Thomas Reynolds House (Reynolds Tavern) – UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

Early house in charming Warrenton historic district and home of prominent cabinet-maker Thomas Reynolds! Just 1 hour from Raleigh and Durham and 2 hours from Richmond, VA.

The building will require a complete rehabilitation including structural/foundation work, restoration carpentry, and all new systems. Located in the Warrenton National Register District, the Thomas Reynolds House is eligible for tax credits. The Town of Warrenton offers revitalization and economic development incentives including the Revolving Loan Program, Downtown Redevelopment Incentive Grant, and Awning Program: www.warrenton.nc.gov/page/bus_home.

Architectural and Historical Information

The historic Thomas Reynolds House, locally known as the Reynolds Tavern, is an intriguing Boom Era house thought to have been the home of prominent cabinet-maker Thomas Reynolds who came to Warrenton in 1804. Warren County’s economic success created a wealthy planter class with cosmopolitan tastes drawing several professionals and tradesman to Warrenton in the early 19th century. Alongside the impressive high-style town houses, modest scale dwellings and shops were built for the merchants, professionals and tradesmen who catered to them. Thomas Reynolds was among the many craftsmen who arrived from Petersburg, Virginia and within months was advertising for an apprentice. His location on Bragg Street near Market Street would have put him right next to the bustling activity of Main Street on busy postal routes from Petersburg, and the Halifax and Salisbury lines. He continued to run a successful business advertising again as late as 1833 for another apprentice. It is possible that Thomas Reynolds employed John Day, Sr. and may have apprenticed Thomas Day and his brother, John Day, Jr. In recent years research indicated that the structure may have served as a tavern, however it appears as a residential dwelling in the 1896 Sanborn Map.

Though the front elevation and first floor have been remodeled over the years, the rear elevation exhibits much of its early character. Interior and exterior early 19th century features include the stone foundation, roof dormers, winder stair, 9-over-9 sash windows, door and window surrounds, boxed eaves, flush gable ends, and large stuccoed center chimney. The second floor retains early wide wood floors and views of the mortise-and-tenon construction.

WRAL article with video and photos of the Thomas Reynolds House
Thomas Reynolds House on The Forgotten South
This Old House: Thomas Reynolds House

Area Information

The picturesque Town of Warrenton is located near Kerr Lake and only an hour from Raleigh. Its well-preserved small town character has been rediscovered and enjoys a thriving community life.  Formed in 1779, Warren County is located along Interstate 85 and is known as a “gateway of the Carolinas.” It retains an impressive collection of intact plantation houses and a variety of architecture harkening to its heyday as a center of agricultural enterprise, academies, home to leading political figures, and sulfur springs resorts that drew famous names to the area, first by wagon then by train.  Dozens of properties are listed in the National Register of Historic Places including much of historic Warrenton, the county seat, which is a designated Main Street town.  Only one hour to research Triangle Park region and 1.5 hours to Richmond, VA.  The Town of Warrenton offers attractive economic development incentives. For more information visit www.warrenton.nc.gov/page/bus_home and www.preservationwarrenton.com.

Click here to view the pdf brochure of the Thomas Reynolds House (Reynolds Tavern)