Tennessee, a Georgia prepper’s paradise with underground Atlas Survival Shelters Platinum Series Safe Cellar, and a lakefront cabin with vintage guest trailer in Washington.
Price: $750,000
Why it’s here: A two-bedroom cabin with a two-bay boathouse and two docks on Custom House Island is being offered for the first time since it was built in 1950.
The wood-clad residence sits on a private island on Balch Lake and features stunning views from nearly every room. The 1,204-square-foot interior has exposed beams, hardwood floors, and large windows. The cozy living room has a wood-burning stove, and the dining room is spacious. According to the listing, a tin boat is included in the sale.
A $46 monthly association fee provides access to multiple beaches and sport courts.
Brooke Peterson of Re/Max Realty One is the listing agent.
Price: $1,225,000
Why it’s here: The historic 1887 Gustave Mayhoff Cottage was featured on Season 1 of “Restoring Galveston,” formerly “The Big Texas Fix.”
This legendary six-bedroom estate was restored by the Cordrays of Save 1900. Original highlights throughout the 3,888-square-foot interior include preserved hardwood floors, custom millwork, and dormer windows with built-in seating. A modern kitchen now boasts an oversized marble island. The primary suite has dual vanities, a walk-in shower, and a soaking tub. A finished lower level has a bar, entertainment room, and additional accommodations.
Covered decks overlook a resort-inspired pool with a hot tub.
Jessica Dillard of Save 1900 Realty LLC is the listing agent.
Price: $1,850,000
Why it’s here: This party home custom-designed for entertaining comes with an unusual lower-level beach-inspired sandbox, indoor Tiki hut, and a “Gone With the Wind” bar!
Built in 2002, this four-bedroom residence named “Tara” boasts a Scarlett O’Hara–inspired grand entry with dual staircases. One leads to two bedrooms and the other leads to a bonus room, which could be used as a home office, gym, or additional accommodations.
Other unique amenities found throughout the spacious 8,865-square-foot interior include a half-bathroom with outdoor water faucet sink handles, a fitness room with porthole windows, and a columned primary suite with a full kitchen, fireplace, and heart-shaped sunken tub.
The 12.75-acre gated estate also has a pool, gazebo, and three-car carport.
Katrina Morrow of Keller Williams Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $489,000
Why it’s here: This 11.64-acre retreat next to the Chattahoochee National Forest is anchored by a three-bedroom home with a stunning feature: a brand-new underground Atlas Survival Shelters Platinum Series Safe Cellar.
Designed as a nuclear/biological/chemical shelter, it is equipped with blast-valve air filtration, a sealed interior-latching hatch, water storage fed by a well, and a secondary escape hatch. The primary residence has a modern kitchen, a screened-in porch, and a pergola-covered deck. A detached guest cottage with a kitchenette and loft has a deck with a hot tub.
The prepper’s paradise also has a powered two-room shed, two additional outbuildings, a well with electric pump, a backup hand-draw well, an open meadow “ready for gardens or crops,” a pond with solar-powered pump, and a fenced garden with raised beds.
Melissa McKinsey of Keller Williams Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $499,900
Why it’s here: It’s a reasonably priced midcentury modern home offering spectacular views of the Tennessee River.
The updated 2,177-square-foot interior features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and oversized windows and glass doors. A light-filled living area has a gas fireplace. The dining room has French doors that open to a spacious deck.
A basement workshop has a roll-up door for easy access. The 1.22-acre lot also has a double carport.
The Mike Randall Team of Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Properties is the listing agent.
Price: $349,900
Why it’s here: Built in 1880, this post-and-beam farmhouse “sits on land originally granted to a Revolutionary War veteran,” according to the listing.
The three-bedroom residence features a former detached kitchen outbuilding that was later joined to the main home by a dining room addition that once operated as a tavern in the mid-1800s. Period details in the 1,949-square-foot interior include hand-hewn beams with visible ax marks, hickory hardwood and brick floors, vaulted ceilings, and custom millwork. Electrical and plumbing systems have been updated.
A deck and covered porch overlook the 1-acre lot, which is dotted with mature trees and wildflowers.
Price: $699,900
Why it’s here: This cabin with deep water frontage on Loon Lake boasts a private dock and vintage trailer.
Built in 1962, the two-bedroom residence has been beautifully modernized. It features vaulted wood ceilings with exposed beams, a sun-soaked kitchen with updated appliances, and sliders that open to an enormous deck. A walk-out lower level has an enclosed porch and access to an additional deck with a hot tub.
A $15 monthly association fee provides residents access to walking trails, a community beach, a park, and a boat launch.
Jessica Griffiths Granly of John L Scott, Spokane Valley/Liberty Lake is the listing agent.
Price: $1,999,000
Why it’s here: It’s a restored hand-hewn log cabin originally built in 1795 in Frederick, MD. It was relocated to Lewes, DE, and reconstructed in 1988.
The three-bedroom residence is centered around a village green and “offers a setting unlike anything else at the Delaware beaches.” Charming details include original ax and hatchet marks from its 18th-century construction, notched joints, refinished hardwood floors, and built-ins.
Modernizations over the years include the chef’s kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry and quartzite countertops, remodeled bathrooms, a whole-home water filtration system, new windows, and a recently updated HVAC system.
There is also a one-car garage.
Lee Ann Wilkinson of Brokered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty is the listing agent.
Price: $175,000
Why it’s here: This inexpensive U.S. Forest Service seasonal cabin hidden in the mountains offers sweeping views from the Desolation Wilderness and Pyramid Peak to Horsetail Falls and the American River below.
The Tahoe-inspired sanctuary offers only 630 square feet of living space, but the open layout makes it seem much larger. Two bedrooms, including a bunk room, can be found on the main level, while the primary bedroom is located at the top of the stairs. A cozy living room boasts an enormous stone fireplace.
A front deck spanning the home’s length and a private back patio were designed for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the retreat setting.
Carol Butler of American River Canyon Realtors is the listing agent.
Price: $325,000
Why it’s here: It’s the chance to buy an off-grid “livable” cabin and a “prototype historic mill” on 30.99 acres located beyond the famed ghost town of Animas Forks.
The Frisco-Bagley Mill and Tunnel originally designed for mining gold and silver is now eligible “for grants and tax incentives related to historic properties, mining reclamation, and economic development.”
A one-bedroom cabin built in 1999 offers just 300 square feet of space. It is equipped with plumbing to a spring-fed sink, while a stove and refrigerator run on solar power. Heating is provided by propane gas and a kerosene space heater. The listing does not mention if it has a bathroom. The 1912 mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It is located on the Alpine Loop.
Michelle Furi of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties is the listing agent.
Get real estate news in your inbox
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice. Stock markets, real estate, and other financial instruments involve significant risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results. You should conduct your own research and/or seek advice from a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The website owner is not liable for any financial losses or damages arising from the use of the information presented here.
About The Author
