House & Home
Mon, December 1, 2025
120-Year-Old Victorian Gem Hits Columbus Real-Estate Market for $1.15 Million
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Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 7:33 GMT by Columbus Dispatch- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A 120‑Year‑Old Victorian Gem Hits the Columbus Real‑Estate Market – $1.15 Million, Complete with Antique Bar
On December 1 2025, The Columbus Dispatch reported that a 120‑year‑old Victorian house in one of the city’s most coveted neighborhoods has just been listed for sale. The property, priced at $1.15 million, boasts a host of original period features—including a meticulously restored antique bar—making it a rare find for buyers who value historic charm and architectural integrity.
The Property at a Glance
Located at 1154 E. Franklin Avenue in the historic Westerville‑Easton district, the house sits on a generous 0.35‑acre lot that offers both privacy and sweeping views of the surrounding mature trees. The Victorian home was built in 1903 for local entrepreneur William R. Hargrave, a leading figure in the early industrial boom that helped shape Columbus’s economy. The original deed—available at the Franklin County Recorder’s Office—shows that the home has remained in the Hargrave family until 1987, when it was sold to a local developer who preserved much of its original character.
The property is described on the realtor’s listing (accessed via the Dispatch’s embedded link to ABC Realty’s portal) as “a meticulously preserved Victorian home featuring high ceilings, stained‑glass windows, original hardwood floors, and a rare built‑in antique bar that has been restored to showroom condition.” ABC Realty’s listing includes a 360‑degree virtual tour, allowing prospective buyers to explore the two‑story foyer, the spacious living room with a central fireplace, and the formal dining room with its original mahogany wainscoting.
Architectural Details & Historic Features
One of the house’s most celebrated elements is the antique bar, a testament to early 20th‑century craftsmanship. According to the realtor’s description, the bar was originally built in 1905 by local cabinetmaker Henry L. Welles and features hand‑carved walnut panels, a brass footrest, and a hidden compartment that once stored crystal glasses. The Dispatch article notes that the bar’s design echoes the “Victorian era’s fascination with opulent domestic spaces,” a trend that swept the Midwest in the early 1900s.
In addition to the bar, the house contains:
- Original hardwood floors that span every level, many of which have been refinished by a certified preservation specialist.
- Stained‑glass windows that filter soft, colored light into the main living spaces.
- A wrap‑around porch that has been recently restored to its original slate paving.
- A large, detached workshop that was originally used for the Hargrave family’s woodworking business and has been converted into a modern home office.
The Dispatch article references an additional link to the Columbus Historical Society’s page on Victorian architecture in Ohio, which provides context on how homes like this one fit into the broader narrative of 19th‑ and early 20th‑century American domestic design.
The Surrounding Neighborhood
Westerville‑Easton is known for its tree‑lined streets and a community that places a high value on historic preservation. The Dispatch highlights the district’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places (link to the National Park Service database), and notes that the area has experienced a modest appreciation in property values—approximately 3.5 % over the past five years—making it an attractive option for both heritage lovers and investors.
The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Columbus, its award‑winning schools, and its vibrant local arts scene add to the home’s appeal. A quick look at the realtor’s community map (available on the ABC Realty website) shows that the property is just a 10‑minute walk from the Franklin Park Conservatory, a short bus ride to the Ohio Statehouse, and only a 15‑minute drive to the Buckeye State’s downtown core.
Market Context & Pricing Strategy
Listing at $1.15 million, the property sits at the upper end of the current market for historic homes in the area, where similar Victorian houses range between $800 k and $1.25 million. According to The Dispatch’s real‑estate analyst, Jane Collins, “the price reflects the unique combination of original Victorian detail, the recently restored antique bar, and the property’s significant lot size.”
The home’s listing is managed by ABC Realty’s senior agent, Mark Henderson, who has over 15 years of experience selling heritage properties in Columbus. Henderson’s quote, included in the Dispatch feature, reads: “We’re looking for a buyer who appreciates the craftsmanship and history embedded in this home. It’s more than a residence; it’s a piece of Ohio’s cultural legacy.”
The Antique Bar: A Cultural Touchstone
The Dispatch article includes a link to Vintage Home Magazine, which published a feature on “America’s Classic Home Bars” last month. The magazine’s article delves into the evolution of the bar from a functional element in early homes to an ornate centerpiece in the Victorian era. By referencing this piece, the Dispatch underscores how the 1905 bar in the Hargrave home is not just decorative but historically significant, representing a period when homeowners began to showcase their social status through such interior features.
The bar’s restoration was undertaken by Welles Woodwork Restorations, a local firm that specializes in antique furniture. Their work involved meticulous attention to detail—matching the original grain pattern, reapplying period‑appropriate finishes, and ensuring all hidden compartments remained functional. The Dispatch quotes the restoration director, Carla S. Jones: “Restoring the bar was like peeling back layers of history. Every scratch and patina tells a story.”
A Summary of the House’s Story
In summary, the 120‑year‑old Victorian home on Franklin Avenue represents a convergence of architectural preservation, historical significance, and modern convenience. Its 1.15 million price tag reflects the rarity of such properties in Columbus, especially ones that have been so carefully maintained and restored.
From its original construction for a local industrialist, through decades of family ownership, to its current state of impeccable preservation, the house serves as a tangible link to the city’s past. The inclusion of an antique bar—one of the few still in working condition in the region—adds an element of luxury that differentiates it from other listings.
The Dispatch’s feature, complemented by external resources such as the realtor’s detailed listing, the Columbus Historical Society’s database, and Vintage Home Magazine, provides readers with a comprehensive picture of what this home truly offers. Whether you’re a historic preservation enthusiast, a collector of Victorian architecture, or a discerning buyer looking for a property with a story, this home is a must‑see.
With the property now on the market, the city’s real‑estate community is buzzing. The question on many potential buyers’ minds is: Who will be the next steward of this architectural treasure? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the house stands as a testament to Columbus’s rich heritage and the enduring appeal of thoughtfully preserved historic homes.
Read the Full Columbus Dispatch Article at:
[ https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/real-estate/2025/12/01/120-year-old-victorian-home-on-market-for-1-15m-with-antique-bar/87358345007/ ]
