Indianapolis’ oldest home has hit the market for $400,000—more than 200 years after it was built as part of a sprawling 240-acre family farm.

Built in 1820, the four-bedroom brick residence is known as the William Sanders Home, named for the man who developed the property when the state of Indiana was “only 4 years old.”

While the property’s age is perhaps the most interesting aspect of its history, there are many charming features about this residence. It’s not just its unique dog-trot layout, which “separates the two wings” of the house, that creates “many living possibilities.”

When the residence was first built – using bricks made from mud from nearby Pleasant Creek – it is believed that the rear of the house was used as farmhands’ quarters.

“The original house is at the front of the house and at some point, a back unit was added with a breezeway connecting the two,” the listing agent said. Mike Feldman of Compass Indiana LLC. “Indianapolis was founded in 1816 and this house was built four years later.”

When it was built, the house had to face southeast to expose the sun to every room throughout the day.

Much has changed since 1820, when Sanders completed work on the residence, which was part of a larger estate that has slowly fallen into pieces over the years.

“William Sanders was a businessman who owned the entire 240-acre parcel,” Feldman said. “Over the years, the lots were sold. It’s interesting that the bricks used to build the house were made from mud from nearby Pleasant Creek.”

Although the estate was once more impressive in the area, the house fell into disrepair during the 1920s, before the house was purchased. Frank ChildrenAccording to the Indy Star, a county clerk who modernized the property and brought it into a new era.

Later it was bought KC Cohenwho owned it for three decades and underwent two extensive renovations before selling it.

The “remarkable piece of Indianapolis history” last traded in 2018 for $195,937. Originally part of a much larger farm, the properties have since been parceled out.

Many historic details still remain in the thoughtfully modern 4,006 square foot interior. Historic highlights include preserved wood floors, custom millwork, window seating, brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and three fireplaces.

A front section of the home designed as the original “public” living areas boasts a bright and airy living room, a spacious dining room for entertaining, and a modern floor plan with an industrial-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

“The current owners bought the house intending to do more extensive renovations, but decided they wanted to be closer to their family and moved to the suburbs,” he added. “They did foundation and sewer line work as well as light renovations on all the bathrooms and repainted the interior. It’s in motion.”

Two bedrooms can be found at the front of the accommodation while the rear offers two further bedrooms and additional living quarters with an additional kitchen. A two-car detached garage can also be found on the fenced property.

“I want to see an owner occupier buy it and pay homage to the era and respect the history of the house like the sellers are with their color choices,” Feldman said. “They renovated it, but made it feel like it was 1820.”

Detached houses located just five minutes from Fountain Square can also be used for additional income.

“This could very well be an investment property,” he said. “It falls under the Landmarks Commission’s historic guidelines, but you can have the front of the house and use the back as an office.

“It’s zoned residential and would also be great for someone who wants separate in-law quarters or to live with another family member.”