Parcels Being Sold at Auction

Once in a lifetime an opportunity arises to be part of something truly extraordinary. This is that opportunity. The Kerr Mansion in Poteau, Oklahoma is being sold at auction on Saturday April 20, 2024. The monumental Kerr Mansion is not only a colossal and meticulously designed work of art, but a piece of timeless American History. Resting thoughtfully on a bluff overlooking the  Poteau River Valley and with mountain views clear into Arkansas, the Kerr Mansion is a statement piece which transcends time. 

United States Senator, Oklahoma Governor, Kerr McGee Oil tycoon, champion of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, staunch advocate of natural resource conservation and representative of “the little people”, Robert S. Kerr (“Sen. Kerr”) commissioned the construction of this dream estate which was completed in 1961. 

The location of the home was painstakingly chosen from Sen. Kerr’s 55,000 acre land holdings in the area. The chosen location rested on an incredible ridge line surrounded by mountains on three sides, positioning it perfectly for breathtaking views. The original “main house” was a sprawling 12,000 square foot estate laid across the ridgeline and stretching longer than a football field. Sen. Kerr’s desire for the design to stay true to Oklahoma heritage by using native materials blended together with the innovative mid century modern designs of the time to create a true architectural masterpiece. Also part of the original construction was a 6 car garage, a “K” shaped pool overlooking the ridge together with a pool house including a living, bedroom, bathrooms and a sauna. 

The Kerr Mansion was truly something majestic in its heyday. Among many other notorious guests it entertained and housed 5 U.S. Presidents including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H. W. Bush–the rooms where each president slept retain their names to this day. Over the years the mansion has been used to host countless civic gatherings, political functions, wedding ceremonies and receptions, academic seminars, business events and countless other gatherings. The memories experienced in this place are incredibly special.  

The mansion was renovated in 1979 and again in 1998. The renovations included general updates of the original structures as well as some additions. A large structure was added to the front of the home to be used by the Eastern Oklahoma History museum which was housed there for years. Two sets of cabins or hotel style buildings were constructed on the west end of the ridgeline with a total of 10 separate units each with their own entrance, bedroom and bathroom. In addition, several breezeways were closed in on the main house. The K shaped pool was filled in and replaced with the rectangular pool which is present today. In total the estate includes 6 separate structures including: (1) main house–approximately 13,000 sq/ft after breezeway closure; (2) museum event space–approximately 5,000 sq/ft; (3) pool house–approximately 1200 sq/ft; (4) Cabin 1–approximately 1500 sq/ft with 4 units; (5) Cabin 2–approximately 2400 sq/ft with 6 units; and (6) Laundry House–approximately 1200 sq/ft. All told there are roughly 24,300 sq/ft of living space in the structures on the 18.5 acre estate. 

The end use options for the estate are limitless but it is set up incredibly well for a historic hotel, bed and breakfast, wedding venue, upscale historic air bnb, event center, and gathering place as it has been used for years. The place was designed as a gathering place prestigious enough to entertain presidents and bold enough to hold great gatsby scale parties. For the person who cares about historical significance and legacy the Kerr Mansion could be your crown jewel showstopper. 

More than 6 decades ago Sen. Kerr was enchanted by the beauty of this land. It was that beauty that drove him to dream up this truly remarkable place. Although the care and craftsmanship of the original construction is still evident, the mansion is in need of a major renovation. The Kerr Mansion is in search of new owners with the same vision and audacity held by Sen. Kerr to bring this place back to its glory. As Sen. Kerr always said: “Dream No Little Dream.”

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AUCTION TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

There will be a 10% Buyer’s Premium added to the final bid selling price. A 5% escrow deposit will be required upon signing of contract for sale with the balance paid at closing on or before May 21, 2024. All property will be sold “AS IS, WHERE IS” with no warranties or guarantees. Home and building are in need of renovation. Sells As Is-- Ample inspection time will be allowed before auction! Closing will be held at Adam’s AbstractCo., Poteau, OK. Possession will be given at closing. ID required to register to bid.Announcements made on the day of sale take precedence over printed material.