Constructed around 1861, this remarkable ten-bedroom James Seymour mansion sprawls over 5,960 square feet on a vast 0.92-acre plot in Auburn, New York. It recently attracted attention for its remarkably low price, making headlines in December 2019. Public records show
its last sale in 2013 for $155,000. It reappeared on the market on December 2, 2019, with an eye-catching price tag of $50,000, albeit with a unique condition.
Reported by CNN, the city of Auburn had acquired the foreclosed property and, in collaboration with agent Michael DeRosa from the Planning Department, devised an unconventional sales approach. Prospective buyers were required to submit detailed proposals outlining their plans for the mansion’s restoration and intended use. The property gained attention when Christine McConnell, a renowned artist and star of Netflix’s “The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell,” shared a photo on her Instagram alongside listing agent Michael DeRosa in front of the mansion on December 13, 2019. Regrettably, McConnell decided against purchasing the property, citing the extensive renovation work required as beyond her capacity.
According to New York Upstate, the City of Auburn reviewed 204 submissions from interested parties eager to purchase and restore the mansion. Eventually, the winning buyers were revealed to be Glenn James Joynt and Katherine Joynt (Klint), along with their seven children, from Doylesburg, PA. The Joynt family, who oversee the Amish produce co-op Path Valley Farms, put forward a proposal to invest at least $155,000 in renovating the house.
The Seymour Mansion, envisioned by architect John W. Venderbosch and erected around 1861 for Auburn banker James Sheldon Seymour, eventually came into the possession of Charles A. McCarthy, the founder of Dunn and McCarthy Shoes. This historic three-story residence offers nearly 6,000 square feet of living space adorned with intricate hand-crafted details, such as a graceful curved staircase, elegant pocket doors, rich hardwood floors, and four magnificent marble fireplaces. With ten bedrooms, five bathrooms (three full and two half), the mansion showcases splendid original custom woodwork and built-in cabinetry. Set on nearly an acre of land, the property also features a two-story carriage house.
