For Sale at Auction
c. 1790 Colonial
Lancaster, Virginia 22503
AUCTION: c1790 Lancaster Tavern + 2 historic cottages, Lancaster, VA

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Zoning | R1 |
- Commercial Use Permitted
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Contact the Agent directly.
Tranzon Fox
Linda Terry
Mobile: 804-354-9090
lterry@tranzon.com
Website: www.tranzon.com/fox
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AUCTION: c1790 Lancaster Tavern + 2 historic cottages, Lancaster, VA
• Tavern Fire Damaged in 2020; all structures need re-building/partial demolition
• Mary Ball, mother of George Washington was born in Lancaster Co; the President visited 5 times
• Tavern was popular restaurant and B&B until 2019- all parcels across from Mary Ball Museum/Library, Historical Society
• Possible Tax Credits; Accessory "Tiny Homes" may be built for add'l cashflow
Unique opportunity to own and restore classic historic buildings. Bid for one, two, or all three tax parcels.
Offering A: The Lancaster Tavern, 8373 Mary Ball Rd
Tax parcel 15-86
c. 1790
Tax value $313,400
Tax parcel
1.351 acres, with 85' road frontage
Public water, private septic
+/- 4,292 SF + basement
A tree on this property is on the National Historic Register
Temporary, plastic roofing was installed until a new metal roof could be ordered (permit obtained)
The sellers's vision, before family tragedy struck. was to revitalize the historic Lancaster Courthouse district through the renovation of these properties. Much cleaning and clearing of debris was accomplished, but there is still everything left to do.
In 1790, the Court granted Henry Hinton permission to build a tavern, considering it a "public advantage", and it operated for over a century, before becoming a private home, then a dental office. It was re-established as an inn in 1982. (more details in Property Information Package). This grand old building has suffered significant weathering from exposure to the elements since the April, 2020 fire, and needs restoration to its former glory as an eating, lodging and gathering place. Wonderful architectural elements remain. Seller planned a cozy, basement cigar/wine bar. Possible state/federal tax credits available, and Lancaster County has said that accessory dwelling units could be added to the rear of this property, for additional cashflow opportunity.
2 dining areas, each with fireplace
Entrance foyer with 2 restrooms
Covered, enclosed porch was bar room
Commercial kitchen
Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths and office area
Offering B: 8401 Mary Ball Rd
Tax parcel 15-88
c. 1832
Tax Value $58,800
0.472 acre, with 51' road frontage
Publis water, private septic
+/- 941 SF
This eye-catching, narrow 2-story "purple" house used to be a doctors office. The inside charms with original pine flooring, newel post and other detailing. The seller's vision was to demolish the back addition, and restore the original building as a one bedroom cottage or office space with kitchenette and upstairs bath, adding light by cutting two windows on either side of the front door, and adding a side deck. Situated on almost a half acre with 51' of road frontage, accessory dwelling units are also possible at this site.
Offering C: 8409 Mary Ball Rd
Tax parcel 15-88A
c. 1832
Tax Value $38,200
0.524 acre, with 36' road frontage
Public water, private septic
+/-1,012 SF
This yellow charmer served as Anita Toles' real estate office in the '50's and '60's. It has a shed with electricity and water, and a full bath. The seller's plan was to tear off the rear part and restore the cottage to be The Lancaster Tavern Coffee Company, a coffee shop/bakery. This house is served by well and septic, but hookup to public water is possible. This large lot, over half an acre, can also accommodate an ADU, maybe two.
Offering D: Purple and Yellow antique cottages together as a single bid
Offering E: All three properties, the Tavern, Purple house and yellow cottage all together for one bid
Lancaster is in the coastal plain of Virgina know as the Northern Neck, bounded by the Rapahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay. It was chartered in 1651. Marinas and boat launches are nearby, and the larger, picturesque river town of Kilmarnock, with restaurants and shopping, is just 5 miles away.
Please see property FX4713 on our website at https://www.tranzon.com/fx4713 for more information.
Tranzon Fox, VAAF423
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