One of Hopewell Valley’s oldest surviving buildings—and one of New Jersey’s most endangered historic sites—is officially on the market.
The Andrew Mershon Tavern, the circa-1746 stone tavern along Bear Tavern Road that played a role in Revolutionary-era travel through the region, was listed for sale this week for $560,000, offering what the listing describes as “a once-in-a-generation chance to save a piece of Revolutionary-era New Jersey.”
Set on 8.41 acres at 1258 Bear Tavern Road, the five-bedroom home is being sold as-is. The listing highlights original pumpkin pine floors, hand-hewn beams and a walk-in stone fireplace, while acknowledging the property requires significant restoration. It also points prospective buyers toward preservation tax credits and New Jersey Historic Trust loan programs that could help offset rehabilitation costs.
For the first seven days on the market, the HUD-owned property is available only to government agencies and approved nonprofit organizations before broader bidding opens. Offers are due by noon July 11, according to the listing.
A Landmark in Need of Rescue
The listing comes a year after Preservation New Jersey named the Andrew Mershon Tavern one of the state’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places, citing years of deterioration and the need for renewed investment.
When MercerMe visited the property in May 2025, missing siding, extensive wood rot, a collapsed chimney and deteriorating masonry were visible, underscoring the building’s fragile condition.
Known historically as Mershon’s Tavern, the property served travelers making their way along Bear Tavern Road during the colonial period. Andrew Mershon operated the tavern under licenses issued between 1746 and 1793, and the site appears on Revolutionary War-era maps preserved by the Library of Congress.
The tavern’s location also placed it along the route used by George Washington’s Continental Army as troops marched toward Trenton during the Revolutionary War.
Preservation Opportunity
Rather than downplaying the building’s condition, the marketing embraces its preservation challenge.
“This tavern needs a steward who sees what it once was and what it could be again,” the listing states, describing the property as a “significant restoration opportunity.”
The listing also notes that its recent inclusion on Preservation New Jersey’s endangered sites list could make restoration incentives available to the next owner through historic preservation programs.
For preservation advocates, the sale represents perhaps the best opportunity in years to see the landmark restored rather than continue to deteriorate.
The property is listed by SBR Realty.
