Historic Properties Emporium

2.4 acres

This pair of 18th-century houses is located on Salmon Creek in northeast North Carolina, a ten mile drive (and two-mile sail) from the historic town of Edenton. Salmon Creek is a deep-water creek (10-15 feet) that flows into the Albemarle Sound, the largest freshwater sound in the world. Nathaniel Batts, the first permanent settler in North Carolina, built his home on Salmon Creek in 1665. The property is located on U.S. 17 in Bertie County, midway between Windsor, the county seat, and Edenton.

The Ward-Bass House (built 1770-1810) was constructed in two parts and reflects both Georgian and Federal influences. The earlier Georgian room has raised-panel wainscoting, all original doors with H-L hinges and a magnificent mantel and overmantel. The 1810 room has a beautiful Federal-style mante, recessed-panel wainscoting and raised-panel doors. The Ward-Bass House has 1,600 square feet of living space, including kitchen, living room, breakfast room, two bedrooms, two baths, and an upstairs den.

The White-Lilly House connects to the Ward-Bass house. It is also a late-18th-century house. It contains 650 square feet of living space living, bed, bath and utility rooms, plus a sleeping loft. It reflects a more modest lifestyle; however, with exposed and beaded ceiling joists, an arched mantel and flush-panel sides, it has a colonial charm rarely found.

Each house has its own heating, cooling systems, as well as a separate hot-water system. The houses are connected by dining and utility rooms. Both have a porch with a view of Salmon Creek, and the property includes includes 75 to 100 feet of waterfront. Boats can easily be launched from the property. The Salmon Creek area is a rural farming community, about 90 miles from Norfolk, VA; 85 miles from Nags Head, NC; and 110 miles from Raleigh, NC.

Also located approximately a mile from the property is the Innsbrook Golf & Boat Club (see map). The newly opened club features an Arnold Palmer Signature Golfcourse.