Kettering residents and regional buyers now have the chance to own a piece of Ohio history. The former governor’s mansion, built in 1916 by James M. Cox and called Trails End, has been listed for $2,500,000.
Historic charm meets modern amenities
Designed by architect Oswald Hering, the French‑Renaissance style home sits at 3500 Governors Trail and spans 15,388 square feet. It offers nine bedrooms and eleven bathrooms, a grand spiral staircase, a custom fireplace in the expansive living room, and a newly installed kitchen, bar and swimming pool. Recent owners have also replaced the roof and added contemporary technological upgrades, making the property ready for modern living while preserving its historic character.
Past guests and public use
Trails End has long served as a gathering place for notable figures. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman are recorded as having stayed at the mansion during its early years. More recently, the estate operated as an Airbnb, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Ohio’s gubernatorial past.
James M. Cox’s legacy
James M. Cox served as Ohio’s governor from 1913‑1915 and again from 1917‑1921, and he ran for president in 1920. He founded Cox Enterprises in 1898 after purchasing the Dayton Evening News for $26,000, a venture that eventually grew into the media conglomerate Cox Media Group.
Sale details
The listing is being handled by local realtor Nancy Webb. Interested buyers can contact her through her website for further information and to arrange viewings. The property’s historic designation and prime location in Kettering make it a rare opportunity for both preservationists and investors.
Community impact
While the mansion’s sale price reflects its size and historic value, the transaction also underscores the ongoing interest in preserving Ohio’s architectural heritage. Should a new owner choose to maintain the estate’s public‑access tradition, the mansion could continue to serve as a cultural landmark for the Kettering community.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
