Arizona Territorial Pearce Mercantile.

Settled between the notorious Dragoon Mountains of Apache Chief Cochise and the Chiricahua Mountains, home of Geronimo, stands this historic two-story beautifully restored and upgraded territorial property. 

The Pearce Mercantile served the vast areas of the Sulphur Springs Valley and was well known as the ”hub of commerce” due to the entrepreneurs of Charles Renaud and the Soto Brothers.  Ranchers, Farmers and Settlers purchased their supplies, food, and domestic items from this once thriving business located in the townsite of Pearce and the Commonwealth Gold and Silver Mine-the richest strike in the State of Arizona at the time.

The building remains an allure to visitors and local residents. Over the decades it continued to serve as a stop for refreshment and domestic needs.  In the 1990s it experienced a short renovation and was opened in the early 2000s for festivals and activities.  Following the massive renovation, it has been held privately. It yearns for renewal and promises quiet living and/or a future public ”destination”.

Upon entering the Pearce Mercantile, one walks through the original Tombstone post office façade. Two way glass offers privacy, yet allows for a grand introduction.   First impression presents original pressed ceiling tiles, hanging lamps and ceiling fans, original displays with rolling ladders, and an irreplaceable ambiance of Cochise County history.  The floors are original refinished wood.  The raised floor to the rear denotes the Wells Fargo area where assaying, payouts, etc. were performed.  The cages from the Wells Fargo office are now wall displays surrounding the area.  Shelving is protected by glass doors and provides a wonderful point of interest for the historical items collected from the townsite. A full bath with shower is situated to the rear of the Wells Fargo platform. The wood stove remains and has been used in previous years. Electric heating was recently installed.  Two thirds the way into the room is one of two cellars, used in the past for storing cheese and other items needing a cool atmosphere.

Built in the late 1800s, the living area is separated from the front entertainment/display area by one large solid oak rolling door. The hanging door aperture dates from the late 1800’s and works beautifully.    Open beam ceilings grace the interior living areas. Ac/Heat promote winter/summer comfort even though the 20” thick adobe walls take the edge off the summer heat.  The large dining area, master bath with walk-in shower and period correct kitchen lend a spacious feel to the accommodations. Rough sawn oak flooring throughout and revitalized wood ceilings throughout the master suite and bath embellish the home. A small ‘finished’ cellar rests just outside the kitchen. It’s discovery lent to the tobacco collection displayed in the Mercantile. This portion of the building is the original structure, with the Mercantile added.  Adjoining it to the west is a private brick patio encompassed by 8’ stucco walls. This large enclosure would accommodate a multitude of entertainment possibilities. The north porch is also brick paved with custom metal work.  It’s shaded most of day and provides a respite for morning or afternoon coffees, lattes, etc. Just off the south entrance is a private porch with courtyard views.  This is a remarkable space.

The Courtyard buildings lay south of the Mercantile.  The front hosts a small antique shop followed by the blacksmith shop. To the rear of the blacksmith area is the buggy room, housing two cool buggies.  A little further west is the “rose room”, truly an outdoor/indoor entertainment area. And finally, the last is the ‘bat room’, which is a semi enclosed patio area adjoining a parking area and double metal gates at the rear of the complex.

The Courtyard buildings are also constructed of adobe, which have been sealed to eliminate erosion.  This is the more rustic portion of the property. Doors out to the south are available in the Blacksmith Shop, Buggy Room, Rose Room and Bat room, eliciting the concept of outside access to individual ‘shops’.

Endless possibilities are embedded in this complex: Quiet, Peaceful living, or Shops, Wine tasting, B&B, Entertainment venues….or both!  The maintenance is now minimal- mowing primarily. Everything is included to start a new adventure.  Now is the time to make this your next opportunity.

Enjoy this property video!      https://wwwc.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7CYi25XA2g