History Of The Home
The home was built in 1930 by businessman Harry Taylor at an estimated cost of $250,000, which would be equivalent in today’s currency of over 4 million dollars. In 1930 it was absolutely the finest home in Southern Ohio, a majestic three story, 30 plus room mansion sitting on over 5 acres. In the 1930’s it was common for a large home to have servant quarters and a separate residence for the chauffeur above the garage, as this one does. Mr. Taylor spared no expense with the first floor living room and the master bedroom directly above it each measuring in at 19 X 37 feet. The dining room is even bigger. Three fireplaces, eight bedrooms, a large butler’s pantry, walk-in safe, two second floor porches, two terraces, and a stone gazebo are some of the amenities. There is trim of American walnut throughout, leaded glass bay windows, and carved mahogany walls.
In 1952, the property went on the auction block for the first time. The Catholic Diocese purchased it, and it became a monastery for the nuns who worked at Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth. The Monastery of Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration was located there from 1956 until the late 1980’s when its residents relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, and Fred and Charlotte Bennet bought the estate.
The home was put on the auction block again to be sold with the proceeds divided between Shawnee State University, and The Ohio State University. In 2015 the current owners, Trevor and Kara Copeland, purchased the home and for the first time moved in three children and a dog.