Down a gravel drive that winds through 42 acres of woods and meadows bordering Dial Creek is a meticulously restored two-story farmhouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In about 1850, Adolphus W. Umstead built a parlor, hall, staircase, and two upstairs bedrooms around an earlier one-room log cabin. The current owners bought the house after it had stood empty for many years, and their restoration maintained its historic character and architectural integrity, making it eligible for listing on the National Register. At the same time, they added a modern kitchen and spacious den or downstairs master bedroom, upgraded the electrical service, built a three-car carport, and converted a former dog-trot into a quaint vintage bathroom.

The center hall, leading from the wide front porch to the wrap-around back porch, has vintage double doors with side glass panels at each end to catch summer breezes; wonderful old knobs and latches remain. The dining room, which is the original log cabin, features one of the 7 fireplaces (2 currently in use), hand-hewn exposed beams, and pretty poplar floors planed from a tree on the property. An enclosed winding stair leads from the dining room to one upstairs bedroom. Colors found in traces of original paint on the interior woodwork were used to repaint some of the rooms.

Combining the character of authentically restored historic rooms with modern comfort and convenience, the spacious kitchen has ample counter and cabinet space with under-cabinet lighting, a huge field-stone chimney, large pantry, double cast iron sinks, and a large hanging pot rack. The electric range/oven is a replica of an old wood burning cook stove, and there is also a second electric wall oven. The inviting den or main-level master has a fireplace with woodstove and built-in bookcases, and is tucked away near the full bath with vintage pedestal sink and clawfoot tub with shower. The two upstairs bedrooms are bright and spacious, and the original owner embellished one bedroom door with his initials, AWU, in nailheads.

Wide porches view the lovely meadows, rock lined gardens filled with flowering shrubs and perennials, and beautiful woodlands. The orchard includes peach and apple trees, and there is a large blueberry patch. A trail that winds into the woods near the house is a remnant of the old 19^th Century road from Hillsborough to Oxford with an old ford across Dial Creek. The woods are full of wildlife, including deer, turkey, wood ducks, mallards, osprey, owls, hawks, foxes, flying squirrels, and lots of bluebirds. In the farmyard, outbuildings include an old barn with hayloft, ample storage, and workshop potential.

While not currently set up for horses, the property could easily be made ready for equine friends. The farm is within riding distance of trails in North Carolina State University’s Hill Experimental Forest, and close to the Red Mountain Foxhounds in Rougemont.