An architectural firm placed the winning bid on the Mont Vernon Inn, securing the building for $470,000 Saturday morning. Now the firm will begin looking for ways to bring the historic building back to its former glory.

Paul McInnis, a North Hampton-based auctioneer, conducted the owner-auction of two Main Street properties before a crowd of 20 or so people. The two buildings on the block were the Mont Vernon Inn, an assisted living facility, and the Starrett House, a historic brick colonial. The properties were put up for auction by owners Carl and Jan Silva, who have wanted to sell the buildings so they can retire.

“I tried to sell the inn for two years, but had no luck,” said Jan Silva. “So we thought this was the way to go.”

Within minutes of the 11 a.m. start, Amherst architect Rolf Biggers made the winning bid on the Mont Vernon Inn. The building, which has 29 rooms and 18-half baths, sits on five acres and has several outbuildings, including an A-frame house out back.

Posted: 04|14|08 at 9:37 am. Filed under: Property News.