Drovers Tavern, an Upstate Property with Many Past Lives, Seeks a New Owner

In its 195 years of existence, Drovers Tavern has changed hands several times; however, the one thing that hasn’t seemed to change is its facade. Completed around 1820, the Cazenovia, New York property is a typical Federal-style house, but its history is anything but. In its earliest days, the four-bedroom house served as a resting spot for drovers shipping livestock down to New York City. After the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, the droving profession, and consequently the tavern, became obsolete. Eventually, the 114-acre property was put to use as a family farm.

Drovers Tavern has had its share of notable residents. It was home to Melville Clark, the creator of the Clark Irish Harp, and his nephew Melville Clark, Jr., a physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project. Now up for auction, the historic mansion is in search of a new owner to continue its long, quirky history. Bids start at $525,000 and will be accepted until August 31st.

One of the first rooms you see upon entering is the living room. Two chandeliers set an elegant tone, while a myriad of windows streams tons of daylight inside. Original hardwood flooring like this can be found throughout the house.

A formal dining room is across the hall. One of the house’s three wood-burning fireplaces keeps the room toasty. For privacy, a pair of pocket doors separates the dining room from the sitting room.

A casual dining experience is always an option in the house’s eat-in kitchen. The painted pattern on the hardwood floor adds color to the room and nicely compliments the pale green cabinets. The kitchen itself is rather spacious and up-to-date with stainless steel appliances.

The second story hosts the house’s four sizable bedrooms. The master is large enough to have its own sitting area, and the wall of closets means the storage space isn’t too shabby either.

A home office is also located on the second floor. The versatile room can easily be controverted into another bedroom.

The backyard pool is certainly a new edition since the 1820s. It adds a touch of luxury to this former farmhouse. The gazebo and stone patio nearby are other modern, upscale offerings.

The other additions to the property are tied to its days as a farm. Adjacent to the house is a three-level carriage house which is now used as a three-car garage. Further out beside the main house is an old barn. Though it appears that it hasn’t been in use for quite some time, in its heyday it was home to the family’s livestock. Ready to be put to use again is a former orchard that sprawls northward.

[Listing: 4065 Pompey Hollow Road by Michael R. Franklin at Franklin Ruttan and Michael DeRosa of Michael DeRosa Exchange, LLC]

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