Have a look at this fascinating place known as the Old Customs House. It was built around the year 1750.
It is located in Tappahannock, Virginia in the Historic District on a prominent spot overlooking the Rappahannock River.
It was this key location that resulted in the home being used as a “Customs House” – a place where customs fees (duties levied by local government on imported goods) were once collected and recorded in the golden age of commerce and trade on the river.
Over the years, the building also served as a tavern.
Today, the 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house is used as a private residence, and it is up for sale!
109 Prince Street in Tappahannock, VA is listed at $595,000.
Oddly, as you step into the foyer, you are greeted by a large dining table.
This awkward placement perhaps has to do with the building’s past as a customs house. One can imagine a prominent wooden desk in the middle of the room, with an earnest customs agent in uniform sitting behind it, ready to collect the dues from the incoming mariners.
It seems the building’s original footprint is still intact.
The home has a total of 2,499 square feet.
There are many wonderful surviving features including: high ceilings, original mantels, moldings, original door hardware, multiple fireplaces with interior chimneys, original heart pine floors, staircases, flemish bond brickwork, and nine-over-nine sash windows – most with original glass!
The kitchen, is well, kind of a letdown.
But check out those amazing antique wood floors!
There is also a small breakfast area off to the side of the kitchen.
The best part of this old house is the bedrooms on the second floor.
Climbing up those stairs is like stepping back in time.
The furnishings are fabulously appropriate for this old space.
Each of the three bedrooms has its own fireplace.
Those dormer window nooks are abundantly charming.
Unlike the kitchen, the bathrooms have been updated.
A great bonus space in the home is the garden-level basement being used as a family room.
Check out the old door circa middle 1700s:
So fantastic that the door, and the hardware, have survived!
On the river-facing side of the house, there is a gorgeous covered porch.
Steeped in history, this building would make an excellent riverside bed & breakfast.
Of course, the kitchen would need a bit of updating.
But how gorgeous is this Old Customs House?
Source:
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/109-Prince-St_Tappahannock_VA_22560_M69031-36928
~~~
What ya thinking? Leave a comment!