Abram Gaar House and Farm

The Abram Gaar House is a three-story mansion designed in Second Empire style with mansard roofs and ornate decorative details. The residence displays characteristic features of this architectural approach, including elaborate cornices and refined proportions throughout.

The house was built in 1876 for the Gaar family, who manufactured steam engines and threshing machinery. The residence dates from an era when major industrial success translated into grand residential estates.

The house displays Victorian decorative arts and Eastlake style furnishings that the family acquired at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. These pieces reflect the tastes and travels of wealthy industrial families during the 1800s.

Visits are available by appointment only, so plan ahead and contact the location in advance. The house is easily accessible in Richmond and works well for guided tours with in-depth information about the residence.

Original architectural plans drawn on linen by architect John A. Hasecoster are preserved inside the house and reveal 19th-century design techniques. These plans offer a rare window into the handcrafted methods used when creating the building.

Location: Wayne County

Inception: 1876

Architects: John A. Hasecoster

Architectural style: Second Empire style

Address: 2411 Pleasant View Road

Website: http://thegaarhouse.com

GPS coordinates: 39.84917,-84.86667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:04