Herndon Historical Home

Description

If you have ever wanted to own a piece of history this listing offers not only history but an opportunity to restore one of the historic homes in Greensburg, Kentucky. Following restoration, future options might include a Bed and Breakfast, Airbnb, or even your new home. This brick home was built in 1800 and the style is Federal Architecture. At the time of construction, the home was built just above the fields laying along nearby Green River. A dining room and kitchen was added in 1825. Another addition was built on the rear of the house during the late 1800s when a large room and stairs were added as a better access to the upper floor. These stairs are still in good condition. Typical for this period, all rooms have fireplaces which are still intact. These are constructed of hand cut stone and/or brick that was made on site. First floor rooms have original intricately constructed cabinets, cupboards, shelves, fireplace hearths, and moldings, some of which appear to be walnut. All rooms still have original wood floors. The original construction (1800) and the additions from 1825 and late 1800s appear to have remained structurally sound and in good condition. Other additions include a back room which is in poor condition and a front porch and garage added in the 1930s. These later additions are not included in the historical aspect of the home and could either be removed or rebuilt. All work on the original portion of the home (1800-1825) will fall under guidelines of historical properties. A consulting company (T. Collier Hines Historic Preservation, and Interiors) is currently being contacted concerning additional possibilities for this home. Total square footage of this two-story home is 3,180 feet (PVA records). It sits on a lot 115 feet wide and 185 feet deep and is located on US68/KY61 which is the main road through Greensburg that connects with other towns in the region. The home has nice size backyard with shade trees including maples and two large magnolia trees. There is a block garage believed to have been built in the 1930s and an outside wood storage shed. This home was among some of the prominent homes along Greensburg’s main street and is within the towns designated historic square. The square has dining, a tavern, stores and businesses and the oldest courthouse west of the Allegany Mountains. In 1818, William H. Herndon was born at this home. Herndon was both a friend, and from 1844 to 1861 the law partner of Abraham Lincoln until he became President in 1861. Upon Lincoln’s death, Herndon assembled and wrote one of the more detailed histories of President Lincoln titled, “Herndon’s Lincoln, the Story of a Great Life”. This 223-year-old house is among 46 other homes in Green County that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1794 Greensburg has around 2,400 residents and is the county seat of Green County. The entire downtown section within Greensburg is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Greensburg is located on Kentucky’s Green River, a favorite destination for stream fishermen, kayakers, canoers, and other tourists interested in the region. The home has not been occupied for many years but despite this vacancy, the original structures have been cared for. It is hoped that this home can be restored and again become a part of Greensburg’s history. Further information on Historic Homes can be found under the following, The purpose of The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings (2017) is to provide guidance to historic building owners and building managers, preservation consultants, architects, contractors, and project reviewers prior to beginning work. It is always recommended that preservation professionals be consulted early in any project. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/secretary-standards-treatment-historic-properties.htm