I have a house that was built in 1826 and has 21 rooms.?
At one time it was used as part of Funeral facility. It can be converted into apartments or a
Bed & Breakfast. Has a lot of potential. Has mostly Cherry and Ash trim throughout the house. High ceilings with would separations on some ceilings especially in the Library. Must be seen to appreciate some of the beauty.
Asked by Anonymous | East Smithfield, PA| 02-15-2022| 945 views|Selling|Updated 3 years ago
That sounds like a historic gem! When selling a home that old, documentation and condition matter most. You’ll want to highlight any preserved architectural details, updates to electrical or plumbing systems, and whether the home qualifies for any historic designations or tax incentives. A specialized appraiser or agent familiar with historic properties will be a great resource.
📌 Selling a Historic 1826 Home With 21 Rooms — How to Position It Like a Pro
A property built in 1826 with 21 rooms, rich woodwork, and a past life as part of a funeral facility is not a typical listing — it’s a specialty asset. The key is to frame it as a historic opportunity with multiple revenue paths, not just a big old house.
Here’s the sharp, professional way to present it.
🏛️ Lead With the Historic Character
This home isn’t competing with standard residential listings — it’s competing with historic estates, boutique inns, and adaptive‑reuse properties.
Highlight the features that matter:
- Original Cherry & Ash trim throughout
- High ceilings and period craftsmanship
- 21 rooms offering rare flexibility
- Library with wood‑panel detail
- Architectural details that cannot be replicated today
Buyers of historic homes want authenticity, not perfection.
🏨 Emphasize the Conversion Potential
This is where the real value is. Make it clear the property can serve multiple uses:
- Bed & Breakfast
- Boutique inn
- Multi‑unit conversion
- Professional offices
- Event space
- Live‑work compound
The more paths you show, the larger your buyer pool becomes.
🧱 Address the Condition Honestly but Strategically
You mentioned some ceiling separation in the library — that’s normal in a 200‑year‑old home.
Position it as:
“Expected cosmetic settling consistent with a home of this age — ready for restoration by its next steward.”
Buyers of historic properties expect projects.
They just want transparency and a clear vision.
📸 “Must Be Seen to Be Appreciated” — Use This Wisely
This line is true, but it only works if paired with:
- Professional photography
- Drone shots
- Floor plans
- Historic narrative
- A guided showing experience
Historic buyers want to feel the story.
🧭 How a Seasoned Agent Would Market This
A pro would:
- Build a heritage‑focused listing narrative
- Target investors, innkeepers, and adaptive‑reuse buyers
- Highlight zoning possibilities
- Provide concept sketches for apartments or B&B layouts
- Market through historic property channels, not just MLS
This is not a “throw it on Zillow and hope” property.
🎯 Bottom Line
You’re not selling a house — you’re selling a historic estate with commercial‑grade potential.
Lead with the architecture, highlight the flexibility, and market it to the right buyer pool.
With the right positioning, this becomes a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity, not a quirky old house.