$230,000! Look at those unique details! Pretty looking porch! C. 1892 Victorian house in Alabama!
There’s a house in Greensboro, Alabama that’s been standing since 1892, and it still has the bones to prove it. Known as the Otts-Calhoun House, this Queen Anne Victorian was built by John Straiton, a builder well known in the area at the time. It’s one of the most recognizable homes in town, and now it’s on the market.
Address: 701 1st St, Greensboro, AL 36744 Price: $230,000
The History Behind the House
Homes like this one don’t come around often. The craftsmanship inside is the kind builders just don’t do anymore, at least not at this price point. It’s been cared for over the years, and the exterior got a fresh coat of paint in 2025, so it’s ready to show well from the street too.
Features:
- Built in 1892 by builder John Straiton
- Queen Anne Victorian architectural style
- Known locally as the Otts-Calhoun House
- Exterior repainted in 2025
Inside the Home
Step through the door and you’ll notice the details right away. The heart pine floors are original, and they’ve held up beautifully. Pocket doors slide open between rooms, stained glass windows catch the light, and the ceilings soar higher than anything you’d find in a newer build. There are fireplaces scattered through the house, including one in the primary bedroom, which is a nice touch for cooler nights.
The kitchen has been updated, so you get the charm of the old house with a few modern conveniences mixed in. There’s also a separate, formal dining room, which fits the character of the home.
Features:
- Original heart pine floors throughout
- Pocket doors
- Stained glass windows
- Soaring ceilings
- Multiple fireplaces, including great room, living room, and primary bedroom
- Updated kitchen
- Separate formal dining room
- Intricate millwork
Bedrooms, Bathrooms, and Space to Spread Out
This home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with one full bath and one half bath. At 3,474 square feet, there’s plenty of room to spread out, whether you’re using it as a family home or something bigger, like a business.
Everything is on one level, so there’s no need to deal with stairs day to day. Central heating and central air keep things comfortable no matter the season.
Features:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms (1 full, 1 half)
- 3,474 square feet of living space
- Single story layout
- Central heat and central air
- Gas water heater
The Lot and Outside Space
The property sits on 0.64 acres, giving you some breathing room without a huge yard to maintain. There’s a detached carport for parking, along with a driveway, and a shed out back for extra storage. A deck off the house gives you a spot to sit outside.
Features:
- 0.64 acre lot
- Detached carport
- Driveway
- Storage shed
- Open deck
- Connected to city sewer
Location and What It Could Become
Greensboro sits in Hale County, Alabama, a small town with a slower pace and a lot of history baked into it. The walk score here is 44, so you’ll want a car for most errands, but the bike score of 51 means getting around on two wheels is doable too.
What makes this listing stand out is the flexibility. The current owner and the listing note it could work as a family residence, but it’s also set up well for a boutique inn, an event venue, or an investment property. Homes with this much character and space don’t sit on the market long in towns like this, especially with the kind of curb appeal a house like this brings.
Features:
- Located in Greensboro, Hale County, Alabama
- Walk Score of 44 (car-dependent)
- Bike Score of 51 (bikeable)
- Zoned for potential use as residence, inn, event venue, or investment property
- Annual property taxes around $555
Final Thoughts
Houses like the Otts-Calhoun House don’t get built anymore, and they don’t come up for sale often either. At $230,000, this is a rare shot at owning a piece of Alabama history, with enough space and flexibility to make it work for a lot of different plans.
From Zillow
Own a true piece of Alabama history with the iconic Otts-Calhoun House, built in 1892 by renowned builder John Straiton.
One of Greensboro’s most recognizable Queen Anne Victorians, this extraordinary home showcases craftsmanship rarely found today, including original heart pine floors, updated kitchen, pocket doors, stained glass windows, soaring ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and intricate millwork.
Rich in character and timeless elegance, this landmark property offers the perfect opportunity to own a remarkable residence, boutique inn, event venue, or investment property. A rare chance to become the next steward of one of Hale County’s most treasured historic homes. Exterior was repainted in 2025. More photos to come 7/29
