- Price: $239,000
- Location: Farmville, North Carolina (Historic District)
- Year Built: 1920
- Size: 4,018 square feet
- Lot Size: 0.59 acre
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 2
- Architectural Style: Neoclassical Revival
- Exterior Highlights: Monumental tetrastyle Doric portico, slate hip roof, porte-cochere, roof balustrade, covered side porch.
- Interior Highlights: Grand staircase, coffered ceilings, wainscoting, vintage light fixtures, original wood floors, tall ceilings, double pile center hall plan.
A Rare Opportunity in the Housing Market
Every so often, a property appears on the market that offers a staggering amount of history and square footage for a price that seems almost impossible in today’s economy. This “Deal of the Day” is located in the charming town of Farmville, North Carolina. Priced at just $239,000, this massive 4,018-square-foot estate is more than just a house; it is a preservation of the early 20th-century American dream, waiting for a new owner to polish it back to brilliance.
A Legacy of Local History
Built in 1920, this residence was originally constructed for Joseph Warren Parker. Parker was a man of significant standing in the community, working as a local merchant and farmer while also serving the public as a town alderman. A home built for a man of such stature was designed to impress, serving as a physical representation of success and stability.
The property’s significance is formally recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a testament to the prosperity of Farmville during the Roaring Twenties. Because the home has undergone very few major changes over the last century, walking through the front door is akin to stepping into a time capsule, offering an authentic glimpse into the past that few modern renovations can replicate.
Commanding Neoclassical Architecture
The curb appeal of the Joseph Warren Parker house is undeniable. The National Register describes the home as a brick-veneered Neoclassical Revival house, a style defined by symmetry and grandeur. The most striking feature is the facade, which is spanned by a “monumental tetrastyle Doric portico.” In layman’s terms, this refers to the massive, two-story columns that frame the entrance, giving the home the stately appearance of a government building or a library.
Topped with a durable slate hip roof—a feature that is incredibly expensive to replicate today—the exterior also features a roof balustrade and a decorative banded frieze. Flanking the home are practical yet beautiful wings: a one-story porch on the west elevation and a matching porte-cochere on the east. The porte-cochere, a covered driveway structure, was a luxury feature in 1920, designed to protect residents from the elements as they exited their carriages or early automobiles.
An Interior of Unmatched Craftsmanship
The interior architecture follows a “double pile, center hall plan,” a traditional layout where a grand central hallway runs the length of the house with two rooms on either side. This design maximizes airflow and creates an impressive sightline upon entry. The main and east entrances are framed by transoms and crossette pattern sidelights, flooding the foyer with natural light.
Inside, the home is a showcase of vintage woodworking. The rooms feature soaring tall ceilings and coffered ceiling details that add depth and texture to the space. Wainscoting lines the walls, protecting the plaster and adding a layer of elegance. A grand staircase serves as the focal point of the central hall, anchoring the home’s circulation. Vintage light fixtures and original wood floors run throughout the residence, awaiting a refinish to bring out their original honey-colored glow.
A Canvas for Your Vision
With five bedrooms and two bathrooms spread across more than 4,000 square feet, the possibilities for this property are endless. The listing describes it as an “uncut gem,” implying that while the bones are strong and the features are original, it requires a visionary to bring it up to modern standards. It is priced specifically to allow room in the budget for these necessary updates.
Given its location just one block from the heart of downtown Farmville, this property is uniquely positioned for a variety of uses. It would make a spectacular private family estate, offering ample room for a large family. Alternatively, the square footage and bedroom count make it an ideal candidate for a Bed and Breakfast conversion, where the historic charm would serve as the main attraction for guests.
Contact Information
If you are ready to take on a rewarding preservation project in a historic district, this Neoclassical revival awaits your inspection.
Listing Agent: Jamin Dixon
Agency: Dixon and Associates
Phone: 252-327-4124
