Historic Sanford-Wade House (1909) – Downtown Buchanan Landmark with Versatile Commercial & B&B Potential
Originally constructed in 1909, this storied wood-sided home was once the residence of Evelyn Sanford Wade – Buchanan’s longtime mayor and a trailblazer as possibly the first female city mayor in Georgia. Known locally as the “Sanford-Wade House,” it stands prominently on the town square at the corner of US Hwy 27 and GA Hwy 120, directly across from the historic courthouse. With approximately 2,682 square feet of space, soaring ~12-foot ceilings, and multiple fireplace mantels gracing its rooms, the property exudes a bygone-era charm that is impossible to replicate. From the moment you step onto its broad front porch, you’ll feel the echo of over a century of history – rich hardwood floors, intricate millwork, and vintage details inside harken back to 1900s craftsmanship, while modern improvements like central HVAC and a durable metal roof ensure comfort and longevity.
Beyond its historic character, 3608 US Hwy 27 offers exceptional flexibility for the future. The site is zoned C-D-B (Central Business District), which means you can adapt this landmark to a variety of uses. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or visionary homeowner, this property invites you to write its next chapter. Imagine the possibilities:
- Law Office or Professional Firm: Establish a prestigious small firm steps from the courthouse, ideal for attorneys or consultants seeking a convenient, high-visibility location.
- Boutique Business or Creative Studio: Open a charming retail shop, art gallery, cafe, or studio in a character-rich setting that will draw customers seeking an authentic local experience.
- Bed-and-Breakfast / Airbnb: Transform the home into a storybook B&B or vacation rental, capitalizing on its historic appeal to attract travelers exploring West Georgia’s countryside.
Exterior: Timeless Curb Appeal & Historic Charm
From the street, the Sanford-Wade House immediately commands attention with its classic Southern architecture and corner-lot presence. The wood siding exterior – freshly painted in late 2021 – highlights the home’s period detailing and contrasts beautifully with the newer metal roof for a pop of lasting color. A wide, wrap-around front porch welcomes you and your guests, complete with turned posts and decorative rails that speak to the home’s 1909 origins. This generous porch not only adds old-fashioned charm but also provides the perfect spot for a pair of rocking chairs or a café table to enjoy the view of the courthouse square.
Being a corner lot, the property enjoys frontage on two sides (US-27 and GA-120), enhancing its visibility and accessibility for any commercial endeavor. Mature shade trees and flowering shrubs dot the 0.2-acre yard, giving a pleasant green buffer around the building. There is ample off-street parking for staff, clients, or guests – including a covered carport and driveway space for several vehicles, a rare convenience for a downtown location. In short, the exterior offers a welcoming curb appeal that is equally suited to a charming bed-and-breakfast veranda scene or a professional office entrance.
Interior: Historic Elegance Meets Modern Comfort
Step inside to discover an interior brimming with character and possibilities. The current layout (originally 4 bedrooms and 2 baths) provides a framework of large, adaptable rooms that can easily be configured to suit your needs – from private offices and conference rooms to guest suites and living areas. Throughout the home, you’ll find towering ceilings nearly 12 feet high, lending an airy, grand feeling to each space. Hardwood floors stretch across the main areas, waiting to be restored to their original luster. You’ll also discover three original fireplaces with ornate mantels, adding warmth and focal points in what could be reception areas, lounge spaces, or elegant bedrooms. Stately doors, tall windows with transom lights, and hefty crown moldings (indicative of the early 20th century craftsmanship) further enhance the timeless ambiance.
While the Sanford-Wade House celebrates its history, it hasn’t remained frozen in time. Key updates have been made to support modern comfort and functionality. The building is equipped with central heating and cooling (with propane-fed heat), keeping the entire 2,682 sq ft comfortable year-round. The electrical and plumbing systems have been improved over the years, and the property is connected to city water and sewer utilities. Additionally, high-speed internet service is available – an essential feature for today’s businesses or high-end B&B guests who expect connectivity. These upgrades provide a solid infrastructure backbone, so you can focus on cosmetic finishes and customizations to suit your vision. The interior is essentially a blank canvas with great bones, ready for your finishing touches. Whether you plan to design law office suites with a reception lobby, create cozy period-themed guest rooms, or craft your dream residence, the spacious rooms and historic features will elevate the end result. This is a place where vintage elegance and modern utility co-exist, offering the best of both worlds to whoever becomes its next steward.
Views & Location: Courthouse Square & Community
Location is paramount, and this property delivers an unbeatable downtown Buchanan setting. Situated right on the historic courthouse square, the Sanford-Wade House offers views of the iconic Haralson County Courthouse and the quaint town center from its windows and porch. Each day, you can watch the small-town bustle – from local officials and attorneys walking into the courthouse to community events on the square – truly capturing the essence of Buchanan’s charm. For a law practice, being across from the courthouse means unparalleled convenience for you and your clients. For an inn or boutique business, it means your guests or customers instantly feel connected to the town’s history and civic life.
Beyond the picturesque view, the property’s location is practical and promising. All of Haralson County’s main offices and services are in the immediate vicinity, bringing a steady presence of professionals and visitors to the area. Foot traffic during weekdays comes from the courthouse and county buildings, and on weekends the town square often sees visitors for local festivals, farmers’ markets, and seasonal events – potential patrons for your business or guests for your B&B. Buchanan exudes a friendly, small-community feel, where local shop owners and neighbors greet you by name, yet it’s also a town on the verge of exciting growth. Recent investments and developments in Haralson County signal an upward trend in the local economy, making this an astute time to invest in downtown real estate.
Accessibility is another plus: Buchanan sits along the US-27 corridor and GA-120, giving easy route access for clients or tourists finding their way. Interstate 20 is a short drive south, linking the area to the greater Atlanta region in under an hour. This central location means you can enjoy a peaceful small-town environment without sacrificing connectivity to larger markets and amenities.
In summary, the Sanford-Wade House offers an extraordinary blend of historic character, prime location, and flexible use potential. It stands ready to become whatever you can imagine – a refined law office, a bustling boutique, a charming bed-and-breakfast, or a one-of-a-kind home – all while anchoring you in the heart of Buchanan’s community and history. Opportunities to own a landmark property like this are exceptionally rare, so don’t miss your chance to write the next chapter of 3608 US Hwy 27. Embrace this unique piece of Georgia heritage and transform it into your own future-forward success story.
