Hot Property: $975K historic estate on Flat Rock River

The story behind this historic home in Shelby County ends with music.

Robert Driver, a former Indianapolis Opera director, and his wife, Monica, are selling their 18-acre property on the Flat Rock River.

Built in 1861, 40 miles south of Indianapolis and 20 miles north of Columbus, the home is listed for $975,000.

"It's a bitter sweet thing," Driver said. "We've had a wonderful time here."

The family has welcomed composers, directors and musicians from all over the world into their home. But their musical refuge was not easy to find.

"We looked for three years and couldn't find anything," Driver recalled. "Madame (Monica) wouldn't even get out of the car."

That's before the Drivers made the drive to Flat Rock.

Their home search ended there in 1989.

The 5,000 square-foot home was a convenient place to live as Robert Driver attempted to create the first opera cooperative among three cities: Syracuse, Indianapolis and Memphis.

He now privately directs, using the house on the river as a second home.

"This is the perfect property for someone who likes the peace of country," Driver said. "From every point of the house you see the river."

The water front views attracted the family to the property, Driver said. But it was the history there that left them intrigued.

Driver has conducted some research through the years, discovering that the property was the former site of a river mill owned by Alexander Copeland in 1846.

The foundation of that mill, Driver said, remains, on the east end of the property.

Copeland's sons-in-law, Edward and Romolus Charles, owned the mill until it was bought and remodeled by William R. Holland.

The mill was sold again in 1918.

Several owners have taken over then property since then. For the Drivers, the land has served as a place to host family and friends, musicians and composers.

They've maintained the antebellum-style exterior, farmland and 18 acres where their riding horses are free to roam.

A barn on the property looks more like a Georgian house than a place to keep horses, Driver said.

Wildlife species — heron, geese, and frogs — are also easy to spot along the river.

"It's remote, but peaceful," Driver said. "I can be here for 10 days and never use my car."

Driver still often finds himself in the library of his home where he keeps old music notes, ideas and memories.

A longtime stage director, Driver operated the Indianapolis Opera through much of the 1980s until 1991.

Driver recently hosted a party for 65 of his musical friends at the home that he describes as roomy and spacious.

But after three decades in the home, Driver thinks it's time to move on.

The family is moving to a home in upstate New York.

Call Star reporter Cara Anthony at (317) 444-6049. Follow her on Twitter:@CaraRAnthony.

About the home

• Location: 9271 S. 225 E., Flat Rock

• Details: 12 rooms, including four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, four fire places, library and barn.

• Asking price: $975,000.

• MLS: 21313962

• Contact: Jay O'Neil, (317) 848 - 0008 or jay.oneil@sothebysrealty.com.