Step back in time at The Decker House, a historically significant 1838 Federal-style home offering timeless charm, modern comforts, and a powerful Civil War legacy. Perched on 1.74 acres along River Road near the Rappahannock River, this home once served as a strategic site during the Battle of Fredericksburg. General Robert E. Lee positioned Confederate troops on the property’s high ground to oversee Banks Ford, and the home itself sheltered families seeking refuge. Today, original battle scars remain—a cannonball indent in front of the living room fireplace and preserved gunfire marks in the original front door—authentic reminders of its place in American history. The Federal-style design features a central hall running the length of the home, flanked by gracious living spaces on either side. With 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, the upstairs sitting area often used as a 4th bedroom, the home offers both flexibility and charm. Throughout, you’ll find five fireplaces, hardwood floors, and built-ins that showcase its architectural character. Thoughtful updates, which modernized the home while preserving its historic soul. The English basement kitchen boasts granite countertops, new cabinetry, fireplace, and stainless appliances. Electrical and plumbing systems have been updated, and comfort upgrades include Mitsubishi ductless air conditioning and a pellet stove. A durable metal roof adds both longevity and peace of mind. The property itself retains echoes of the past, with remnants of the original detached kitchen still standing behind the home. Mature trees, wide lawns, and nearly two acres of land provide privacy and natural beauty—while the location offers convenience to Downtown Fredericksburg, Motts Run Reservoir, Wineries, Shopping, Trails and commuter routes. With its rich heritage, preserved architectural detail, and modern updates, The Decker House presents a rare opportunity: a private residence steeped in story, or a potential Bed & Breakfast/heritage retreat for history lovers. Schedule your showing today!
Single-familyProperty Type
1838Year Built
1.74 acresLot Size
$226Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
5 spacesParking
Listed by Ashley Greene• Hometown Realty Services, Inc.
•540-310-5005 (broker)
Listed by Sarah Connell• Hometown Realty Services, Inc.
•540-310-5005 (broker)
Bought with Non Member NON MEMBER• Non Subscribing Office
Perfect location for a Bed & Breakfast. Rare opportunity to become a steward of the historic Decker House, located on River Road in Fredericksburg. In the time of the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee used the Decker House to station troops in order to maintain his defense positions because of the high elevations that overlooked the Rappahannock River and Banks Ford. During the Battle of Fredericksburg, refugees fled the war-torn area and took shelter at the Decker House for safety. This beautifully preserved and renovated Historic 1838 Federal-style farmhouse sits on 1.74 acres in a scenic area by Motts Run Reservoir. The English basement with upgraded kitchen includes new granite countertops, cabinets, refrigerator, oven & dishwasher. Cozy up by the pellet stove on a chilly winter day with a good book, or enjoy the grounds during the spring and summer months. The remains of the old kitchen are still located on the property. The bathrooms and wiring have been upgraded, the home has been freshly painted. It features a metal roof and Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners keep the interior cool. There have been many articles written to document the colorful past of the Decker House, so if you are a history buff who is looking to own a piece of the past, this is the property for you!
MRIS #SP9814516
Mar 24, 2017
Sold
$399,900
$171/sq ft
Feb 24, 2017
Pending
—
Feb 20, 2017
Relisted
—
Feb 3, 2017
Contingent
—
Nov 22, 2016
Listed
**
$171/sq ft
BRIGHT MLS #1000833457
Mar 28, 2017
Listing Removed
—
Mar 24, 2017
Sold
$399,900
$171/sq ft
Nov 22, 2016
Listed
$399,900
$171/sq ft
+21
Step into history in this beautifully restored 1838 federal style home. Located in the Mott~s Run area of River Rd , boasts the charm and character of years gone by, while having the comforts of modern day. English basement w/ upgraded kitchen, baths upgraded, wiring updated, fresh paint & landscaping, brick patio, newer standing seam metal roof. By appointment only with owner. Invisible fencing.
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
2
Stories
3
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
1.74 Acres
Year renovated
—
Sq. Ft.
