Murder house: Notoriously expensive real estate

Since 1929, 601 Park Street has been known as Comyn Hall, a quiet refuge for elderly residents.

Its history, however, hasn't always been so sedate.

In 1904, the imposing Victorian was the home of former Charlottesville mayor Sam McCue, and the scene of his wife's brutal murder. McCue was hanged in a Sam Shepard-like case still controversial today.

Last week, the Daily Progress reported that Comyn Hall soon would be no more. Unable to keep its 21 rooms full, managers of the facility are transferring its assets to the Jefferson Area Board for the Aging.

So far, real estate agents aren't knocking down the door to list the almost 11,000-sq.-ft. manse on nearly an acre on one of Charlottesville's most prestigious streets. "I'm sure they will be," says JABA CEO Gordon Walker, who says the decision to sell will be made this summer.

Comyn Hall is assessed for $775,100, and houses on Park Street currently on the market range from $895,000 to $1.2 million, according to Beth Powell up the street at Frank Hardy Real Estate.

Walker isn't worried about Comyn Hall's former notoriety affecting the price. "I just found out about that," he says. "Maybe it'll raise the price."

Comyn Hall, scene of a brutal murder that rocked Charlottesville 100 years ago, could go on the market later this year.
PHOTO BY JEN FARIELLO

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