Spring Open House Home Tour: Christy’s Historic North Carolina House

If you’ve been following us for awhile, then you’ve probably seen my old, old house (otherwise known as two moves ago) in North Carolina. And while this home isn’t actually on “Magnolia Lane,” it is the historic 1915 colonial revival home that gave us the inspiration for our blog’s name.

Believe it or not, we rented this house from friends–how lucky is that?! The couple who owned the house had excellent taste (obviously) and painstakingly renovated most of the house to its current state of gorgeousness. I was dragged, kicking and screaming, away from my dream house in the summer of 2011, but at least I have my memories (and photos) to sustain me!

Even though the photos were taken before I knew much about photography (or staging!), this house is too beautiful not to share as part of our Spring Home Tour, so sit back and enjoy!

See the magnolia tree on the left?

The old oak tree in the back yard was at least 100 years old and had an amazing tree swing hanging from a high branch.

The side yard boasted a formal English boxwood garden, complete with fountain.

The dollhouse was a perfect retreat for little girls (and their dollies). It was wired for electricity, and even had a little chandelier inside!

The screened porch was a great place to relax with a cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of wine at night. Spring and summer meals could be eaten al fresco, too.

When you stepped into the entrance hall, the grand Chippendale staircase was the first thing you saw. The second thing was Maddie (our first golden retriever), standing ready to greet visitors!

The doors at the end of the hallway opened onto the screened porch. Before the days of central air conditioning, this airflow kept the house cool.

Looking back at the front door from the screened porch, you see that both doors and sidelight windows feature the same gorgeous curved mullions.

Passing through the butler’s pantry into the kitchen (don’t you love the gorgeous leaded glass window?)…

…and now here’s the expansive kitchen with white inset cabinetry and a beautiful heart pine floor.

The peel-and-stick chalkboard panels helped keep my family organized and in the right place at the right time (mostly). I posted about my wall calendar {here}.

The built-in seating banquette sported extra storage area under the bench.

I redid the pantry, which is still one of our most often-read posts. You can read all about it {here}.

The library and family room featured beautiful custom built in shelves and desk and the first of four fireplaces.

The formal living room was a great place for cocktails, or music practice (although the piano is hidden in the left corner).

The formal dining room (how nice to be able to put all your table leaves in and keep them there!).

Heading up the staircase, there’s a loft area on the second floor that the kids used as a place to relax or play.

The master bed and bathroom are surprisingly spacious for an older house. The bathroom and closet were originally a sleeping porch that was enclosed to create an en suite area.

My son lucked out with the fourth fireplace in his bedroom, and he made sure that I decorated it “Army style.” Read more about his red, white, and blue room {here}, and his updated teen room {here}.

My daughter has since banished all pink from her bedroom, but while we lived here she was still deep into her pink (and green) phase. Read more about her room {here}, and see how it looks now {here}.

We are always entertaining family and friends, and so a well-appointed guest room is a must, but I’ll confess this room is always a work in progress for me!