The motto of the Deborah Edgar Real Estate Group is “It’s not just business to us; it’s personal!” Deborah chose Lancaster as the home for a second brokerage location. (She still maintains an office in Richmond.) Now, she and her family have made a new commitment to investing in their community. Deborah and her cherished life partner Jon Seavey purchased the historic Lancaster Tavern and the three adjoining houses on April 9, 2021. With Jon’s abilities as a commercial contractor and his extensive experience in home building, coupled with Deborah’s real estate experience, they intended to restore and renovate the properties.
“Exactly one year later,” said Deborah, “Jon died suddenly and unexpectedly.” Since last April, she has focused on continuing Jon’s legacy and their shared dream. Deborah’s sons Joey and Jacob, as well as her grandchildren, stepped up to help. Just over a month after losing Jon, the family cleared debris out of two of the houses, filled a dumpster, and participated in a community yard sale.
Keeping the same momentum, Deborah and her sons have completed the first renovation project through their family contracting business, E3 Construction. The family’s long-term goal is to restore the Tavern to its historic glory as the hub of a tourism destination. This would revitalize the entire Lancaster Historic Courthouse District.
Next door to the Tavern, the White House, as it is affectionately known, is to be their first tourist accommodation. After a complete renovation, the original floors have been restored, and the formerly dark rooms are now bright and sunny. Deborah said, “I enjoyed choosing the eclectic furnishings and used light coastal colors.”
Renovations on the “Purple House” began in October. According to Deborah, “This will be more complicated. There are multiple outbuildings on the lot.” The family hopes to have both houses ready for occupancy by March. Deborah said, “Unfortunately, the yellow house will have to be torn down.” Next, they will begin restoring the Tavern.
Lancaster Tavern has a long, but poorly documented history. In the 1790s, the Court granted Henry Hinton permission to build a tavern, considering it a “public advantage.” It operated for over a century as a public house and inn. Robert Randolph Carter, a descendent of Robert “King” Carter, wrote of his 1886 visit to the “clean and cozy inn.” From 1894 until 1982, the Tavern was a private home and later a dental office. Anne Thomas Parsons Carter reestablished the inn in 1982.
In 2008, the Tavern came under the management of Brenda Jackson for the next 10 years. Brenda lovingly restored it to a vintage Bed and Breakfast with loyal followers. Under Brenda’s meticulous and watchful eye, it became a destination known for good food, good spirits and great hospitality until it was sold in 2019. It operated as a restaurant until it was destroyed by fire on April 1, 2020.
Deborah said, “The owners at that time had no fire insurance.” When she and Jon purchased the building, it had been left without a roof for several months, and there was a great deal of water damage. “We got up on top of the building in the summer heat, and the two of us built a temporary roof. We always worked hand-in-hand and side-by-side.”
“We have been amazed and overwhelmed with the community support for these projects,” Deborah said. Such support is vital because they have chosen not to use government or public funds. The historic sycamore tree between the Tavern and the White House is a focal point for their plans. Under its majestic branches, Deborah and her sons hope to build a community memorial garden as a tribute to Jon. She said, “People will be able to purchase memorial bricks so they can honor their own loved ones.”
The family plans to engage the community’s support for the Tavern through fundraisers and events. “I can imagine having live music in the back yard,” Deborah said. “A number of musicians have already offered their services.”
As Deborah said, “Our mission is to move forward, holding space for Jon’s vision, creating a community venue for all to enjoy.”
Style Spotlight on Deborah Edgar Real Estate Group
Family Takes on Historic Legacy
By Denise DeVries
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