Best of Both Worlds ~ Vintage Victorian | Modern Living

Many folks love, in their hearts, the concept of owning a vintage home. Nothing compares to the quality of construction, the character, and the design of the historic homes from the 1800s and early 1900s. Yet some worry that the vintage lifestyle is not quite what they can picture themselves living.

Welcome to 329 East Bank Street in the Brooklyn South Square Historic District in Salisbury, North Carolina, listed with Wallace Realty by Greg Rapp.

The expansive circa 1895 weatherboarded frame dwelling was built by Reuben J. Holmes about 1895. Noted as the Holmes-Jackson House in the Brooklyn South Square historic district overlay with the National Register of Historic Places, the Mr. Holmes built the house on land purchased from the United States Government after the confederate military prison which occupied the site during the Civil War was destroyed. By 1882, Holmes, a prosperous merchant and businessman, had built this large single-story home, typical of late nineteenth century dwellings, featuring steep gables with diamond-shaped louvered vents and interior chimneys. Sanborn maps show that the present rear and side additions, as well as its columned and pedimented porch were added about 1910. A cinder-block garage (2-car) and storage building, built about 1920, sits just behind the house.

This wonderful example of late nineteenth century architecture sat empty in recent past years, but then a young couple purchased the home and began the work to rejuvenate it. They stabilized and renovated the home, and sold it to a professional photographer who added many more updates, including the privacy fence encircling the back yard. The exterior improvements closely resemble the original materials and design. But once you step inside this 2510 square-foot home, you will be struck by how the remodel incorporated modern touches with the vintage elements that include the original floors, beautifully refinished to a soft gleam, original horizontal shiplap walls in the living room, and a plethora of fireplaces! But the modern elements, such as a newly opened kitchen-to-dining room creating a smooth flow of space, modern tilework, and more, bring this home into the 21st century!

Let's Step Inside!



This single-story Victorian incorporates the wonderful center hall design so typical of this style of residential architecture of this era.  The newly restored hardwood floors will be the first thing to catch your eye in this gracious space!

Innovative wall removal created a flowing open floor plan you don't ordinarily find in a late 1800s Victorian. The already large rooms have an even better spacial flow and air flow. Recessed lighting adds that bright, modern touch!

Living Areas

Onward to the parlor ~ a warm and welcoming 15' x 15' room with its vintage fireplace (non-functioning) updated with custom tile work, sparkling hardwood floors, and freshly painted shiplap plank walls ~ a nod to this home's 1895 beginnings.

'Shiplap' is a system of wooden boards that are often used for constructing barns and other rustic buildings. Traditional shiplap has a rabbet (or groove) cut into the top and bottom, which allows the pieces to fit together snugly, forming a tight seal. This also gives shiplap its distinctive appearance, with subtle horizontal reveals between each piece. Lately shiplap has become a popular choice for interior finishes too, thanks to its rustic charm and subtle texture. Lucky is the owner of the vintage home who finds the shiplap walls intact! Many remodelers now try to emulate that look for interior projects, faking the look by applying MDF boards to drywall because it's a great way to add a little character to any room. 329 E. Bank Street already has its original character!

A separate, open & charming sitting space has been created along the east facing wall from what had previously been another room ~ making a delightful conversation area and sunroom, while allowing natural light to flow into the living room.

Walls were removed to create the fabulous open flow from formal dining room to kitchen, with stately columns defining the spaces. Natural daylight flows through the many windows in this bright and functional room! Another of the home's (4) fireplaces flanked by glass-fronted closets graces and anchors this fabulous expanse.

The Kitchen

The chef's kitchen is marvelously renovated with granite countertops, a wonderful work island with cooktop and wood-encased hood, specialty tile, new cabinetry, and many, many other features and updates. Original high ceilings and thick crown mouldings are your ties to the home's era of construction, while stainless-steel appliances and modern storage create today's gourmet's kitchen.

Note the shades-of-gray custom tile backsplash, the plentiful outlets for countertop appliances, and the plethora of recessed lighting in this wonderfully modernized space! 

So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good Night

At the end of a fun evening of entertaining in your new home with its expanse of kitchen to dining area and open floor plan, you'll enjoy retiring to the spacious Owner's bedroom. The spacious 15' x 15' master bedroom, with yet another beautiful fireplace (sadly, none of the fireplaces at this time are functional), awaits you for your well-deserved good night sleep.

A rare treat in a home of this era is the large walk-in closet in the master bedroom. The lack of closets in the 1890's Victorians were the reason that armoires were such popular furnishing items!  The master bath is completely modernized with beautiful custom tile, dual vanities, and a walk-in shower.

Two more large bedrooms complete this lovely home, accompanied by a large hall bath that, although also completely modernized, features a lovely claw-foot bath tub and pedestal sink. The remaining fireplace is in bedroom #3.

329 E. Bank Street has been completely and thoroughly rejuvenated. It's updates include all new mechanical systems, a new roof, and fresh paint inside and out. A cute laundry room is tucked away in its 2500+ square feet of living space. The most recent owner, who is giving up the home to return to her native Spain, completely fenced in the corner lot back yard with stockade-style fencing for privacy. The City of Salisbury recently approved a 'Complete Streets' program that will include bike paths and a 'road-diet' (narrowing of the road) on neighboring Long Street to a more neighborhood friendly width.

The Brooklyn South Square neighborhood has one of the city's finest collection of vintage homes, and is close to downtown Salisbury entertainment (community theatre and live music), restaurants (both chain and independent), coffee shops, and unique shopping, including an independent bookstore, candy shoppe, and organic food shop. The Salisbury-Rowan Farmers Market is just a few blocks away.  Several neighboring homes have been featured in the Historic Salisbury Foundation annual OctoberTour™ tour of historic homes, including the westerly neighboring home, the 1899 Hamill-Thompson-Kessler House at 321 E. Bank Street.

We've been keeping the (almost) best part of this historic home-for-sale a secret.  And here it is:  This circa 1895, 3-bedroom/2-bath home with over 2500 square feet of living space is priced at just $150,000!  You read that right!  $150,000.  Make that call now: (704) 213-6836 and ask about 329 E. Bank Street (MLS#59324).  You won't regret it!

Realtor® Greg Rapp with Wallace Realty is recognized as the area's specialist in historic and vintage homes. When you want to know more about the ca. 1895 Holmes-Jackson House, or any of the other historic homes and neighborhoods in Salisbury, North Carolina, Greg is the one to call: (704) 213-6846. Make your new home the best of both worlds, vintage Victorian AND modern living. Call or text for your private showing!


329 BANK STREET EAST
Salisbury, NC 28144

MLS#59324 

List Price: $150,000  

Greg Rapp 
Wallace Realty Co. 
704 213 6846 Mobile 
704 636 2021 Office 
www.realestatesalisbury.net 

Be a Fan