Back on the market! The Henry Beasley House, Circa 1820 in North Carolina. $217,000

Step back nearly two centuries into North Carolina’s early history with the Henry Beasley House, a remarkable residence dating to circa 1820 and widely recognized as the oldest surviving home in Colerain.

Quietly standing on a modest parcel of land, this distinguished five-bay Greek Revival home has witnessed generations of change while retaining the architectural grace and craftsmanship that define early nineteenth-century domestic design in the American South.

From the moment one approaches the house, its presence is unmistakable. The symmetrical façade, classic proportions, and commanding double-tier front porches immediately set the tone. These porches are more than decorative;

they reflect a time when outdoor living was integral to daily life, offering shaded spaces for conversation, reflection, and relief from the Carolina heat. Few features evoke the romance of historic Southern architecture as powerfully as stacked porches framed by simple yet elegant detailing.

Crossing the threshold, natural light pours through both the downstairs and upstairs entryways, illuminating wide central halls that remain true to their original layout. The interior is anchored by wide-plank hardwood floors that have softened beautifully with age, their patina telling a quiet story of nearly two hundred years of footsteps.

Tall ceilings enhance the sense of space, while wide baseboards, crown moulding, and chair rails showcase the careful attention to proportion and finish that defined refined homes of the era.

Throughout the house, original architectural details remain intact, offering a rare level of authenticity. Multiple fireplaces—once essential sources of warmth and daily gathering points—still punctuate the rooms, lending character and balance to the interior spaces. Two staircases speak to the home’s original functionality, likely separating formal and service circulation, a feature commonly found in prominent early homes. These stairways, along with the generous hallways, contribute to a layout that feels both stately and welcoming.

Crystal chandeliers add a touch of understated elegance, complementing the historic fabric rather than overpowering it. A leaded glass door introduces texture and filtered light, serving as a visual reminder of the craftsmanship that once defined everyday construction. Each room feels purposeful, yet adaptable, allowing modern life to settle comfortably within a historic framework.

The upper level contains four spacious bedrooms, each benefiting from tall ceilings and ample natural light. The proportions reflect a time when comfort was achieved through scale rather than excess ornamentation. There is also the potential to reimagine one of the front parlors on the main level as an additional bedroom, offering flexibility while preserving the home’s historic integrity.

Beyond the main house, the grounds add another layer of charm. Brick pathways wind through mature landscaping, grounding the property in a sense of permanence and care. A detached carriage house stands as a tangible link to the home’s early days, when horses and carriages were essential to daily transportation. With its second level, this structure offers a wealth of possibilities, whether envisioned as a studio, guest space, or creative retreat, all while maintaining its historic character.

The Henry Beasley House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a distinction that recognizes not only its age, but its architectural and cultural significance. As Colerain’s oldest residence, it occupies a unique place in the town’s story, serving as a physical reminder of early settlement patterns, craftsmanship, and community life in northeastern North Carolina.

What makes this home especially compelling is its balance between preservation and potential. While it proudly retains its historic features, it also offers room for thoughtful stewardship and sensitive updates that respect its past while supporting contemporary living. This is not a house frozen in time, but one that invites its next chapter to be written with care and intention.

The Henry Beasley House stands as a testament to endurance, elegance, and the quiet power of well-built architecture. For those drawn to history, craftsmanship, and homes with a true sense of place, this circa 1820 residence offers an opportunity to live within history itself—surrounded by stories, structure, and the unmistakable atmosphere that only time can create.