Some historic properties offer more than a place to live—they provide the opportunity to continue a story that stretches back centuries. Lardin House Inn, Restaurant & Tavern in Masontown, Pennsylvania, is one such property.
1892 McClellandtown Rd, Masontown, PA 15461 | Offered at $555,000
5 Bedrooms | 3 Full Bathrooms + 1 Half Bath | Built in 1780 | 3.73 Acres
Dating to 1780, this substantial historic building is being offered for $555,000 and combines residential accommodation with a former hospitality setting that includes a full-service restaurant and three dining rooms.
With five bedrooms, multiple fireplaces, and nearly four acres of land, it presents an unusual opportunity for someone interested in historic preservation, hospitality, or an ambitious new business venture.
The building’s brick exterior and metal roof give it a substantial, enduring appearance. Inside, hardwood flooring, traditional woodwork, and multiple fireplaces contribute to its old-world character.
The property is arranged across three or more levels, offering a variety of rooms and spaces that could potentially support different functions. For those of us who appreciate historic buildings, the appeal lies not only in the age of the structure but also in the possibility of adapting its existing layout for a new chapter.
The property’s restaurant and tavern identity is central to its appeal. The listing describes a full-service restaurant with three dining rooms, providing a foundation for a future hospitality operation, subject to the condition of the facilities and any required approvals.
Depending on the buyer’s vision, the dining areas might serve a traditional restaurant, private dinners, celebrations, or other gatherings. A prospective operator would need to assess the kitchen equipment, ventilation, food-service infrastructure, and any licensing requirements before reopening or changing the business.
The residential portion includes five bedrooms and three full bathrooms plus a half bath. This combination could be useful for an owner who wants living quarters on the same property as a business, or for a buyer exploring an inn or event-oriented concept. However, the current bedroom and bathroom count should not be taken as confirmation that the property is approved for overnight guest accommodation. Buyers should verify its permitted occupancy, fire-safety provisions, and any requirements for operating an inn or similar establishment.
According to the listing, the building contains six fireplaces, described as decorative. These features contribute to the historic atmosphere, though their condition and suitability for use should be professionally assessed. Heating is listed as oil-fired, with window or wall air-conditioning units. Public water and sewer are connected, and some appliances are included in the sale. A thorough inspection should establish the condition of the roof, brickwork, foundation, electrical and plumbing systems, heating equipment, and any remaining restaurant infrastructure.
Outside, the property occupies approximately 3.73 acres, providing a generous setting for parking, outdoor activities, and potential future improvements. The listing reports five parking spaces and a detached garage. The acreage could offer flexibility for landscaping or other compatible uses, but any plans for weddings, events, agricultural activities, or additional buildings would need to be checked against zoning, access, septic or drainage considerations where applicable, and local regulations.
The property’s history adds to its appeal. The listing identifies Lardin House as dating to 1780 and associates it with the Whiskey Rebellion region, the Civil War era, and the Underground Railroad. These are significant historical connections, but prospective owners should seek reliable historical documentation to establish the details of the property’s role in those events before presenting them as verified facts. If substantiated, such research could help inform a thoughtful preservation plan or future interpretation of the building’s past.
At $555,000, this is best approached as a distinctive historic property with commercial possibilities rather than a standard residential purchase. A buyer should investigate the building’s present operating status, business permits, zoning, accessibility, insurance requirements, renovation costs, and any restrictions affecting future use. The scale of the property and its potential business applications make careful planning especially important.
For an old-house enthusiast or entrepreneur, Lardin House offers an opportunity to combine historic character with a practical new purpose. Whether the next chapter involves a private residence, a restaurant, an inn, or another permitted venture, the property’s age, multiple dining rooms, fireplaces, and acreage provide a compelling starting point for a carefully researched vision.
Key Details
- 💰 Asking price: $555,000
- 🗓️ Year built: 1780
- 🛏️ Bedrooms: 5
- 🛁 Bathrooms: 3 full and 1 half
- 🌳 Lot size: Approximately 3.73 acres
- 🧱 Construction: Brick exterior
- 🔥 Fireplaces: 6, listed as decorative
- 🍽️ Commercial features: Full-service restaurant and three dining rooms
- 🍷 Historic identity: Lardin House Inn, Restaurant & Tavern
- 🚗 Parking: 5 spaces listed, plus a detached garage
- 🚰 Utilities: Public water and sewer
- 🔑 Potential: Residential, hospitality, dining, or event-related use, subject to verification and approvals
Derek Latch 412-407-5720,
COMPASS PENNSYLVANIA, LLC 412-407-5720
Listed by: Derek Latch 412-407-5720, COMPASS PENNSYLVANIA, LLC 412-407-5720
Originating MLS: West Penn Multi-List