Save This Old Danville Historic Virginia Fixer Upper $55K – Quite The History! Sold

$55,000

 

Save this old Virginia fixer upper known as The Lea House. The home has recently had roof repairs. I guess that’s likely the major reason the house went up in price from $22,500 to $55,000.

This one has a lot of drawbacks that make it difficult to sell, including the history of the man who owned it. See below.

Realtor Comments

Save this old house. This building was home to the Five Forks Beauty Shop for many years. The main floor has two parlors, dining room, kitchen, and bath. Upstairs are three or four bedrooms and a full bath. The home also has a full basement. A shared driveway leads to a two car shed.

 

Square Feet: 2,374   Lot: 7,650
Annual Property Tax: $252

 

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

 

238 Jefferson Avenue, Danville VA   $55,000

Google Map

Contact Realtor: Old West End

 

Family History per Old West End:

John Lea’s Villainry

John Greene Lea was born in Caswell County on Leahurst Plantation 1843. He served in the Civil War as a corporal in the Third North Carolina Cavalry Company C and returned home a staunch confederate and protector of the cause. In a deposition written in 1919, not to be released until his death, he recounted some of his dealings in Caswell County, those which made him a hero to some, and a villain to others.

 

In 1870, fellow Caswell resident, John W. Stephens, was a State senator and representative for the Republican party. He was appointed by Governor Holden, who was up for reelection. He was also known as a trouble maker, as he loudly and sometimes violently protested for the fulfillment of the rights promised to the freed slaves. When those protests turned to arson, Stephens became “odious to the people of Caswell.” Governor Holden himself uttered a wish aloud that something be done about him. There were those in Caswell ready to do it, too.

On the afternoon of May 21, 1870, a Democratic convention convened in the Yanceyville Courthouse. Stephens was drawn out of the meeting by a fellow constituent. He was led to a downstairs meeting room. There he was met by a dozen cloaked and hooded Klansmen, summoned there by John Lea. Stephens was strangled with a hemp rope, then stabbed in the neck and chest and left to die as the Klansmen unrobed and snuck away undetected.

Lea was later arrested along with several others suspected of Klan involvement. But so well-entrenched was the organization, and so tight-lipped its members, that no proof of the Klan’s existence in Caswell could be established. The trial was dismissed and all parties returned home. The Ku Klux Klan of Caswell County, organized by Lea, then under investigation, decided to disband.

 

 

Career

Lea’s decision to come to Danville was likely influenced by the fact that his brother had an established tobacco business here, and one he joined as partner under the name of Lea, Anderson & Lea.

In Danville, Lea was known as an upstanding citizen, a true southern gentleman, and a contributor to Danville’s development. He supported the construction of Averett College when it moved to West Main Street, after which he served on its board of trustees. He also served as President of the Danville Tobacco Association and was on the board of trustees for the library, which he had helped established.

Personal Life

Lea married Nannie Thomas in 1876 and together they had seven sons, all of which followed Lea into the tobacco trade.

On September 11, 1935, while visiting the home of one of his children in Caswell, Lea received news that his son, Barnet, had passed away. John was so shaken by the news that he fell, breaking his hip. Within days he contracted pneumonia and on the 30th he passed away.

 

 

 

 

 

For the last twenty-five years of his life, Lea resided at 238 Jefferson Avenue. For many years, in the 1970’s-80’s, the house was known as the Five Forks Beauty Shop. The 2,300 square for sale.

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Location of This Virginia Fixer Upper

 

Danville, Virginia, located near the North Carolina border, is a city with a rich history and a mix of urban and rural characteristics. Here are some pros and cons of living in or visiting Danville:

Pros:

1. Cost of living: Danville offers an affordable cost of living, making it attractive for families, retirees, and young professionals. Housing, in particular, is relatively inexpensive compared to larger cities.
2. Historical significance: The city is steeped in history, with sites like the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History and Sutherlin Mansion. Danville was the last capital of the Confederacy, making it historically significant.
3. Revitalization efforts: Danville has seen redevelopment in recent years, especially downtown with the River District, which features shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Investment in infrastructure and job creation has been a focus.
4. Outdoor activities: The Dan River offers opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The Riverwalk Trail is great for walking, running, and biking, providing scenic views along the river.
5. Education and research: Averett University and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research contribute to the local education scene, fostering innovation and providing opportunities for higher learning.
6. Proximity to other cities: Danville is a short drive from cities like Greensboro, NC, and Raleigh, NC, providing access to bigger city amenities without living in a large metro area.

Cons:

1. Limited job opportunities: While revitalization efforts are ongoing, Danville still faces economic challenges. Many of its historic industries, like tobacco and textiles, have declined, and employment opportunities in certain sectors can be limited.
2. Crime rates: Danville has higher-than-average crime rates compared to other small cities in Virginia, though this varies by neighborhood. Safety concerns may be an issue depending on where you live.
3. Healthcare: While basic healthcare is available, specialized medical services may require traveling to larger cities like Roanoke or Durham. For complex medical needs, local options might be limited.
4. Limited cultural amenities: Though there’s been growth in the downtown area, Danville still lacks the wide variety of cultural and entertainment options found in larger cities. Residents often travel for more diverse dining, arts, and shopping experiences.
5. Economic disparities: Despite efforts to revitalize the city, some areas still struggle with poverty and economic inequality, creating challenges for residents in certain neighborhoods.
6. Weather: Summers in Danville can be hot and humid, while winters are typically mild, but can occasionally bring ice storms, which may disrupt local travel.

Danville is a city in transition, with growing opportunities but still facing challenges.

 

 

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John Green Lea