c.1861 James Seymour Mansion PHOTOS:
Stair case entry
Stair case entry
Stair case entry
The Pending Sale of the c.1861 James Seymour Mansion: A Historic Gem with a Unique Twist
Nestled in the historic city of Auburn, New York, lies a captivating relic from the past—the James Seymour Mansion. Constructed in 1861, this grand ten-bedroom, 6,000-square-foot Gothic Revival mansion has been an architectural marvel and a piece of living history. Now, in a somewhat surprising twist, this once-stately home is pending sale for a mere x50,000. But as with many things that seem too good to be true, there’s a catch. The sale of this historic property comes with significant responsibilities, including a commitment to restoring and preserving its historical essence
A Glimpse into History
The mansion was built by James S. Seymour, an Auburn banker and philanthropist, during the onset of the Civil War. Seymour’s legacy in Auburn is still felt today, particularly through the establishment of the Seymour Library and the Auburn City Hospital. His generosity and commitment to the community earned him a reputation as a pillar of society. As for the mansion, it represents the grandeur of 19th-century design, with custom details such as a handcrafted curved staircase, marble fireplaces, pocket doors, and intricately designed hardwood floors
In its heyday, the mansion was a symbol of wealth and status. The stately brick building is a testament to both Seymour’s influence and the architectural prowess of the period. But time has taken its toll on the property. Despite its grandeur, the mansion has fallen into a state of disrepair, necessitating a full-scale restoration .
A Bargain Price, With a Catch
At first glance, the x50,000 price tag for such a massive historic home may seem like a dream come true. But the City of Auburn, which now owns the property due to a tax foreclosure, has been very clear that this sale is not about the highest bid. Instead, it is about finding the right buyer—someone who not only has the financial resources but also the passion and vision to restore the mansion to its former glory
Prospective buyers are required to submit detailed restoration proposals alongside their offers. This includes not just how they plan to finance the restoration but also what they envision for the mansion’s future use. Auburn is committed to preserving the mansion’s historic integrity, so the city will only sell to someone whose plans align with these preservation goals
This stipulation has drawn interest from buyers all over the country, particularly historic home enthusiasts. For many, the allure is not just the mansion itself, but also the opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Auburn, a city with deep historical roots .
The Restoration Challenge
For potential buyers, the challenge of restoring the mansion is immense. Though structurally sound, the property requires significant work. Years of neglect have left the mansion in need of updates to meet modern living standards while maintaining its historical charm. From the marble fireplaces and original woodwork to the expansive grounds, every element of the home must be meticulously restored
However, restoring the mansion could offer significant rewards, both financially and culturally. The property is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places, which could make it eligible for certain grants and tax incentives aimed at preserving historic properties. Furthermore, the mansion sits on nearly an acre of land and includes a two-story carriage house, providing plenty of potential for future development
For those willing to take on the challenge, the James Seymour Mansion could become a personal or even commercial project of a lifetime. Some potential uses floated by interested buyers include transforming the mansion into a bed-and-breakfast, a museum, or even a high-end event space.
Auburn, A City of History and Culture
Auburn, located in New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region, provides the perfect backdrop for the James Seymour Mansion. The city itself is rich in history. It played a role in the Underground Railroad and was once home to notable historical figures such as Harriet Tubman and William H. Seward, both of whom are buried there. The city also boasts cultural attractions like museums, theaters, and a walkable downtown filled with historic buildings .
Today, Auburn is a vibrant small city that balances its historical past with a modern, forward-thinking community. For potential buyers of the James Seymour Mansion, the city offers a unique combination of historical significance and modern amenities, all set within the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes
The Future of the James Seymour Mansion
The pending sale of the James Seymour Mansion represents more than just a real estate transaction. It symbolizes a moment of transition for one of Auburn’s most iconic structures. The city’s careful approach to selling the mansion—prioritizing restoration plans over profit—demonstrates its commitment to preserving its historical assets. It’s a model that other cities with historic properties might do well to emulate
As the sale inches closer to completion, the eyes of Auburn and historic preservationists nationwide will be watching. The future owner of the James Seymour Mansion will not only gain a piece of architectural history but will also take on the responsibility of ensuring that this piece of the past continues to endure for future generations.
For many, that responsibility is not a burden but a privilege. The low sale price may make the property accessible, but it’s the dedication to preserving history that will ultimately determine the success of this project. In the end, the buyer of the James Seymour Mansion will have the opportunity to be a steward of history, creating a new chapter in the long story of this remarkable home .
A central New York city is selling a unique historic Victorian mansion for a surprisingly low price.
The 6,000-square-foot James Seymour Mansion includes 10 bedrooms, three bathrooms and two half baths, according to the listing with real estate agent Michael DeRosa. It’s being offered for just 50,000.
The three-story brick mansion was built in 1861 and includes four marble fireplaces. The custom details of the home include a hand-crafted curved staircase, pocket doors, hardwood floors, original woodwork and built-in cabinetry, according to DeRosa. The property is nearly an acre and also includes a two-story carriage house.
“The quality of construction, style of architecture and historical significance contribute to a historic property’s value in the same way that an artist, period and provenance influence the value of a work of art,” he told FOX Business.
The bargain price comes with some caveats. For one, the home is in need of some work — the city acquired the property last summer through a property tax foreclosure. Also, the city isn’t going to sell to the highest bidder, but to the person with the best plan for the property.
“It’s not so much the buyer who offers the best price that is of importance here, it’s the buyer with the best intended use and plan to restore this mansion that really matters,” DeRosa said.
Anyone interested in buying the James Seymour Mansion needs to include answers to a questionnaire with their offer, detailing how they intend to use the property, how they plan to restore it and what they plan to do after restoration is finished. Anyone interested needs to hurry — offers are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. More information about submitting an offer is available on SeymourMansion.com
Auburn is located in New York’s scenic Finger Lakes region. The city’s history includes a role in the Underground Railroad and the invention of film with sound. Notable figures including Harriet Tubman, William H. Seward and Theodor Case are buried there.
Seymour was known for his philanthropy, and he founded both the Seymour Library and the Auburn City Hospital, according to DeRosa. The mansion is eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Auburn is home to museums, a theater and a walkable downtown with numerous historic buildings. The city is also situated near Owasco Lake, which is popular for swimming and boating.
“The house is attracting passionate historic home lovers from all over the country,” DeRosa said. “It’s not only the house that’s intriguing to these buyers, it’s the beautiful historic city of Auburn that’s fascinating to them as well.”