On over 13 acres! C. 1896 farmhouse in Florida. $245,000
Built in 1896, this farmhouse in Fort White, Florida started out as the homestead for a 500-acre farm. About 13 of those acres are still attached to the property today. The current owners have had it since the 1980s, and it’s now being sold as a restoration project, in its current condition, for cash only.
459 SW Bigfoot Court, Fort White, FL 32038 — $245,000
A 130-Year Farmhouse on the Original Homestead
The house is roughly 130 years old, built during a very different era of Florida living. Its original wood walls, ceilings, and architectural details are all still in place, giving it a look that’s hard to find in newer construction. The original section of the home includes a foyer, a living and dining area, a kitchen, one bedroom, and one bathroom.
- Built in 1896
- Single Family Residence
- Original wood walls and ceilings throughout
- 1,416 square feet
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
The Working Windmill Still Stands
One of the most unusual features on the property is the original Aermotor Chicago windmill, which once pumped water for the farm’s well. It’s still standing on the grounds today, a visible reminder of the property’s working-farm history.
- Original Aermotor Chicago windmill on site
- Once powered the farm’s well
- Historic agricultural equipment preserved on the grounds
Room Layout and the 1920s Addition
Two additional bedrooms were added onto the house in the 1920s. Unlike the rest of the home, they’re accessed separately, through the exterior porch rather than an interior hallway, which makes for an unusual layout by today’s standards.
That layout is part of what gives the house its historic character. It grew in stages, the way many old farmhouses did, rather than being built all at once to a single plan.
- 1920s bedroom addition
- Exterior porch access to the added rooms
- Reclaimed wood flooring
- Metal roof, approximately 10 years old
The Kitchen’s Unusual History
The kitchen wasn’t always where it is now. The original cooking area was actually off the back of the house, in the space where the bathroom sits today — that setup kept heat and cooking smoke out of the main rooms during Florida summers. The kitchen was later relocated inside the home.
- Kitchen relocated from the original rear cooking area
- Reflects historic Florida farmhouse design
- Appliances include a range and refrigerator
Heating, Cooling, and Utilities
There’s no central air conditioning — the bedrooms have window units instead. The electrical system has been updated, and portions of the plumbing have also been replaced over the years. Water comes from a well, and the property uses a septic system.
- No central A/C — window units in bedrooms
- Electrical system updated
- Some plumbing replaced
- Well water and septic system
Restoration Needed
This is a restoration project, and the listing is upfront about the work involved. Portions of the porches need to be rebuilt, there’s wood rot around the home, and the flooring is soft in places, primarily in the bathroom.
As with a lot of old wood-frame homes in Florida, the house needs continued upkeep. The roof is about 10 years old, which is one of the newer components — the rest of the house shows its age.
- Porch rebuilding needed
- Wood rot around the exterior
- Soft flooring, primarily in the bathroom
- Sold as-is
The Land: 13 Acres and Two Parcels
The property includes roughly 13 acres, down from the original 500-acre farm. The land is split into two parcels, and according to the county, the second parcel could be buildable on its own with the right survey work. Any buyer would need to independently verify subdivision, zoning, and building requirements with the local government.
There’s also a second well and septic system on the property, left over from a mobile home that used to sit on the land. That infrastructure is already in place for anyone looking to add a second structure.
- 13 acres total across two parcels
- Second parcel potentially buildable (survey required)
- Second well and septic system already in place
- Zoning/subdivision requirements to be verified independently
Gardens Planted for Butterflies and Hummingbirds
The current owners have spent decades planting vegetation around the house specifically to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. That landscaping has grown into a mature, natural setting around the farmhouse, which is part of what gives the property its current look.
- Established gardens planted for pollinators and hummingbirds
- Mature landscaping around the home
- Garden and private yard
Nearby Schools
The property is zoned for Fort White Elementary School, rated 3 out of 10 and about 3.7 miles away, and Fort White High School, rated 4 out of 10 and about 3.8 miles away.
- Fort White Elementary School (PK-5, rated 3/10, 3.7 miles)
- Fort White High School (6-12, rated 4/10, 3.8 miles)
Price History and Terms
The home was first listed on August 8, 2026 at $260,000. The price was cut to $245,000 on September 22, 2026, a reduction of $15,000. It’s been on the market for 51 days, which works out to about $173 per square foot at the current price.
The sale comes with specific terms: it’s cash only, and proof of funds is required before a showing can be scheduled.
- Listed August 8, 2026 at $260,000
- Price cut to $245,000 on September 22, 2026 (-$15,000)
- $173 per square foot
- Cash only, proof of funds required for showings
At $245,000 for 13 acres with a nearly 130-year-old farmhouse, this is a project for someone who wants an old house with real history attached to it, rather than a move-in-ready home. Between the original windmill, the two-parcel setup, and the room-by-room history built into the layout, there’s a lot here for a restoration buyer or someone drawn to Florida’s rural past.
Full Listing Description
A truly unique opportunity to own a piece of North Florida history! Built in 1896, this approximately 130-year-old farmhouse was originally the homestead for a 500-acre farm, with approximately 13 acres remaining with the property today.
Rich with history and original character, the home retains its original wood walls, ceilings, and architectural details throughout, offering a glimpse into a much different era of Florida living. Even the original Aermotor Chicago windmill remains on the property, once serving as the working windmill for the farm’s well.
The original portion of the home includes a foyer, living/dining area, kitchen, one bedroom and one bathroom. Two additional bedrooms were added in the 1920s and are accessed separately from the exterior porch, adding to the home’s historic and unusual layout.
The original cooking area was located off the back of the home, where the bathroom is now, rather than inside the main living quarters due to Florida’s heat. The kitchen was later relocated inside the home. No central a/c, there is window units in bedrooms.
The current owners have owned the property since the 1980s and over the years have planted an abundance of vegetation designed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, creating a beautiful natural setting around the old farmhouse.
The property also features an additional well and septic system where a mobile home was previously located. The acreage currently consists of two parcels, and according to information provided by the county, with appropriate survey work, the second parcel would be a buildable parcel also. Buyer to independently verify all subdivision, zoning and building requirements with the appropriate governmental agencies.
The home is a restoration project and is being sold in its current condition. Repairs needed include, but are not limited to, rebuilding portions of the porches, addressing wood rot around the home, and repairing areas of soft flooring, primarily in the bathroom. As with many historic wood homes in Florida, continued maintenance is necessary. The roof is approximately 10 years old, the electrical system has been updated, and portions of the plumbing have also been replaced.
For someone who appreciates old homes, this is an incredibly special property with character that simply cannot be recreated. Restore it as a private country retreat, preserve a piece of local history, or explore its potential as a distinctive vacation rental/Airbnb near the rivers and springs of North Florida.
CASH ONLY. PROOF OF FUNDS REQUIRED PRIOR TO SHOWING. Property is being sold as-is.
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