This set of five story houses available nationwide is one of our best with whimsical features that tickle the imagination. They’re real charmers inside and out, and they’ve all been updated and customized to meet the needs of today’s buyers.

Sharp angles and smooth, shiny surfaces, finished! There is not a wall of glass that disappears in this quintet. But there are plenty of stone walls and chimneys, gabled roofs, and cozy alcoves, in addition to herb gardens, rolling lawns, and trees sheltering decades.

One of them is even equipped with a water wheel to stir water from a stream to a pond.

If you love the comforts of the past as a refuge from the challenges of the present, one of these five whimsical storybook homes might be for you.

Price: $739,900
Duck! This charming two bedroom abode overlooking Duck Pond has all the whimsy of a storybook cottage and all the luxuries of a modern home.

Built in 2018 by the current owners, the house has a fairy tale vibe thanks to cedar shingles, a peaked roof, an arched doorway, planters and stone walls.

Interior spaces have a modern vibe, however. If it’s your grandmother’s cottage, it’s a very hip grandmother. Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a dining peninsula highlight a kitchen that opens to a large sunny room with living room and dining area.

Upstairs there is a spacious master suite, guest suite, and loft bedroom, all overlooking the water. There is also a separate two-car garage and an office/studio cottage. It is an idyllic getaway space or work-from-home residence.

Price: $2,000,000
Enchanting history: Known as “The Old Mill,” this charming structure is all that remains of Busch Gardens in Pasadena, which closed in 1937.

Built in a European cottage style, the house features a waterwheel, a two-story cellar, as well as a large brick deck for entertaining.

Leaded windows, stone walls, high and beamed ceilings, and fascinating nooks and crannies are found throughout the two-bedroom residence, which measures 900 square feet.

The cottage is surrounded by garden paths with river stone benches, shaded by ancient trees and accented by ivy covered hills.

Price: $334,900
western wonder: You might expect a rustic ranch in Dallas. However, this tidy Tudor in Homestead Park, an enclave that contains almost exclusively storybook homes built nearly a century ago, is a pleasant surprise.

The two-bedroom, 1,391-square-foot residence has been lovingly restored, but still features the original hardwood floors, the Chambers stove in the kitchen, and lovely alcoves.

The backyard features brick walkways, water fountains, gardens, and mature foliage. After less than two weeks on the market, an offer has been accepted for this house.

Price: $849,900
Denver darling: This adorable three bedroom has all the charm of a red brick bungalow built in the 1920s and all the convenience of a home built in the 2020s.

Inside this 2,224 square foot home is a sparkling new kitchen with a quaint breakfast cabin. There is also a hidden, built-in work area warmed by the original brick fireplace in the living room.

A newly finished basement is a real spectacle with its large media area and bar. There is also a bedroom, a full bathroom and a laundry room there.

Surrounded by gardens, a grassy lawn and stately homes of the same period, this house is close to parks, shops and restaurants.

Price: $2,158,000
French fantasy: This French country-style four-bedroom home ventures beyond the ‘storybook’ and into historical romance territory.

It is located in the prestigious Great Neck Estates of Long Island, about half an hour from New York City. Inside, it’s packed with chic details like French doors, swag drapery, and an ornate cocktail lounge.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are spacious and luxurious, with plenty of storage space. There’s also plenty of room on the immaculately manicured grounds to walk around and ponder your own story.