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Historic Reynolds Tavern sold for $4.1 million to Annapolis couple, who plan to continue normal operations

Reynolds Tavern, a historic pub and bed and breakfast in downtown Annapolis, has been sold to an Annapolis couple for $4.1 million.

The property was sold to Diane and Dave Rey, who intend to maintain normal operations and preserve “its centuries-old charm and significance,” according to a news release from Hyatt Commercial, an Annapolis-based brokerage firm.

“It is the oldest operating tavern in Annapolis and one of the oldest in the United States, so this is not an opportunity that comes along every day,” Diane Rey said in an interview.

“We hope the community will support us in carrying on the Reynolds Tavern traditions. Our motives are to be the best stewards possible for this old building and to uphold this reputation as an Annapolis city landmark and community gathering place,” she said. “We hope people will continue to gather at Reynolds Tavern with friends and family and make history for another 300 years.”

The historic property on Church Circle, which includes a pub, restaurant and a bed and breakfast, was listed for  $4.775 million in September by Hyatt Commercial.

The tavern was built in 1747 by local hat maker William Reynolds at 7 Church Circle. The property, previously known as “The Beaver and Lac’d Hat,” served as the meeting place for farmers, gentlemen, merchants and soldiers, according to the tavern’s website. It has served as a boarding house, a bank and a public library.  At one point it also shared an address with the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court next door before they became separate addresses in 2014.

Diane Rey should be well-known to Annapolis residents. For many years, she has reenacted as Anne Catharine Hoof Green, the printer to the Province of Maryland and publisher of the Maryland Gazette from 1767 to 1775, according to the news release. Rey is also a writer and previously was a correspondent for The Capital.

Rey, 61, wrote the “Around Annapolis” column from 2007 to 2014, the same time Anne Catherine Green was inducted to the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010.

“I had always been intrigued by Anne Catharine Green’s story and out of the blue, something compelled me to call Historic Annapolis and say ‘Mrs. Green’s star is rising, just been inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and if you ever needed someone to try to portray her, I would be honored to give it a go,'” she said.

Rey has been portraying the historic female printer and publisher since 2011 and can often be found educating tourists and visitors at Hogshead on Pinkney Street.

“I am a preservationist at heart,” she said. “I believe in saving things that are precious.”

Rey has also been involved in renovating a 100-year-old former summer house on the Delaware shore as a rental for family gatherings and group retreats.

Purchasing the historic building is almost a full-circle moment, Rey said. After moving to Annapolis in 1984, Rey was hired to work at the Anne Arundel County Public Library as the public relations specialist. The library system purchased the property in 1936, saving the building from demolition, according to Rey. It housed a library and became the system’s headquarters until 1976 when it moved to Riva Road she said.

“Both of my personas, myself and Catharine Green, have a special connection to Reynolds Tavern,” she said.

The building, known for its Georgian architecture, was transferred to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1974, its website states. The tavern was sold to Jill and Andrew Petit in the early 2000s. Their mission was to return the tavern to its colonial roots.

After purchasing the four-story property for $825,000, the Petits spent about $300,000 on renovations, The Baltimore Sun reported at the time. The couple set out to preserve the historic nature of the building.

“It’s remarkable when you see a building vacated and how quickly it deteriorates. I think because Reynolds Tavern has been so filled with life, it’s holding together remarkably well for its age,” Rey said.

While the tavern itself is under new ownership, Wes and Marilyn Burge will continue current operations, the news release said. The Burges have been leasing the businesses on the historic property since 2003 and planto continue to lease and operate the building from the new proprietors, the news release added.

“We share in the new owner’s excitement in purchasing Reynolds Tavern and appreciate their support and collaboration in our continued service to the community,” the Burges said in a statement.