1888 Eugene Smith House in Alabama With 10 Bedrooms and Grand Columns

Standing on approximately 0.43 acres in downtown Sylacauga, the two-story brick home offers around 4,354 square feet of living space. Its most striking exterior feature is the magnificent front porch, supported by towering 30-foot columns reportedly imported from Italy.

These dramatic columns give the residence an unmistakable presence and make it one of the property’s most memorable architectural elements. The home’s history is equally compelling. According to the listing, it was originally associated with the prominent Smith family.

Following the devastating 1931 F5 tornado that struck Sylacauga, the residence was renovated and later served as a boarding house, providing accommodation for families displaced by the disaster. Over the years, it also functioned as a single-family home and a hotel or boarding house.

Inside, the property offers an impressive 10 bedrooms and six bathrooms, including three full bathrooms and three half bathrooms. The generous room count reflects the home’s history of accommodating multiple occupants and creates several possibilities for its next use.

One of the most appealing features is the collection of five original fireplaces, which add warmth and historic character to the interior. Hardwood flooring extends through many of the bedrooms and living spaces, while high ceilings—reportedly reaching approximately 12 feet in the entrance and 10 to 12 feet elsewhere—contribute to the home’s spacious atmosphere.

The residence also includes two full kitchens, an especially useful feature for a property with this many bedrooms. The upstairs kitchen and additional bathrooms create the possibility of separating living arrangements between floors. The bathrooms feature a mixture of stall showers, cast-iron tubs, and tub-and-shower combinations.

Additional interior features include French doors, a full unfinished basement, and three HVAC systems. Kitchen appliances are reported to remain with the property, offering a practical starting point for future improvements.

Outside, the approximately 0.43-acre grounds provide room to enjoy the property and its downtown setting. A two-car carport offers covered parking, while an enclosed workshop adds valuable utility space. The residence also includes a covered patio and balcony, providing additional areas for outdoor relaxation.

The listing identifies the property as having residential and commercial zoning, creating possibilities that may extend beyond traditional homeownership. A buyer might explore restoring it as a large private residence, developing an investment property, or considering a boutique business, bed-and-breakfast, or event venue. Any change of use would need to be confirmed with local authorities and would be subject to applicable permits and regulations.

For those of us interested in older homes, the Eugene Smith House is particularly fascinating because its story is woven into the history of Sylacauga itself. Its towering columns, five original fireplaces, hardwood floors, and remarkable room count make it a distinctive property with considerable potential. Offered at $269,777, this 1888 residence is waiting for someone with the vision to preserve its character while deciding what its next chapter should become.

Important Property Details

• 📍 Address: 301 S Broadway Ave, Sylacauga, AL 35150
• 💰 Asking price: $269,777
• 🛏️ Bedrooms: 10
• 🛁 Bathrooms: 3 full and 3 half
• 📐 Living area: 4,354 sq ft
• 📅 Year built: 1888
• 🌳 Lot size: Approximately 0.43 acres
• 🏛️ Historic name: Eugene Smith House
• 🧱 Exterior: Four-sided brick construction
• 🏛️ Distinctive feature: Grand 30-foot front porch columns reportedly imported from Italy
• 🔥 Fireplaces: Five original fireplaces
• 🍽️ Kitchens: Two full kitchens
• ✨ Interior details: Hardwood floors, high ceilings, French doors
• 🏠 Additional space: Full unfinished basement
• 🚗 Parking: Two-car carport
• 🧰 Other features: Enclosed workshop, covered patio, balcony
• 🏢 Potential uses: Private residence, investment property, or possible hospitality/business use subject to approvals
• 📋 MLS: 21469802