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Lifesize gingerbread house for sale
Posted: 12.02.2010 at 12:57 PM
Mark Slavit

Mark Slavit is the Columbia Bureau chief and the Mid-Missouri Traveler.

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COLUMBIA, MO. -- One of Columbia’s most unique homes is for sale.

It has several names including “The Gingerbread House”, “The Hansel and Gretel House”, “The Three Bears House”, “The Fairy Castle” and “The Hobbit House”. 

It was the home of Herb and Betty Brown for more than 50 years, until they both passed away. Now, Herb and Betty’s son and daughter, Jim and Kathleen, want to sell their old home on the southwest corner of Ash Street and West Boulevard in Columbia.

Herb Brown passed away in September. His wife Betty died in 2007. Both of their children live out of state.

“I had an open house here two weeks ago," House of Brokers Realtor Betty Tice said. "I must have had 300 people. Most of them were just people who had driven by, or lived in the neighborhood, and had always wondered what the inside looked like.”

A man named Arch McCard built a log cabin at this landmark location in the early 1900’s. Records at the Boone County Assessor’s Office show an addition was built around the log cabin in 1935.

Another unique characteristic of “The Gingerbread House” is the fact that its ceilings are about 7 feet tall. Normal-sized people wouldn’t have any problem living here, but if you’re a basketball player, you might want to think twice.

“The Gingerbread House is for people who appreciate history and cozy surroundings. The Columbia Historic Preservation Commission put the house on its list of Notable Historic Properties.

Tice said The Brown Family used the home’s old fireplace for more than 50 years. 

“This is the stone fireplace," Tice said. "I suspect there have been many meals cooked on this fireplace. They still have the rod iron holder for the pots.”

“The Gingerbread House” can be yours for the asking price of $175,000.

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