There are historic homes, and then there are landmarks. The C.E. Morris House falls firmly into the second category.
If you’ve ever driven down East Broad Street and caught yourself staring at a massive stone mansion with a turret that looks straight out of a storybook, you’ve already met it. Now, the iconic Olde Towne East home is back on the market with a $1.895 million price tag after a recent price reduction.
Built in 1897 for Charles E. Morris, owner of Morris Iron Works, the home dates back to a time when East Broad Street was Columbus’ version of Millionaires’ Row.
Business leaders and industrialists built elaborate homes along the boulevard, turning it into one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. While many of those mansions have disappeared over the past century, the C.E. Morris House has managed to stand the test of time.
That’s a very good thing, because this place is a showstopper.
The Romanesque Revival mansion also features Queen Anne influences, which explains its unforgettable mix of rough-cut stone, intricate carvings, soaring chimneys, and that unmistakable corner turret. It’s the kind of house that makes you slow down a little when you pass by, even if you’ve seen it a dozen times before.
Inside, you’ll find nearly 6,650 square feet spread across 13 rooms, including seven bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and three half baths. According to the listing, the home has been carefully restored over the years while preserving many of its historic character.
One of the coolest details isn’t something that was there from the beginning. During restoration, architectural elements from the former Indianola United Methodist Church were incorporated into the home, giving two pieces of Columbus history a second life under one roof.
Outside, the property feels surprisingly secluded for being just minutes from Downtown.
Electric gates open from both East Broad Street and East Capital Street onto a private drive, while mature trees, outdoor gathering spaces, and a fully fenced yard create a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city. There’s even a poured foundation ready for a future garage or carriage house.
The mansion has worn a few different hats over the years. After the Morris family lived there until 1924, it later became a rooming house and was eventually used for commercial purposes before preservation efforts helped restore one of Columbus’ architectural treasures.
The home’s significance extends far beyond its curb appeal. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and is also recognized on the Columbus Register of Historic Properties as part of the 18th & East Broad Historic District.
Owning a 129-year-old mansion probably isn’t for everyone. But if owning one of the most recognizable historic homes in Columbus sounds like it’s right up your alley, then you can check out the full listing here.
