Historic John Hall House c.1800

Historic John Hall House c.1800

The historic John Hall House is conveniently located just minutes from schools, shopping & entertainment in the Poolesville Historic District in desirable Montgomery County. Featuring a potential main level in-law suite or second master bedroom suite, this home is a wonderful blend of historic detailing and modern amenities that include a gourmet kitchen with 6 burner gas range, 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms, 2 staircases, vaulted ceilings, wood  floors, a bedroom level laundry room, an over-sized detached 3 car garage, along with gorgeous exposed interior log walls and wood ceiling beams. Resting on a cozy 1 acre lot near the town center, with tasteful landscaping, a water feature and expansive deck, the yard is a great for entertaining friends and family, or for relaxing in the evening after a stroll around this charming town.
Poolesville High School #32 in the Nation – Newsweek’s Top Public High Schools 2016

Beautifully restored and renovated, this is a home of rare distinction near to Washington, DC and North Virginia, yet a world away.

About the House

The house was built in three stages, with the original log cabin section being dated as 1801, according to current Montgomery County tax records. The second section can definitely be dated by comparing the Montgomery County tax records for 1830 and 1831 for the Beeding family. The 1830 records list an unimproved lot, while the 1831 listing mentions a dwelling. The third section cannot be accurately dated; however, based on the woodwork and general style of the building, it appears it was added just a few years later.

The original foundation and timbers remain, as do the interior trim, stairs, banisters, and floors. The floors are 1.5” thick quartersawn pine. All four fireplaces are functional. Many of the original windows survive, with most exhibiting the wavy patterns and bubbles characteristic of early window glass before mass production made it uniformly clear. One upstairs window has a man’s name etched in it, apparently a tradition for validating the authenticity of a woman’s engagement diamond.

All appliances, mechanical systems, and the roof are updated. Mature trees offer privacy, and the backyard deck and the water feature create a quiet oasis for outdoor living. The three-car garage, equipment shed, and finished attic provide ample storage space. The Town of Poolesville hosts small-town living, excellent schools, and easy access to Washington DC and the Dulles corridor.

History

According to old records the land where the house stands was originally part of a large tract called “Difficulty”, which was owned by Alexander Whitaker in the early 1800s. He subdivided the land into lots and willed them in 1824 to his children. Lot #11, where the house now stands, was given to his daughter Eleanor. Around 1830 she sold the land to Craven P. Beeding, who built a fine house on the property “. . . furnished with rich and costly furniture, plate, piano, etc.”

Mr. Beeding transferred all of his property to his wife, Rosetta Larkland Beeding, but then accumulated heavy debts. His business failed and he told his creditors he owned nothing. After legal bickering that lasted from 1832 to 1850, the house was sold to William Dennis Poole, son of John Poole II and brother of Dr. Thomas Poole and Frederick Poole. It remained in the Poole family until 1903, when it was sold to the Hall family. It remained in the Hall family until about 1990, when it was purchased for renovation. The current owner bought the house in early 1992.

Poolesville Historic District

National Register of Historic Places
…Within the historic district are 33 buildings of local architectural and/or historical significance….
Although the occurance of several disasterous fires in the early 20th century claimed about 25 individual structures dating from the first half of the 19th century, a sufficient number remain together with those additional buildings constructed towards the close of the 19th century to form one of the largest remaining essentially 19th century villages of any significance in Montgomery County. There have fortunately been few intrusions on the town by later, more modern examples of 20th century commercial architecture. The least obtrusive is the aforementioned Town Hall, built in 1910 in a vaguely classical style. It occupies a prominent location near the center of town and is widely recognized as a local landmark.
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Links

Poolesville High School #32 in the Nation – Newsweek’s Top Public High Schools 2016
Poolesville Historic District – National Register of Historic Places
Difficulty – Original Land Grant Information
Historic Medley District – About the Poolesville Historic District & Contact Information