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Living History: What My Historic Leesburg Home Has Taught Me About Buying and Selling Homes
- Leslie Mandrgoc
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Living in a historic home is about stewardship. The home I live in, located in the heart of Downtown Leesburg, has witnessed centuries of change and generations of families, reflecting the evolving story of the town itself.
A Home Rooted in Leesburg’s Earliest History
My home sits on what was once part of Lots 49 and 50 in the original 1759 town plan of Leesburg. These lots played a meaningful role in the early development of the community, bordered by streets that still exist today: Cornwall, Wirt, North, and Liberty. Long before modern conveniences, these properties were central to Leesburg’s civic and spiritual life.
Lot 50, in particular, was owned by the Methodist Church for more than a century and included both a church and a graveyard. The Old Stone Church that once stood nearby is recognized as the first Methodist-owned property in America. Over time, the land passed through many hands, was abandoned, revived, and ultimately preserved, mirroring the resilience and layered history so common in older homes.
A House Shaped by Generations
The house was owned by the Fishburne family for over 110 years. Multiple generations lived within its walls, including during pivotal moments like the Civil War and World War II. The home was a constant presence through decades of family life, change, and memory.
This house is a living chapter of Leesburg’s past, and it's something you can feel when you walk through the home.
What Living in a Historic Home Has Taught Me
Owning and living in a historic property has given me firsthand insight into what makes these homes special and what they require.
Owning and maintaining a historic property gives you a very different perspective than simply selling one.
These are details that don’t always show up on a listing sheet, but they matter tremendously when buying or selling an older home in Downtown Leesburg. Historic homes come with unique considerations:
Understanding original materials and how to preserve them
Navigating renovations thoughtfully and within historic guidelines
Appreciating architectural details that may not exist in modern builds
Recognizing the value of provenance, not just square footage
I don’t just study these things professionally, I live them daily. I understand the balance between preservation and practicality. I know the questions buyers should ask, the concerns sellers often have, and the emotional connection that comes with homes that have stood for centuries.
For me, this isn’t just real estate. It’s personal.
How This Experience Benefits My Clients
As a realtor who lives in a historic Downtown Leesburg home, I bring practical insight into inspections for older homes, experience navigating renovation conversations with preservation in mind, and a deep appreciation for why buyers are drawn to Leesburg’s historic charm.
I bring:
A practical understanding of inspections for older homes
Experience navigating renovation conversations with preservation in mind
Insight into how history can enhance a home’s value, not complicate it
A deep appreciation for why buyers are drawn to Leesburg’s historic charm
Downtown Leesburg: Where History and Lifestyle Meet
One of the greatest gifts of living in a historic home downtown is the lifestyle. Walkable streets, locally owned shops, restaurants, community events, and a strong sense of place make Downtown Leesburg unlike anywhere else in Loudoun County.
For buyers looking for character, authenticity, and connection, historic Leesburg homes offer something truly special. And for sellers, telling the right story with accuracy and respect for the home’s past, can make all the difference.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Downtown Leesburg, I’d love to help you navigate the process with clarity, confidence, and care.
Let's Connect,
Leslie Mandrgoc
Real Estate Advisor
Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty
22 West Market St.
Leesburg, VA 20176
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