This Newport Home for Sale was Once Part of the Underground Railroad

Perched on a small hill on Newport’s Third Street is an heirloom from Northern Kentucky’s storied past during a time when it was a main thoroughfare on the road to freedom for many. The General James Taylor Mansion, purportedly designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe — the same man who also designed the U.S. Capitol and parts of the White House, was built in 1837 and is now on back the market.

The Greek Revival mansion, also called Belle Vue, meaning “beautiful view,” is a landmark and can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally owned by General James Taylor, who served as a quartermaster general and paymaster during the War of 1812 and at one time owned thousands of acres across Newport and Bellevue. While Taylor did own people during his lifetime, after his death in 1848, Belle Vue served as a station on the Underground Railroad. It’s estimated that between 1810 and 1850, the Underground Railroad network helped at least 100,000 people escape to freedom.

The mansion, recently renovated from a law firm into a single-family home, has been enhanced and updated, but still maintains a lot of its historic charm; it was even awarded the City of Newport Preservation Hero Award — only the second award given in 20 years. Historic details include stained glass, decorative millwork and moldings, beautiful fireplaces and a stunning, twisting staircase at the entrance. The main floor features 17-foot-high ceilings and numerous windows for plenty of natural light. The home also has six bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two half bathrooms, and it was awarded

As for updates and improvements, over $1.4 million and 14,000 labor hours have been invested into the home in the last two years, including a brand-new Italian kitchen, baths and HVAC systems. Work has also been done on the electric, plumbing, closets, cabinets and storage systems, and there are gas lines to five of the eight inoperable fireplaces.

The mansion, located at 335 E. Third St. in Newport, is listed for $2.4 million. For more information, contact Lee Robinson with Robinson Sotheby’s International Realty at 513-470-7700. See the original listing here.

And if you want to see the mansion decked out for Christmas, you’ll have your chance this weekend at the annual Victorian Christmas Tour in Newport. The mansion will be one of the centerpieces of the tour, which is happening from noon to 6 p.m. on both Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Eight homes, including Belle Vue, will open their doors for visitors to be wowed by all the holiday decorations on this self-guided tour. Tickets are $22 online or $25 at the door. Buy yours or learn more about the Newport Victorian Christmas Tour at eastrow.org.