Brougher-Bath Mansion sold for $1.1 M

After only two days on the market, the Brougher-Bath Mansion in downtown Carson City has sold for $1.1 million to a Washoe Valley couple.

Joylyn and Don Harmer will open their two businesses inside the mansion on Friday. They've operated Corporate Services of Nevada, a resident agent and stock transfer company, since 1992. The remaining second-floor space will be used by The Growth Coach, a business consulting firm. The downstairs will be rented out for meetings.

"We've been looking for a building for about a year to relocate our business," Don Harmer said Friday. "We're growing so fast."

They closed escrow on June 19. His wife is an attorney with Smith & Harmer. The couple has not yet decided if the home will continue to be featured on the Victorian Home & Garden Tour and other local tour events.

Harmer said they decided to purchase the mansion because of the restoration done by the previous owner.

Carlita Ray, of Carson City, said her goal after the restoration was to rent it out as an event house. She was asking for $600 daily for weddings and $400 for business or fundraising events. Ray said it didn't seem like the business was working.

"I love that house so much," she said. "I felt I wasn't doing her justice for the future. I think I was meant to do the restoration, but someone else was meant to come in and give her a future."

It also seems the Victorian mansion's two ghosts have moved on.

"When I had the Christmas tour I noticed the two weren't there anymore," Ray said. "I think they saw the house coming back to when she was beautiful. Maybe that's why I sensed them, and maybe that's what I was meant to do."

Constructed in 1903, the historic property had been restored to its former glory in time for its centennial anniversary in 2003. Ray refinished the original hardwood floors and extensive period woodwork.

Built by mining tycoon and Arlington Hotel owner Wilson Brougher, the home was later sold to Carson City's postmaster Ernest Bath. The Harmers are only the fourth owners of the property.

Larry Messina, sales agent for Coldwell Banker Commercial Premier Brokers, negotiated the sale of the 3,307-square-foot mansion at 204 W. Spear St. Bob Fredlund and Jason Bacigalupi of Coldwell Banker Best Sellers assisted on the sale.

"I didn't expect it to last very long on the market," he said. "In no time they came in, made an offer, and it was done."

Messina said the original glass and a grand entry staircase were retained.

The buyers were represented by Carolyn McLain of Coldwell Banker Best Sellers in Carson City.

• Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.