2,340
Year built
1838
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Spotsylvania County
APN
12 - A - 101 A
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 3, 2026.
RU
RIVER PROTECTION OVERLAY DISTRICT
RESERVOIR PROTECTION OVERLAY DISTRICT
Rural District
The purpose of the rural (Ru) district is to protect and maintain the rural character of the county and to protect and enhance the agricultural economy of the county, while providing for low density residential development in a rural setting.
Zone overlays
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Agriculture
Equestrian facility
Religious facility
Housing-Single unit
Bed & breakfast
Public service
Educational/school
Casino / gaming facility
Golf related
Park & open space
Sep 3, 2025 • Final
Erosion only
Perform a five year inspection and pump out program.
Grading
Oct 27, 2022 • Final
Reno-addition
Perform repairs on a foundation.
Remodel
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Connecting Stairway, English, Fully Finished, Outside Entrance, Side Entrance
Exterior
Property Information
Total Below Grade Sq. Ft.: 900
Improvement Assessed Value: $301,000
Ownership Interest: Fee Simple
Year Built Source: Assessor
Year Major Reno/Remodel: 2016
Building Information
Construction Materials: Wood Siding
Foundation Details: Permanent, Brick/Mortar
Other Structures: Above Grade, Below Grade
Structure Type: Detached
Other Structures: Shed Shop, Shed, Other
Lot Information
Tidal Water: No
Land Information
Land Assessed Value: $134,600
Above Grade Information
Finished Sq.Ft.: 1,440
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Below Grade Information
Unfinished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Finished Sq.Ft.: 900
Finished Sq.Ft. Source: Assessor
Financial
Tax Information
County Tax: $3,198
Tax Assessed Value: $435,600
Tax Year: 2025
Tax Annual Amount: $3,199
Assessments Information
Year Assessed: 2025
Utilities
Utilities Information
Cooling Type: Ductless/Mini-Split
Cooling Fuel: Electric
Forced Air
Heating Fuel: Oil
Hot Water: Electric
Sewer Septic: On Site Septic
Water Source: Well
Location
School Information
Elementary School: CHANCELLOR
Middle Or Junior School: CHANCELLOR
High School: RIVERBEND
School District Name: SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Elementary School Source: Listing Agent
Middle School Source: Listing Agent
High School Source: Listing Agent
School District Source: Listing Agent
Location Information
Outside City Limits
Directions: From I-95 Head West onVA-W/ Plank Road for . 6miles, Turn Right onto Bragg Road for . 9miles, Turn Left onto River Road, Continue for 2.1 Miles home will be on your right.
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 2.0
Sq. Ft.: 2,340
Stories: 3.0
Lot Size: 1.74 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1838
Year Renovated: —
County: Spotsylvania County
APN: 12 - A - 101 A
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 3, 2026
Around this home
Schools
Chancellor Elementary School
Public PreK-5 • Assigned • 2.4mi
8/10
Chancellor Middle School
Public 6-8 • Assigned • 3.0mi
3/10
Riverbend High School
Public 9-12 • Assigned • 2.1mi
6/10
Provided by GreatSchools
Lifestyle
Provided by Walk Score and Local Logic
Climate risks
1/10 Flood Factor
Minimal risk of a flood reaching the building in the next 30 years
1/10 Fire Factor
Unlikely to be in a wildfire in next 30 years
6/10 Heat Factor
7 days above 105° expected this year, 17 days in 30 years
4/10 Wind Factor
15% chance of strong winds in next 30 years
1/10 Air Factor
0 unhealthy days expected this year, 0 days in 30 years
Provided by First Street
Historical weather
Fredericksburg, VA • 22407
Average low and high temperatures (°F)
42
23
48
29
65
40
73
49
76
55
86
65
89
70
81
63
79
60
70
48
60
39
46
29
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sun exposure
In this area, properties receive around 9.6 hours in
June and 4.5 hours in December, which is comparable to the
U.S. average for solar exposure.
9.6 hrs
4.5 hrs
JuneDecember
Provided by Shadowmap
Estimated sale price
$502,000 – $608,000
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