SELMA
Discover the Timeless Elegance of SELMA & Versatile Lifestyle with Business Potential!
Nestled on 50 acres of stunning countryside landscape, SELMA beckons with its rich history and exceptional beauty. This exquisite Antebellum estate, built in the Federal Style circa 1830, features bricks crafted on-site and laid using the superior Flemish bond technique—all showcasing solid craftsmanship and elegance from a bygone era. As you step through the grand foyer, you are welcomed by towering ceilings, a sweeping grand staircase, original heart-pine floors, and intricate trim—all harmoniously combining modern luxury with historic charm.
SELMA spans 3 levels with a total of 4,824 finished square feet, and includes 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 8 exquisite fireplaces throughout the home. Every room emanates warmth and historic character—and especially inviting is the luxurious primary bedroom retreat and spa-like bath area, where relaxation, rest and reflection is always at hand.
Although quite historic, this estate is fully equipped for contemporary living with updated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. A renovated smokehouse adds to the charm, while the newly completed in-ground pool provides a perfect oasis for exercise and quiet enjoyment of the surrounding landscape.
SELMA not only represents a stunning residence with superior architectural elements, but also an authentic piece of history, deeply connected to the early days of Amelia County and significant Civil War events as the following highlights reflect:
- Originally built by Dr. Phillip T. Southall in 1830 with 2 full stories, massive chimneys at each end of the house, a central hallway with main staircase, back staircase and a traditional English basement all on 1,268 acres ultimately known as the “Selma” tract.
- Selma was constructed with a brick foundation and brick interior walls using the Flemish bond technique which typically provides superior strength and uniformity over hundreds of years of useful life.
- The English basement walls are 18 inches thick the main level walls are 15 inches thick, and the third-floor walls are 12 inches thick—and there are 2 main chimneys with a total of 8 original fireplaces (now using LP fuel) and a new (2023) metal roof.
- The main level of Selma opens to a formal foyer and hallway with paneled doors on both ends, leading to the front porch and screened rear porch—and as you enter, the living room is located to the right and the main staircase (with spandrel ornaments and scroll design) leads to a spacious landing/loft area with a large window on the way to the upper hall. Just to the left of the entry foyer is a very large formal dining room, with a fireplace and curved rear staircase leading to the primary bedroom above.
- The second or top level of Selma boasts two large bedrooms, each with a fireplace—and the primary bedroom now extends toward the rear of the home opening to a spacious owner’s retreat area with a walk-in closet, dressing/vanity area, soaking tub, private bathroom, and fireplace.
- Selma is located on Flat Creek and is only a few miles from the site of the Battle of Sailor’s Creek which was fought on April 6, 1865 in connection with Lee’s forced march movement of his army toward Appomattox. Several written sources state that prior to the battle, on the evening of April 5, General Robert E. Lee had supper at Selma in the English basement dining area (for safety) and the owners of Selma took special measures to be sure Lee could eat in peace. During the period following the battle, it has been recorded that 72 wounded soldiers were cared for at Selma.
- By 1942, Selma was no longer owned by members of the Southall family after being sold to new owner Col. Karl F. Snearer. Among other improvements, Col. Snearer erected a ham radio tower near the rear of the home (which is still in place) and to house his renowned and valuable antique firearms collection, Snearer purchased a complete old jail cell from Amelia County and had it installed it on the rear side of Selma. However, in later years under new ownership, the cell itself was removed—but the heavy, solid cast iron door of the cell remains in place today in the utility room at the very rear of the English basement—and is quite an interesting conversation piece!
SELMA today is truly more than a home—it’s also a prime special events location, boutique winery, and developing vineyard all of which could be continued as an ongoing business by new ownership. It is currently doing business as “Haunted Vineyards Winery”, and presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs, winemakers, and event planners alike. Here’s the link to the HVW website: http://hauntedvineyards.com/
A remarkable 5,100 SF barn, built with open architecture, provides substantial indoor space for special events (such as weddings, etc.), a well-appointed wine tasting bar area, boutique production winery space, catering kitchen, and two restrooms—along with a very spacious upper-level loft area for bride prep space or small, private gatherings. Connected to the barn is a spacious 3,200 SF open outdoor pavilion and the combined barn and pavilion facilities are ideal for hosting special occasions and celebrations. Both the barn and pavilion are relatively newer, being built in 2018. Multiple patios and seating areas adjacent to the barn & pavilion make it an idyllic spot for entertaining, surrounded by the natural beauty of the estate.
The property also features several planted vineyard sites which are still developing and not yet in full production. Two large ponds enhance the picturesque surroundings and attract an abundance of wildlife, making this a paradise for nature lovers. The approximate acreage use breakdown of 50 acres is as follows:
- Residence and surrounds: 8.0 acres
- Vineyards: 4.0 acres
- Open fields: 12.2 acres
- Wooded: 25.8 acres
Additionally, the estate holds potential for equestrian use, further expanding its versatility.
Experience the grandeur and charm of SELMA—a captivating estate where history melds with modern luxury. Your dream of owning a piece of old Virginia heritage awaits—schedule your private showing today and see for yourself the unique lifestyle elements that SELMA offers along with the solid business potential as a boutique vineyard-winery and events center.
Offer Exclusive of Wine Inventory
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Listing Courtesy of Virginia Estates Inc