THE ULTIMATE LIST OF CHEAP OLD HOUSES UNDER $50K…and BEYOND ––>
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History Tuesday – The c.1851 Bell-Varner House
January 23, 2024
History Tuesday at Old Houses Under $50K is for informational purposes only. The beautiful old homes were built for less than $50,000 back in the day, are usually NOT for sale, but if they were, they would certainly cost way more than $50K. Today we feature the c.1851 Bell-Varner House.
History
Dated 1851, the Bell-Varner House is a documented and well maintained example of mid-19th century domestic architecture in Washington county. Its five bay, center-door plan represents a significant architectural group in the county and the Cumberland Valley. The house has undergone few exterior alterations. The house is also important for the 18th century woodwork and structural elements found in the basement. These suggest that parts of an earlier house were used in construction of the present dwelling or that the present house rests on foundations of a possible 18th-century structure.
House Details
The house features a traditional center hall floor plan and maintains most of its original mantels, woodwork and pine floors. Large gracious rooms feature beautiful views of surrounding farm land and easy access to the wrap around front porch. The kitchen with its large fireplace and wood stove is outfitted with walnut cabinets. Four bedrooms, two and a half baths and a bright cozy sunroom round out this comfortably detailed home. The walkout lower level mentioned in the national Register description features remarkable woodwork and a large fireplace.
According to the date stone, the house was built for Jonas Bell (1814-1885), a successful farmer whose holdings amounted to $30,000 in 1870, about $700K in today’s dollars. Members of the Bell family were prominent in the early life of the Leitersburg vicinity, and Jonas was a Son of the American Revolution.
The house was full of life when Jonas lived here with his wife, Catherine Mickley Bell (1821-1909), and eight children, Mary Ann, Aaron, Martin, Clara, Amanda, Albert, Cyrus and Effie Susan.
Outside
Acquired by the current family and lovingly maintained since 1987, the property consists of two parcels fronting on Unger Road. The house, facing east on a slight knoll, sits on the south side of the road overlooking Little Grove Creek and adjacent farmland. The large bank barn is located on the opposite side of the road and also fronts on the creek. A domed root cellar can become an outstanding wine cellar when you finish this beautiful space to expand the house beyond its current 2700 square feet. Additionally, the property boasts a corn crib, oversized double garage and a stand alone workshop.
