McCray Mansion
703 E Mitchell Street
Kendallville, IN 46755
$449,900

Listing Agent: Lynn And James Reecer
Reecer Properties
260-385-9866
[email protected]
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Property Description

The McCray Mansion, completed in 1928 for the prominent E.E. McCray family (McCray Refrigeration), is one of Indiana’s historic gems. This magnificent Georgian Colonial Revival home totals 10,000+ sq. ft. (7,848 above ground, 2,541 below), is unparalleled in authenticity and design, and is in beautiful well-maintained condition throughout. The estate encompasses 1.04 acres (five city lots) and includes a separate three-bay carriage house with chauffer’s residence above (a charming three-room apartment with separate utilities and private entrance — ideal for guests, family or rental income).

The park-like grounds feature a variety of trees, perennial gardens, water features, and a split drive leading to both the veranda and the gated motor court. Exterior features of the home such as beautiful brick, quoined corners, keystones, towering chimneys, a Vermont slate roof, copper guttering and downspouts, elaborate wood and limestone trim, massive columns flanking the slate-floored veranda, and a picturesque raised and set-back elevation, make this home immediately recognized as very special.

Historic integrity and notable features continue throughout the interior, starting with a breathtaking grand circular staircase  — 18 feet in diameter and spanning three levels (basement to the second floor gallery hall). Other notable elements include the phenomenal, original kitchen with an amazing farm sink and an eight-door built-in McCray refrigerator (restored & fully functional!), six bedrooms (including maid’s and cook’s quarters) — each with a connecting bath, four working fireplaces, additional back staircases, a walnut-paneled library, winter garden (breakfast room), butler and china pantries, plus original chandeliers, sconces, and a working 1928 intercom system.

The third floor (featuring a large room known locally as “the ballroom”) was designed with vaults and drawers for furs, clothing, linens and jewelry. The basement level has full daylight windows, includes three stairways (one accesses the rear lawn and gardens), and features a theatre/recreation room with an original “silver screen” for movie viewing and has theatre seating for 18. Other original details throughout the home’s interior include hand-carved woodwork, Moravian Tile Company and imported Spanish tile work, and plaster finishes that mimic travertine marble. Rooms on all levels flow and function beautifully for everyday life as well as for entertaining. 

The McCray Mansion is located in a quaint tree-lined neighborhood in historic Kendallville (30 minutes north of Fort Wayne) and is just a five-minute walk from beautiful Bixler Lake Park (beaches, kayak rentals, trails, etc.), a new public library, and a charming Main Street with a movie theater, shops and eateries. Kendallville is also home to outstanding public and private schools. Although built as a private residence and used as such for the past 10+ years, the McCray Mansion did operate as a successful Bed & Breakfast for nearly 13 years mostly in the 1990’s. Having drawn guests and visitors from around the country, the potential option exists for this incredible property to once again operate as a thriving Bed & Breakfast and/or special events location.