I would advise that the slate be evaluated to see how long it has left.    They can range from 75 - 200 years!  There are gorgeous metal shingles that look like slate which would be a good choice if the shingles do need replacing.

A client of mine had their slate removed and they sold it for artistic purposes which contributed to the price of the new.

Don't let people clamber all over the slate (it is old and fragile!!!)

As most everyone is saying - keep the slate - (unless it is Bangor slate which is not the kind of slate one should preserve!) You need to get someone in to evaluate the slate, but only use a company which specializes in slate roofs. It is very easy to crack a slate shingle if you walk on them w/o knowing what you are doing. 

I would keep the slate if I could afford it.

Keep the slate. I try to preserve authenticity of historic homes whenever possible. And find a slate roofing mechanic. The flashing might need work at chimney, so if it's copper flashing, I would repair with copper flashing. Hopefully there are historic restoration contractors in your area. Our county has peopel that work for them that advise people on acceptable replacement materials for historic homes.

I love the look of a slate roof, Aimee, but alas, I have no clue as to the cost of these repair and/or maintenance.

I have only dealt with slate once when I was working in Ohio, if it has life left it is a keeper as it really does add a lot. Just make sure to hire someone that is familiar working with it.

Keep it if possible

I think there needs to be a full assessment on the slate and several bids for all ways of fixing and or redoing it.

I'd keep the slate.  It lasts pretty much forever - it's the nails that rust, break off and allow the slate to slide to the ground!  Or so I'm told by my favorite roofer.

In our area I don't think I've ever seen a slate roof.  It's all tile or flat in the Southwest.

 Circa 1875.  If that roof was present with the original owners, the party is over.

Go with the metal roof and re-engineered flat roof.

Now, the exception is if the house has a value adding back story that conformance to original appearance would be beneficial. A meaningful back story will offset the cost of the similar replacement roof.

I would like to keep it as well but as everyone is saying; evaluate and make the monetary decision for the client.

It depends what condition the slate is, if it is in good condition keep it. If it is cracking, falling off then i wou;d replace it. I just had an investor buy a home with slate and replaced it with a metal roof that looks like slate. I should have taken pictures yesterday but will when it is all done. 

We have owned a home with a slate roof. Slate is expensive and I would not replace it unless it is necessary.

 Good Thursday morning Aimee. There is a property for everyone. Depends upon the amount of damage and how much money they want to invest it might be a keeper

Aimee Schmitt why fix if it is not broken? (And my gut feeling is, most of us with practical mindset will say the same...)

I'd keep it if it has life left it in.  Sad shame it isn't on the back as well.

I don't have experience with slate roofs but it sounds like the aesthetic factor makes this one a keeper unless professionals say it has big problems.

Slate roofs have very long lifespans, leave it alone.

Have it evaluated as others  have said.

slate is an expensive repair and/or replace.... I'd get some upfront numbers before making a decision...there's an ass for every toilet and someone out there will be drooling for this property....but you, as the listing agent, should know exactly what you're dealing with and how to present it....

Aimee,

If done well, it is a keeper,  I have seen them in Los Angeles, and they are beautiful. A