Six bedrooms and a whole lot of history for sale at 828 N. Carrollton St. in west Baltimore.

The stately, historic home once owned by the late Parren J. Mitchell is headed for the auction block.

Although the former congressman hasn’t lived there in years, auctioneers are promoting the house as the “Mitchell Mansion.” The legacy of its former owner, the first African-American elected to Congress from Maryland, may appeal to some bidders, but the 6-bedroom house on Lafayette Square Park has enough period touches and decorative flourishes to entice any avid reader of “This Old House” or Architectural Digest.

The red brick, Federal-style town home boasts gold leaf Victorian mirrors, 10 wood-burning fireplaces with marble mantels, two original Latrobe stoves, polished wood floors, crown molding and other architectural accents, according to Fox Residential Auctions, which is handling the October 7 sale.

Original Latrobe stove and gilt mirror, Mitchell house interior.

The house, built in 1880, is available in “as is” condition. But that doesn’t mean it’s a grande dame in need of a facelift. The present owner, listed in court records as Lily T. Tsui of North Potomac, Md., has pumped about $200,000 in improvements to the property. That’s $50,000 more than she paid for it in 2004.

The photos of the “gourmet” kitchen (that means granite counter tops, folks) and sprawling master bedroom suite (with a free-standing claw-foot tub) suggest this 19th century gem has been outfitted with many of the modern conveniences needed to woo the discerning urban homesteader.

Parren Mitchell bought the house in January 1986, according to court records. That was the same year the West Baltimore congressman decided he wouldn’t seek reelection, ending his 15 years in the House of Representatives.

As his health declined, he eventually went to live at the Keswick Multi-Care Center in Roland Park. In 2002, published reports in The Baltimore Sun detailed a list of unpaid bills in the name of Mr. Mitchell, whose finances were being handled by his nephew Michael. It was an embarassing footnote to a distinguished career.

The Lafayette Square house was sold in 2004. The owner, Ms. Tsui, could not be reached for comment about the auction.

Bidding for 828 N. Carrollton Avenue begins at 11 a.m. on October 7 on the sidewalk outside the house.

– by ANN LOLORDO

Ann LoLordo was a longtime reporter and editor for The Baltimore Sun.