From The Archives

Museum Quality Restored Victorian Gem

The Daniels-Stenhouse was restored to museum quality in 2001 by restoration specialist Dreamweaver. Located at 109 S. George Street, historic Goldsboro, it is part of the original "Borden Block" comprised of the original Borden plantation home and homes built for the Borden siblings. At one time Borden Yarn produced all the cotton yarn for Hanes Underwear. Today, judges, attorneys, and their families occupy the homes. Plum Tree Marketplace, a seasonal outdoor farmers' market, is open Fridays from April to November next door to Plum Tree Gallery, the owner's home across the street.

The 1888 home has the original copper roof, brick chimneys, 6 color scheme wood siding & trim, antique glass windows, wrap around front/side porch with natural fish scale band above, hand finished wood doors and painted shutters. The original outdoor kitchen building with 3 rooms and a toilet room is restored on the exterior. A later 2 car garage is situated at the back of the property behind a circle drive. The wooded lot has 100 year old trees - magnolia, crepe myrtle, pecan, plum, live oak, yew and established flowering plants and bulbs.

The interior has hand-finished wood floors throughout except for tile floors in 2 full baths; horsehair plaster walls/ceilings; hand finished rail & posts on front staircase; painted back stairs, rail & spindles; 6 working wood-burning fireplaces, 50 windows with matching neutral colored blinds; 15 fabric covered windows on sleeping porch; original bath fixtures except in newly added sleeping porch bath & half-bath. The restoration included new electrical, plumbing, sewer, two 4 ton HVAC systems, wired phone & cable TV. Individual space heaters & fans contribute to year round low utility bills. All bedrooms are self-contained with mini-fridge, micro-wave, and coffee maker. Guests have access to laundry area & internet.

The previous owner raised a large family in the home and appeared on the Johnny Carson show, when he ran for Congress at over 100 year of age. Currently, the historic home serves as Plum Tree Gardens B&B with overnight lodging and extended stay rooms. The owner, who retains a MFA in Environmental Design, will convey an eclectic mix of furnishings, art, and accessories that were chosen to complement the color palette and period of the home. Should new owners wish to pick up, where the retiring owner leaves off, they will be able to transition easily. Presently, all 5 bedrooms are leased from 3 - 6 months by professionals, who have homes elsewhere but work in Goldsboro temporarily. The home is also ideal for a family home or for someone living downstairs and combining overnight lodging with extended stay in the 4 upstairs bedrooms. There is also varied commercial potential. A nice selection of restaurants, small shops, the arts council, theatre, and museum are available within walking distance.

For room descriptions and larger view of rooms go to www.plumtreegardens.com. Rooms not shown on the B&B site may be viewed at www.angelfire.com/folk/livingnc/Plum.html (case sensitive)where photos were taken before the home was furnished. Sales price is $312,000.00 firm. The home is in excellent condition and to be sold "As is". To qualify for a loan on historic property banks may require a larger down payment. Prospective buyers must be pre-approved. No owner financing is available. Price is based on market value with a rental potential of $31,200.00 per year. Owner will consider a single sales contract through realtors. For more information email: plumtreegardens@earthlink.net or phone:919-736-9412 and ask for Joanne Lesak