LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! AN ICONIC BLOWING ROCK TREASURE IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK, NC
With a 70’ x 210’ lot on the corner of Main Street and Pine Street (0.337 acre), this unique property, known for the last 24 years as the Barnebey or Blowing Rock Realty Building, offers remarkable visibility, size, and access for virtually any commercial use appropriate to the Historic Central Business District of the bustling, “quaint” downtown Blowing Rock, voted “North Carolina’s Prettiest Downtown” by tourism writers. This attractive 3,556 square foot frame building, set back from the sidewalk and framed by a grassy front yard and lavish perennial gardens, offers an iconic image of downtown Blowing Rock. Present use has allowed parking for up to 16 vehicles, a very special feature in the downtown pedestrian district.
According to available information, the main part of the building was built c. 1887 by Col. And Mrs. Ogden Edward of Alabama, who called it “Larada”. The sprawling home was later the home of Adelaide Cannon Blair, daughter of textile magnate James Cannon, the founder of Cannon Mills. In 1973, the property was purchased by Guy and Martha Hill who lived in the home and operated the Lamppost Antiques business and Guy Hill Realty there. In 1989, the property was purchased by the present owners, Kenneth and Faith Barnebey, who leased it to Blowing Rock Realty, who have occupied the building since. (Blowing Rock Realty will be relocating just up the street at the Martin House Cottage at 1116-5 Main Street).
The prime location has consistently commanded top rents. Although this is a prized historic structure for downtown Blowing Rock, there are no actual restrictions that protect the historic structure or limit the use of the property, other than Town Land Use Ordinances. Prospective uses that wanted to retain the oldest portion of the building have permitted extensive construction behind the two-story façade, but still allowed substantial parking. The property has been continuously occupied on a year-‘round basis for decades, has an oil hot-water heater heating system, and has a central air conditioning system for the back portion of the building, with window air conditioning units for the front portion. Wiring was substantially updated in 1989 and since, and the hot water heating system has been recently updated.
The unique location in this picturesque and bustling downtown pedestrian district presents endless opportunities. In the past Blowing Rock Realty has used the front lawns and porch to throw a big picnic and jazz concert for the public for the 4th of July. Possibilities for the location and its indoor and outdoor spaces are remarkable! Seller will consider lease/purchase and seller financing possibilities for qualified buyers.
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