"APPROVED FOR HISTORIC INN" BLACKSTONE VALLEY, MA 583 Linwood Avenue                                    Whitinsville, MA Offered at $1,150,000 (SOLD) Presently and originally a private residence, the Whitins Estate (circa 1871) operated as a fine dining and 8 guest room inn called "The Victorian" for 22 years dating from 1971 to 1993. While continued residential use is acceptable recently via public hearing, a special permit was granted to use the premises as a Bed and Breakfast, restaurant and tavern in the main building, and a function hall in the existing carriage house. The plan approved called for the main building having a restaurant capacity of 80 on the first floor, 8 guest rooms (all with existing private baths) upstairs and a tavern with a capacity of 80 in the basement level. The carriage house would be the banquet hall with a capacity of up to 250 people. Parking for around 250 autos is to be behind and to the side of the main building. The approval was a unanimous decision made in consideration of the standards and recommendations contained in the town's master zoning plan of 1994. For more information or to schedule an appointment to see a property, click here or call Dennis or Sara, 860-684-4455. View of the front. View of the side. View of side/grounds. Click on any of the small photos on this page for a larger view. Use your "Back" button to return. Wealthy mill owner James Fletcher Whitin spared no expense while he personally supervised the estate's construction. It's highly distinguished curb presence makes a dramatic impact on many who pass by. The interior woodwork is a magnificent museum like display of period master craftsmanship. The main house is 9,900 square feet with 10 bedrooms, 10 baths, and three half baths that overlooks the pond and the river. The basement is 3,200 square feet with elaborate woodwork and an enormous granite fireplace in one area that was once a finished rec room. The two story carriage house is 4,300 square feet not including the basement. It appears structurally solid but would need remodeling to be utilized as living or event space. The lot is about 5 acres with pond frontage. The property qualifies as two building lots, with a second pond front lot already surveyed, but this would only pertain if use is residential.       The interior. View of the back. The interior.      Whitinsville is in a demographically strong market for commerce and real estate that is centrally located between Providence, Boston and Worcester. In 1986 Congress designated the Blackstone River Valley as a National Heritage Corridor. The National Park Service coordinates historic and recreational activities in the region. Grounds and pond. The road, left. The road/river, right. Versatility in use affords a great opportunity: As a business location our evaluation is this property has potential as a casual bed and breakfast, a restaurant and/or tavern, or as an events or wedding facility. Our knowledge of the regional marketplace shows that while much of the hospitality market is slightly down since 911, the event facilities in one of the nation's highest per capita income areas are some of the most profitable businesses of any kind anywhere. Quality operations in this area gross $10,000 to $30,000 per event, or $100+ per head. Contrary to restaurant operations, waste is minimal, as well as hours of operation, since everything is planned ahead. A key draw for one sector of the events market is an elegant atmosphere capable of supporting an ambiance that will provide a memorable experience. We have also identified one other potential untapped market. For more information or to schedule an appointment to see a property, click here or call Dennis or Sara, 860-684-4455.