On the Market: Historic Community Hub in Solebury
The general store and the pot-bellied stove are long gone, but the post office survives. It comes as part and parcel of this historic house that dates to 1838.
We’ve heard no tales of this place being haunted, but we’re sure that the spirit of Wilmot Quimby still suffuses this landmark house for sale in the heart of Solebury Township.
President Chester A. Arthur appointed Quimby postmaster of the Solebury post office in 1882. Quimby served in that position until 1942, in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s third term in office. He doubled as the last proprietor of the Solebury general store. Both store and post office occupied this 1830 Victorian since they opened on Dec. 23rd, 1831.
The post office moved to a newer addition built around 1915, and when the general store closed, the original structure became a private residence. The entire package can be yours now.
“Solebury House” contains a main residence, an apartment and the post office. The main residence retains all of its original charm and style yet has kept up with the times.
All the original millwork has been preserved in the main-floor living areas.
The study still has its deep-silled French doors, and fireplaces abound, some of them working.
It has an updated kitchen that’s open to the dining room and updated bathrooms throughout.
The gabled third floor makes a one-of-a-kind master suite as well.
The apartment to the main house’s right can be used as an in-law apartment, guest suite or rental unit. It has its own full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.
The post office in the addition will help pay your mortgage for years to come. (So will the apartment if you want it to.)
It’s attractively landscaped both front and back, and it has both a rear terrace and a deck off the kitchen for outdoor enjoyment.
If you’ve always wanted to be at the heart of small-town life, this is about as close as you could get to the way things used to be. Maybe you might even be able to channel Mr. Quimby for advice.
THE FINE PRINT
BEDS: 4
BATHS: 2 full, 2 half
SQUARE FEET: 4,168
SALE PRICE: $890,000
OTHER STUFF: Both house and post office are wired for a backup generator.
2996 N. Sugan Rd., Solebury, Pa. 18963 [Art Mazzei and Doneta Crane | Addison Wolfe Real Estate]