Listing courtesy of Compass -- Chapel Hill - Durham

Charm, grace and history in a lovely home nestled on the edge of the UNC campus.

On the corner of Battle and Hooper Lanes, the historic Graves home is a block from the Coker arboretum and University system president's residence, and a short walk from UNC's McCorkle Place and the shops, restaurants and services of East Franklin Street.

This gracious home features a large living room spanning the depth of the house with a fireplace and bookshelves, and a lovely dining room, perfect for entertaining, and an option for a first floor bedroom, with a recently renovated and accessible full bath with a zero entry shower.The kitchen and breakfast room and a half bath complete the first floor.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms, two recently renovated full baths, and a large laundry room. There is also a full basement, offering plenty of storage as well as room for a wine cellar or other potential expansion.

The Charleston-style gardens match the charm of the home, with blooms year-round. Old stone walls enclose manicured boxwood hedges, climbing roses, camellias, evergreen trees and other plantings to create a private oasis at the edge of campus. Unique accents include a vintage millstone, a birdbath and a capital that was removed from UNC's Gerrard Hall during its renovation in 1892. An expansive porch overlooks the garden and serves as a wonderful place to enjoy the company of friends and family with a glass of wine or evening dinner.

The home was built in 1922 for Louis Graves, the university's first professor of journalism, with generations of his ancestors serving the university since its founding in 1793, including its first steward.

It was a social hub for the university during Graves' long residence, when he and his wife, Mim, hosted many distinguished visitors, including the poet Robert Frost, who later wrote a poem in honor of Mrs. Graves.

The current owners added onto the existing office in 2020, building a custom garage that can hold up to three cars, or a fourth with the addition of a car lift. Architectural sketches have been drawn to create the option of an upper level in the garage for an apartment or studio.

The home could potentially be expanded by enclosing the porch off the living room or adding apace above it, expanding the den into the existing brick patio, or connecting the house with the garage. Exterior changes must be approved by the Chapel Hill Historic District Commission.

This well-tended and located home offers remarkable access to all that the town has to offer, with the theatre, concerts and athletic events all close by. Owned by just a few families over the course of its 102-year life, this home is ready to be loved by new owners who will also treasure its special place in Chapel Hill.

All appliances included. Washer, dryer, refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, Subzero mini-freezer. New double ovens and range hood installed March 2024.

These items do not convey: Dining room chandelier and sconces, breakfast room chandelier, 3 mirrors (in downstairs half bathroom and full bathroom, and in upstairs hall bathroom), two tall mirrors on side porch.
Chandeliers can be replaced prior to closing or a credit offered.