Historic Victorian Mansion Listed for $695K After 146 Years

The Chancellor House, a historic Victorian mansion in West Virginia, has been listed for sale at $695,000, marking the first time it has been on the market since its construction in 1878. This property has remained within the same family for five successive generations, offering potential buyers a unique opportunity to acquire a home with a deep historical lineage. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence features 16 rooms and is characterized by extensive walnut woodwork adorning its drawing room, library, dining room, and main hallway. Originally illuminated by gas chandeliers, the home was built before the widespread adoption of electricity.

The Chancellor House was commissioned by William Nelson Chancellor, a former mayor of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who was also a self-made millionaire involved in local development projects, including hotels and a church. Catherine Brown, a descendant of the Chancellor family and a resident of the home for 86 years, shared her sentiments about the property in a video posted on Instagram by the listing agent. Brown, who was born in 1940 and has lived in the house ever since, described her upbringing as "absolutely magnificent" and expressed her hope that the next owners will cherish the home as much as her family has. She is the fifth generation to own the house.

The listing is being managed by Eric J Corder of Coldwell Banker Select Properties. Brown conveyed her aspirations for the future custodians of her ancestral home, stating, "It would be my hope that somebody who loves old houses will be the next owner. And that that person, and his or her family and friends will find this as wonderful a house as I did." She anticipates that new owners will enjoy decorating the property and hosting guests, finding it a delightful place for gatherings and personal enjoyment. The sale represents a significant moment for the family, concluding a chapter of ownership that spans nearly a century and a half, and opening a new one for the historic dwelling.

The property's historical significance is underscored by its continuous family ownership since its inception. William Nelson Chancellor's legacy as a prominent local figure is intrinsically linked to the construction of this substantial Victorian home. The details of the interior, such as the pervasive walnut woodwork, speak to the craftsmanship of the era in which it was built. The transition from gas lighting to modern electrical systems would have been a significant upgrade during the home's long history. The listing agent, Eric J Corder, is facilitating the sale, aiming to connect the historic property with a buyer who appreciates its architectural heritage and the stories it holds. The price of $695,000 positions the home within a specific segment of the real estate market, appealing to those interested in historic preservation and unique architectural properties.