They just do not build homes like this anymore! Listed on the National Historic Registry, the Seaborn M. Shankle house is thought to be the oldest building in Commerce, GA. Located in the Central Business District and zoned Residential/Commercial, this historic home offers a myriad of potential uses. Only an hour from Atlanta via I-85N, convenient to Athens, Lake Hartwell, Lavonia, Braselton and more. The original structure was built by Eli Shankle, one of the first pioneers of the area. He established a trading post and with his wife Rebecca built a two-room cabin c. 1843. In the mid-1870s, their son Seaborn Shankle added the larger Italianate-influenced house around the existing structure. Both the original cabin and the 19th-century addition comprise the existing house you see today. With modern updates, many original details, and a beautiful pool, the next caretaker can easily transition into carrying on the home's legacy. The grand central hallway is flanked by a parlor and dining room, as well as two additional spaces to be utilized as bedrooms or additional living spaces. At the end of the hallway is a spacious, updated bathroom and laundry room. At the rear of the home you'll find the kitchen and walk-in pantry. The natural beauty of the property is further enhanced by the newly added hardscaping by Smith Planning Group, perennial plantings, irrigation system, and pool. A wrap-around porch provides the perfect perch for enjoying the home's surroundings. Upstairs are four bedrooms and a central bathroom with clawfoot tub and access to a Juliet balcony overlooking the rear yard. Shankle House is also known for being the childhood home of the author Olive Ann Burns, famous for her novel Cold Sassy Tree, which she based on characters and stories from her family's time living there. There is so much to love about this property - from the high ceilings, original moldings, hardwood flooring, and pool to the walkable location near restaurants, a brewery, and local parks.
Property Type(s):
Single Family
|
Last Updated
|
3/11/2026
|
Tract
|
None
|
|
Year Built
|
1840
|
County
|
Jackson Co.
|
Additional Details
| AIR |
Central Air, Electric |
| AIR CONDITIONING |
Yes |
| APPLIANCES |
Dishwasher, Electric Water Heater, Ice Maker, Microwave, Oven, Range, Refrigerator |
| BASEMENT |
Crawl Space |
| CONSTRUCTION |
Frame, Wood Siding |
| EXTERIOR |
Balcony, Courtyard |
| FIREPLACE |
Yes |
| HEAT |
Central, Natural Gas |
| INTERIOR |
Entrance Foyer, High Ceilings, Pantry |
| LOT |
0.9 acre(s) |
| LOT DESCRIPTION |
Garden, Level |
| PARKING |
Off Street |
| POOL |
Yes |
| POOL DESCRIPTION |
In Ground |
| SEWER |
Public Sewer |
| STORIES |
2 |
| STYLE |
Traditional, Victorian |
| SUBDIVISION |
None |
| TAXES |
4849 |
| WATER |
Public |
| ZONING |
Commercial,Single Family |
Location
Listed with Corcoran Classic Living
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This IDX solution is (c) Diverse Solutions 2026.
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