6 Time Capsule Homes Worth Opening Up Now

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Ah, the time capsule: a sealed collection of relics that offer a window into another era. Paul Revere buried a copper medal belonging to George Washington in 1795. The 1939 World’s Fair entombed a capsule containing a bikini, a Beatles record, and a pack of Camels—not to be opened until 6339! Countless schoolkids have made them too, and so has NASA.

While we don’t know whether extraterrestrial life forms have intercepted any of these goodie bags, time capsules here on Earth can be hit or miss once opened. Sometimes, you’ll find a bunch of cool stuff; other times, waterlogged copies of People magazine.

Time capsule homes, on the other hand—perfectly preserved abodes from another era—never fail to fascinate.

Vintage houses offer a tantalizing glimpse into the fantasies and foibles of previous generations.  You can study a home’s pictures and review questionable design choices, well-preserved decor from decades past, and wood paneling. Lots of wood paneling.

So we decided to dig up a few exemplary time capsule homes, so we can all judge the merits of these artifacts together.

We began our journey back through time in Palm Springs, CA—an appropriate destination, given the number of classic homes in the area. You might think listing a pristine Mid-Century Modern home would be an easy sell for a lucky listing agent. After all, some people spend their lives in search of an untouched ’60s ranch.

It’s not always that simple.

Agent Lucio Bernal told us he hosted an open house for a time capsule home from 1969 and attracted 600 people. Great news, right?

Well, the reality’s a little different. “They all came for two reasons,” he says. “Either to take a photo or to see what everyone else was talking about. It was basically a museum.”

And there’s nothing wrong with looky-loos. Vintage homes deserve to be adored. But if you’re searching for your perfect time capsule, keep scrolling. Whether you love the ’50s or the 1860s, you might just find your ideal match. Be sure to click on the listing addresses to see all the photos!

2055 S Joshua Tree Pl., Palm Springs, CA

Price: $835,000
This time machine goes to: 1969

Any casual Pinterest-er has seen their fair share of modern décor over the past few years—but almost always updated with a nod to today’s trends. True Mid-Century Modern design embraced color, pattern, dark wood, and bold accents. Peek inside this perfectly preserved late-’60s home, and you’ll experience the true drama of the era’s style.

From its outrageous wallpaper (stripes and checks and marble, oh my!) to the wood paneling and colorful carpeting, there isn’t a single detail amiss.

And buyers will find a perfect 21st-century detail: an inviting open floor plan.

“Someone could literally go in and tear it all apart and have an amazing footprint,” says Bernal. “But no one wants to ruin the historic value.” Certainly not us!

Green rules in this dining room.

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1820 N. Main St, Bechtelsville, PA

Price: $274,900
Starch your petticoats, we’re headed to: 1860

Built by Bechtelsville’s founders and namesake, the Bechtels, this Victorian-era home isn’t just pristine—it’s a literal time capsule. A lucky buyer can pry apart the three yet-to-be-opened upstairs closets to discover Civil War–era treasures. (Or maybe just a lot of dust.)

Warm your toes by the 156-year-old Dutch oven, or soak in the vintage cast-iron tub upstairs. And while the dining room might be on the second floor, there’s no need to struggle with a heavy platter of food up the stairs. The original dumbwaiter is still operational and happy to hoist your roast.

This home is older than your grandmother.

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570 S. Cole Rd, Boise, ID

Price: $349,000
The disco ball says we’re in: 1975

No need to live in SoCal to score a sweet Mid-Century Modern deal. This three-bedroom steal in Boise combines ’70s style (double the wood paneling!) with modern lines to create a sweeping, spacious estate. The looming entryway—complete with a gorgeous woodwork door—provides oomph and serious curb appeal. And that’s before you see the indoor pool.

Homeowners can transform the Zen garden and surrounding half-acre plot into a masterpiece that rivals the home itself. Buyers looking for indoor-outdoor living can add sliding doors to the wall separating the pool from the backyard, creating a green oasis perfect for Boise’s brief summer.

We dig the wood paneling.

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1325 S. Evergreen Ave, Clearwater, FL

Price: $179,900
Say hi to June Cleaver in: 1959

Your grandma will be thrilled: This plucked-from-the-’50s time capsule offers a novel’s worth of period accents, including pink carpeting (terrazzo floors are hidden below) and a matching kitchen.

Yes, we said matching: The classic kitchen is cast in pink, from the cabinetry to the countertops. Sure, you could pull it out in exchange for a neutral white, but why ruin the charm? The theme extends to the retro bathroom with—you guessed it—pink tiles. Looking for something to break up the Pepto-Bismol onslaught? The exterior is painted a calming robin’s egg blue.

Pink paradise

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434 E. Schreyer Pl, Columbus, OH

Price: $350,000
Tell Don Draper you’ll meet him in: 1955

Lucky buyers get this Mid-Century Modern masterpiece as is. The 4,000-square-foot property offers a number of original details, but the best is the enormous vintage-chic basement, complete with fireplace, wide-plank wood paneling, and (yes!) upholstered bar.

The original kitchen is truly a Mid-Century Modern work of art. Very, very colorful art: With yellow cabinets and backsplash, floral wallpaper, and blue trim, the space feels cheerful and friendly. Even if you’re itching for an update, the attractive wood cabinets make an excellent base for whatever modern add-ons you desire.

The deer will watch you drink.

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32030 State Highway 3, Weaverville, CA

Price: $289,500
Turn the TARDIS to: 1963

The first midcentury homes were built for indoor-outdoor living, so when you find a well-preserved estate like this four-bedroom home in Northern California, you’d be a fool to walk on by. Step onto the wooden back deck and find yourself surrounded by forest and overlooking a wide creek.

The interiors are colorful and well-preserved: A bathroom features mint-green walls and orange wallpaper with a trippy circular print. Walls in one enormous closet are painted blue and paired with lemon-yellow doors. Wood features throughout add a rustic, timeless quality.

Shagadelic carpet, baby!

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