Onion domes are not an architectural feature I glimpse very often in this country, let alone in small town Kentucky. When I first saw the circa 1896 Ross-Ratliff House on a chilly winter day in 2015, I was entranced by the shingled corner turret with ogee-curved dome on top. Today I got a message that the house – or at least its intact architectural features – is listed on Facebook marketplace for sale. Once the bits and pieces are carved out, the house will be torn down, according to a post on Facebook Marketplace. Another historic house that could continue to be useful – and one that is eligible for historic tax credits due to its listing in the Carlisle Historic District – will fall to the wrecking ball.
The Ross-Ratliff House, 2015.
The last 40 years or so have not been especially kind to this 2.5 story frame house, which was built for John Ross, the cashier of People’s Bank in Carlisle, around 1896. The house, and accompanying carriage house, first appear on the 1897 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map.
Section of the 1897 Sanborn map showing the house (black arrow).
When the house was first documented in the late 1970s, the dwelling had already been clad in asbestos shingles and divided into apartments. What was likely a grand central stair in the entry/reception hall, off of the wrap-around porch, had already been removed.
Floor plan of the house, as drawn by Camille Wells. From the survey files of the Kentucky Heritage Council.
The house rests on a limestone foundation, with cresting and lightning rods popping up on the hipped roof. Despite some reversible exterior changes, the house is still a lovely sight. The elaborate parapetted attic dormer, the stained glass in the windows – there are so many noteworthy elements that deserve to be saved. I’ve seen many, many houses in worse shape given new life – an intact new life, not a sort of half-life through cannibalization.
Google streetview image.
From my very cursory research, it appears that the house went on the market in January 2020, and was removed in May 2020, at a end listing price of $49,000. While signs of neglect and water damage are visible in the photos found online, so are many original features – features now being sold online.
A mantle from the Zillow listing.
A friend of mine reached out the seller for more photographs but was told he would have to come and see it in person. It’s always interesting when social media platforms are employed for a means, yet the sharing of digital images is not possible…one would think that transmitting photographs of good for sale electronically would aid the sale of said items?
A view of the tower/turret room, likely the first story. Photograph from the Zillow listing.
As a disclaimer, all I know of the history of this house is what is available in public archives, and I certainly am not privy to the circumstances that led to its scheduled demise being declared on the selling side of Facebook.
A segment of the listing on Facebook marketplace. If you look for “Old Mantle. Hardwood Flooring. Windows. Trim” in Carlisle, you’ll find it.
And while I am all for the reuse of materials from historic buildings, this particular instance leaves me feeling sad – and a bit sordid.
Interested in the mantle piece
I lived in this house for 3 years
Surely something needs to be done. It saddens me as well. If nothing else preserve some of the architectural features. So so sad! What about a group effort to save the house?
Do we know when the house is suppose to be destroyed? Also, do we know if it will be able to be saved if a buyer comes through?
Mindy, no, I don’t know. Everything I know about the house comes from historic records, and I learned about the demolition secondhand.
So sorry to learn this.
This hits close to home! I was raised in a 1909 stucco two storey home that was one-of-a-kind for certain. Its architect built only one house. Ours. Cost over-runs ruined his father.
I lived 2000 miles away in the 1970s when mother told me the house had been sold to the local telephone company and would be taken by the wrecking ball. I asked for several of the architectural details and especially wanted its unique fire place fittings and curly wrought iron gratings for heating and cold air returns. She told me not to cause trouble, and she meant it. (The story of my life.) So it all went down in a heap. The lot is in the center of town on the highway and is still vacant.
This kind of disregard is really hard to take.
I grew up one street down from this house and actually toured it back in the early naughties with an eye to buy an older place to fix up. My wife and I opted instead for a 1909 brick bungalow a block in the other direction. Our house was built for Amanda Ratliff-Beers so I imagine there’s some relation.
Contact Preservation Kentucky. Come on folks. Save your heritage. Don’t be complacent!!!
My family owned & lived in this house in the 50’s. I was a small child.
Do you have any pictures of the original staircase
I looked at the house back in the early 2000’s to buy, I wanted it so badly but it was not the right time for me. I loved it and it was gorgeous. It hurts my heart that it is being torn down.