Tour an 1855 landmark: Historic Chamberlain House for sale in Lebanon

An historic property known as the “David Chamberlain House,” or simply, the “Mansion,” which sets along a row of stately homes on tree-lined Belleville Street in Lebanon, is for sale.

“I think whoever buys this house will be a person who cares a lot about the history of it,” said Dexter Wuller, the listing agent who first posted the home.

The house at 918 Belleville St. was built in 1855 by the Chamberlain family, one of the foremost families in Lebanon at the time.

The Chamberlains were instrumental in the founding of the town and even smoothed the bricks of the home themselves. Among other things, the family was one of the original funders of McKendree Seminary, which would become McKendree College in 1830.

Later, the Chamberlains turned the home into a boardinghouse but continued living there until the 20th century. The home was sold in 2003 to a private resident who is now selling it.

Set within Lebanon’s National Historic Register District and featuring its own plaque, the home is the epitome of 19th-century Baroque architecture. Throughout the home, you’ll find meticulously carved wrought-iron fireplace covers, light switch plates, handrails and wooden wainscoting.

The attention to detail is evident inside and out.

Outside, there is a yard full of well-pruned trees, no shortage of balconies, and a lily pond and carriage house in the back. Modern amenities punctuate the property’s historic charm, including garage space for four cars and a massive driveway.

When you first enter the home, you are greeted by reception chambers on either side. To the left is a large living room filled with natural light; to the right is another reception area, separated from the dining room by a short wall.

Beyond the dining room is the kitchen, which has modern amenities and custom-made cabinets. Radiators are found throughout the property, including in the kitchen. There is also a historic proofing drawer with another one inside.

Upstairs, natural light spills in through the windows and negates the need for lights during the day. Wallpaper adds to the space, and the floors are as immaculate as those downstairs.

The second floor also includes the main bathroom, where space and modernity take precedence over historic charm, offering a stand-alone tub, separate shower and more room than a bedroom in a smaller home.

From the second floor, you can access two balconies — a small Juliet balcony in front and a massive screened-in balcony in back — where you can sit and enjoy birdsong and views of the garden.

The top floor features a guest studio with an A-frame ceiling, another guest bedroom and a second kitchen.

The house has a total of three bedrooms and two bathrooms, though small closets and reception rooms are found throughout. Many rooms have chandeliers, custom wallpaper and handmade wooden touches along the walls.

The home is currently listed for $415,000. To see the listing, visit this link.