Historic HomeWorks Forum

Linda Tilson · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 1 Location: Culpeper, Virginia

I grew up in and inherited a historic home in Culpeper, Virginia.
I got one estimate for restoration - $200,000 - $250,000. The house
is not really in bad shape. Are there still grants or funds available for
private individuals to restore old homes? I'm sure there are strings
attached, but I would not mind people viewing/touring the house
by appointment. I will not give it away or burn it down. Possibly,
I would like to live in the house, but not while it is being restored.
I called the local historical society and they said no funds are
available.

johnleeke · Posted: Sat Apr 24, 2010 11:53 am Post subject:

Check historical societies in neighboring towns and counties.

Check with your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Here is a list of all SHPO offices:

http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/shpolist.htm

Some people reorganize the use or ownership of their house, to include commerical uses (rental, a home business, etc.), which can open up state or federal income tax credits. Ask your state SHPO office about this.

Also check with your regional office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP):

http://www.preservationnation.org/about-us/regional-offices/

I helped write this website:
http://www.tusculum.sbc.edu/toolkit/index.shtml
which is setup to help Virginia's owners of historic homes. You might find some grant info there, but you may need to reorganize your thinking and look for other ways to come out ahead financially, such as making your fine old place very energy efficient so you can use those dollars that would have gone to energy suppliers in other ways.

Keep us posted on your progress.