‘Step back in time’ with this Arizona home that was an 1895 general store. Take a look
A one-bedroom, three-bathroom residence on the real estate market in the Copper State for $1.1 million has one of the most unique — and wonderful — backstories attached to its colorful history.
You see, while it’s a live-in residence, it also happens to be a museum.
“Arizona Ghost Town Museum: A RARE opportunity to own your own museum! Step back in time to the turn of the century Wild West Ghost Town of Pearce, Arizona,” the listing says.
“This pristine, ‘One of a Kind’ property, registered in the National Register of Historic Places, has been extensively renovated inside and out, returning it to its original glory with modern day conveniences! Following careful planning to preserve its integrity, using materials to match the period, the restoration was completed in 2019 by local artisans recognized for meticulous, detailed, old world craftsmanship.”
The building was a general store that was built in 1895 and completely restored by owner Patricia Burris decades after she and her husband, Michael, purchased it, Insider reported.
“The mercantile has been standing there at the same spot since 1895. It was your one-stop-shop, like today’s department store,” listing agent Patsy Nyberg with Realty One Group Integrity told Insider. “There was even a Wells Fargo bank inside.”
With the sale, not only is a new owner getting a beautifully resorted historic building, but that $1.1 million will also get them the riches inside as well.
“The treasure trove that conveys with sale includes antiques, furnishings and collectibles and represents the owners artistic attention to detail and love of history,” the listing details. “The vestibule, which features a booth with a teller window brought over the Dragoon Mountains from the post office in Tombstone!”
Nyberg also posted before and after photos of the property on her Facebook page, which shows a dramatic renovation that took the residence from a decaying wasteland to a color-popping dreamland.
According to Insider, Michael Burris was a historian who hoped of one day restoring the old store and Patricia accomplished his dream following his death.
“He passed away several years ago so his wife completed the job. It took about three years and was finished around 2019,” Nyberg told Insider.
Other features on the property include:
A working blacksmith shop
Storage areas
Buggy garages
Ramada
Furnished living area
Easily accessible bathrooms
Iron fencing
Brick courtyard
The museum was also featured on Special Finds, which highlights unique properties on the real estate market.
Pearce is about 85 miles southeast of Tucson.
This story was originally published September 16, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "‘Step back in time’ with this Arizona home that was an 1895 general store. Take a look."