Bankruptcy Case Reveals Virginia Mansion Deteriorating

The historic Carter’s Grove mansion near Williamsburg, Va., is in serious disrepair.

The Virginian-Pilot says a grim picture of the 257-year-old landmark has emerged in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Norfolk. A judge heard some of the details last week and may consider sanctions against the property’s owner, Halsey Minor, founder of the tech website CNET.

State historic preservation inspectors are worried the mansion might explode due to a hazardous condition in the basement. They’ve also reported water leaks, missing bricks and shingles, rotting, cracking and other problems.

Reports filed by the debtor in the Carter’s Grove LLC bankruptcy case have indicated repairs were being made. Judge Stephen St. John said he thinks the court was misled.

Minor’s attorneys did not immediately return phone messages Monday to The Associated Press.