A Railroad Baron’s Former Carriage House in Saint Paul Lists for $950K

Converted in the 1980s by architect John Buxell, the loft space overlooks a massive courtyard where railroad magnate J.J. Hill once exercised his horses.
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The redbrick structure at 260 Maiden lane is one of those properties that keeps its true allure hidden from the outside world. Nestled along a small alleyway in the St. Paul neighborhood of Cathedral Hill, the historic structure houses modern lofts and glass-covered courtyard. "You would never suspect the home to be as interesting walking by," states listing agent Mary Hardy, "but once inside it's a magical, little oasis."

Sited along a cobblestone alleyway in St. Paul, 260 Maiden Lane is the former carriage house of James J. Hill, Minnesota's railroad tycoon—also known as the "Empire Builder." 

Sited along a cobblestone alleyway in St. Paul, 260 Maiden Lane is the former carriage house of James J. Hill, Minnesota's railroad tycoon—also known as the "Empire Builder." 

The historic property was built in 1891 to house the horses and carriages of railroad baron J.J. Hill, whose historic residence is located across the street. The 3,930-square-foot carriage house was transformed into four condos in the early 1980s by local architect John Buxell, who also lived in one of the residences until his death in 2014.

After suffering years of neglect, the 1891 building was rescued by local architect John Buxell, who converted the space into four condominiums in the 1980s. Here, a look at entryway.

After suffering years of neglect, the 1891 building was rescued by local architect John Buxell, who converted the space into four condominiums in the 1980s. Here, a look at entryway.

Since its original conversion, the two-storied building has reincarnated again, this time as a single-family residence. Featuring three bedrooms, three baths, spacious living areas, and a 1,250-square-foot courtyard, the home also retains many of its original detailing. "There's not another place like it," Hardy adds. Scroll ahead to take a peek inside the abode, currently listed for $949,000.

The double-height space features expansive public areas along the ground floor, with original brick and wood details throughout. A dining area is open to the kitchen in the corner while a staircase curves around while leading to a catwalk upstairs.

The double-height space features expansive public areas along the ground floor, with original brick and wood details throughout. A dining area is open to the kitchen in the corner while a staircase curves around while leading to a catwalk upstairs.

While illuminating the interior space with natural light, the two-story wall of windows also overlook a private, 1,250-square-foot courtyard. Raised sections separate the living and dining area from a library space in the back.

While illuminating the interior space with natural light, the two-story wall of windows also overlook a private, 1,250-square-foot courtyard. Raised sections separate the living and dining area from a library space in the back.

The kitchen features all new appliances as well as penny-tiled countertops.

The kitchen features all new appliances as well as penny-tiled countertops.

Another view of the kitchen. Pendant lights hanging over the bar complement the home's original industrial details.

Another view of the kitchen. Pendant lights hanging over the bar complement the home's original industrial details.

A raised brick walkway surrounds the living area.

A raised brick walkway surrounds the living area.

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase lines the back wall of a small study area opposite the living room.

A floor-to-ceiling bookcase lines the back wall of a small study area opposite the living room.

Upstairs, a small sitting area offers a more intimate space to gather and relax.

Upstairs, a small sitting area offers a more intimate space to gather and relax.

The master bedroom sits in a loft overlooking the living area and offers a wood stove.

The master bedroom sits in a loft overlooking the living area and offers a wood stove.

The master bathroom offers an oversized soaking tub.

The master bathroom offers an oversized soaking tub.

Teak cabinets in the office date back to the building's construction in the 1890s.

Teak cabinets in the office date back to the building's construction in the 1890s.

A view of the wall of windows facing the now covered courtyard that was once used for exercising J. J. Hill's horses.

A view of the wall of windows facing the now covered courtyard that was once used for exercising J. J. Hill's horses.

260 Maiden Lane, Saint Paul, Minnesota, is currently listed for $949,000 by Mary Hardy and Ellie Hardy of Edina Realty, Inc., a HomeServices of America, Inc. company and Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

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