When the stewards of this historic home were looking to move closer to downtown Edenton, they reached out to their realtor. Knowing what they were looking for in a home, she had a particular house in mind. The only problem…it was not listed yet.

Their agent encouraged them to wait, confident that this was the home meant for them.

And she was right.

They had toured other houses before calling this one home. They shared, “We had viewed other homes and always had some hesitation and reservation, but with this one, there was none.”

They appreciated the layout and loved the existing paint colors. They added, “It certainly didn’t hurt that the previous homeowner had a wonderful style and decorated the house beautifully. It made it easy to picture ourselves living there.”

A center entryway invites you into the home. As with many older homes, each room leads into the next, creating a natural flow throughout the house.

The living room, located to the left of the entryway, is painted a beautiful soft blue and furnished in a soft color palette with various antiques in darker wood tones.

They describe their style as transitional, pairing traditional pieces with contemporary elements while keeping the overall approach clean and minimal. It's a thread you can follow from room to room.

The dining room, located to the right of the entryway, features a corner fireplace. To create balance, they placed an antique corner hutch adjacent to the fireplace with a piece of taxidermy perched on top. The windows are flanked with patterned curtains while the antique dining table is grounded by a natural fiber rug.

An antique sideboard creates a foundation for a pair of buffet lamps and Staffordshire dog figurines.

When asked if the house had a heart, and which space would it, they immediately answered, “The kitchen. It is where everyone naturally gathers. This is where we are most often for meals, conversations, and connecting with friends.”

The kitchen was not original to the home. The previous layout lacked storage, so they made the decision to renovate, creating a space that better suits the way their family lives.

As with any historic home renovation, one of the biggest challenges was encountering unexpected roadblocks that required them to pause and improvise. Working through those surprises forced them to be flexible, creative, and find solutions they had not originally planned for while staying true to the character of the home.

A seating area located in the kitchen provides the perfect place for morning coffee and entertaining guests.

To help with storage, they added a beautiful built-in hutch, which blends seamlessly with the historic character of the home while providing space to store dinner and service ware.

Just off the kitchen, a small butler’s pantry and hallway connect the kitchen back to the living room.

A newly renovated bathroom features white cabinetry and beveled mirrors, blending seamlessly with the home’s transitional style.

Owning a historic home has its quirks. When asked what theirs were, they replied, “Oh, let me count the ways.” From uneven floors to attic doors that occasionally open on their own, an older home is never short on surprises.

One of the most rewarding parts of owning and restoring a historic property has been bringing new life to something with so much character. They shared, “There is great satisfaction in preserving its original charm while thoughtfully updating it for modern living. It’s also meaningful to feel connected to the home’s past, knowing you are caring for it in a way that allows it to be enjoyed for years to come.”

When asked what living in a historic home in Edenton means to them, they reflected: “I am honored to live in a historic home. It means appreciating the unique character, craftsmanship, and details that make historic homes so special.”

After years of making this house their home, they discovered some things truly are worth the wait.

Capturing the stories held within these walls,
Renee

Worth The Wait