A hill that rises above Rochester’s Saint Mary’s Hospital forms the northernmost edge of the Pill Hill neighborhood, affectionately named for the many doctors and physicians in residence. Large Rochester mansions often come with a story that you’ll cherish telling over and over, but historic Rochester homes for sale come in a variety of price ranges. They all come with lots of character, charm and original historical details.

Some Rochester historic homes have been preserved as landmarks. For example, at the center of the Mayowood Historic District is the estate that was once owned by Dr. Charlie Mayo and his wife, Edith. The 40-room house with dragon-tooth stone walls was completed in 1911 and later was given to the History Center of Olmsted County. The Rochester neighborhood has many other properties with a variety of public and private owners.

Rochester Parks and Recreation maintains the 11 acres surrounding the Plummer House. Physician and architect Henry S. Plummer built the English Tudor mansion on Quarry Hill in 1917. Inside the five-story house with 49 rooms, all the original furniture that was purchased by Dr. Plummer and his wife, Daisy, is preserved by The Art Center of Rochester.

Taking tours through these Rochester historic homes is a great way to spend a weekend. If you’re interested in buying your own Rochester historic home, look for Rochester open houses on a sunny Sunday afternoon.