c.1821 Indiana Historic Home - The Gov. James Brown Ray House $50K

$50,000

This Indiana historic home is the Governor James Brown Ray HOuse. The cedar-sided residence has two bedrooms, one bath, a fireplace and electric, forced-air heating.

Porch featured at 214 E Tenth St Lot 0, Brookville, IN, 47012

Realtor Comments

Calling all investors! Prime location in the heart of Brookville & a great opportunity to bring this historic federal back to life! It features a large Palladian window which was mocked by locals & almost cost him his election, as it was seen as too fancy. The window has since been fully restored & the rest of the home is ready for your magic touch! With almost 1,700 square feet & it’s location, it could serve as a nice rental or even as a primary residence!

2bd
1ba
1,703sqft
1,734sqft lot
Circa 1821

More Indiana Properties

Exterior featured at 214 E Tenth St Lot 0, Brookville, IN, 47012

214 E 10th St, Brookville, IN 47012 $50,000

If interested in a property, pleases contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended.

-Contact Realtor: Seth Daugherty

Brokered by Sibcy Cline, Inc.

-Google Maps

-Niche

Yard featured at 214 E Tenth St Lot 0, Brookville, IN, 47012

The Pros

Exceptional Outdoor Recreation: Brookville is widely known for Brookville Lake and the Whitewater River.Residents enjoy world-class local boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, and hiking right in their backyard. Winter sports enthusiasts also benefit from being just a short drive from Perfect North Slopes for skiing and tubing.
Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing: Housing prices in Brookville sit noticeably lower than the national average. It is an economical choice for first-time buyers, retirees, or families seeking homeownership without heavy financial strain.
Low Crime Rates & Safe Environment: Crime rates in Brookville are substantially lower than both the Indiana state average and national benchmarks. It provides a quiet, safe, and secure environment for families and retirees.
Strategic Tri-State Commuter Location: Despite its rural setting, Brookville offers convenient driving access to larger regional hubs. It is located roughly 40–45 miles northwest of Cincinnati, Ohio, and within reasonable driving distance of Indianapolis and Dayton, making hybrid remote or long-distance commuting feasible.
Charming Historic Vibe & Tight-Knit Community: Main Street features historic brick architecture, local diners, and small boutiques. Community traditions like the Franklin County Fair and annual river festivals foster a warm, friendly, “everyone-knows-everyone” atmosphere.

The Cons

Limited Local Job Opportunities: The local economy consists primarily of small businesses, retail, agriculture, and local government services. High-paying corporate, tech, or specialized professional jobs within town limits are scarce, forcing most career-focused residents to commute out of town.
Few Local Shopping & Dining Amenities: While there are a few beloved local spots, you won’t find major big-box retailers (like Target or Home Depot), extensive department stores, or diverse international cuisine. Routine shopping or specialized healthcare trips typically require a drive to Oxford (OH), Batesville, or Greater Cincinnati.
Car Dependency & Zero Public Transit: A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable. Public transportation is virtually non-existent, and while the town square is walk-friendly, daily living requires driving.
Lack of Nightlife & Social Diversity: The town caters heavily to families and retirees, offering a very quiet, conservative environment. Young adults or singles looking for a vibrant nightlife, active dating scene, or diverse cultural entertainment may find the pace too slow or isolated.
Seasonal Tourism Spikes: Because Brookville Lake is a popular tourist destination, traffic along local routes and activity at local spots can surge significantly during summer weekends, holiday periods, and boating season.

Yard featured at 214 E Tenth St Lot 0, Brookville, IN, 47012

History

This was originally the home of James Brown Ray (1794- 1848), 4th Governor of Indiana.

“James Brown Ray was born in Jefferson County, Kentucky, on February 19, 1794, the son of Rev. William Ray, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, and Phebe Ann Brown Ray. He was one of twelve children. Ray attended local common schools and received a basic education. Ray moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, when he was still a boy, where he studied law in the office of General Gano, and was admitted to the bar in 1816. Ray briefly served as deputy clerk of Hamilton County, Ohio.

Ray married Mary Riddle of Hamilton County, Ohio, on December 10, 1818. That same year the couple moved to Brookville, Indiana, where they had two children prior to Mary’s death on July 4, 1823. Ray established a law office in Brookville and quickly rose to prominence in the community. Ray was known to be rash and sometimes belligerent. In one incident Ray insulted a Brookville farmer who severely beat him for the insult. In another incident Ray threatened another lawyer with a “thrashing” before a court session, to which the lawyer replied with a fist in Ray’s face. The courtroom went wild. Both men had to be restrained before further blows could be thrown.

Ray married Esther Booker (née Gay), widow of Samuel P. Booker, of Centerville, Indiana, in September 1825.^[4] The couple had five children.” Per Wikipedia