– by Matthew Brown and Dana Deaton
Raleigh boasts a rich history reflected in its architectural heritage. Yet, time and progress can threaten these irreplaceable structures. The Beckwith-Farlow House, a charming Queen Anne home at 412 North Wilmington Street, stands precariously as one such threatened landmark. Identified by Preservation Raleigh as a “Place in Peril,” this historic structure urgently needs the State of NC to allow a buyer to relocate and restore it to its former glory.
A Fading Jewel Needs Rescue
Built around 1898, the Beckwith-Farlow House stands as a testament to North Wilmington Street’s past. Originally built for Iola H. Beckwith, wife of attorney Bosworth C. Beckwith, the Queen Anne style is evident in its design: a curved front room, a wraparound porch, and spacious rooms. Inside, fireplaces and a grand center hall hint at a time of elegance.
The exterior, painted dark brown with dark green trim, is weathered but retains a quiet dignity. The wraparound porch is supported by turned posts with brackets, framing a simple front door with sidelights and a fanlight transom. A bow window adds a touch of detail to the facade. Stagger-butt shingles cover the gables, adding a final touch of character.
The home was owned by the Beckwith family until 1954, followed years later by the Farlow family, explaining the dual attribution. In 1979, the Farlows sold it to the State of North Carolina and it was used as office space until approximately 2008. However, years of vacancy since then have taken their toll. This once-charming residence is in need of rescue.
A Fight for Survival
Today, the Beckwith-Farlow House stands isolated amidst a sea of parking lots. Towering across the street, a six-story state office building casts a perpetual shadow. This stark contrast underscores the house’s precarious situation. The surrounding area, once a fashionable neighborhood, has undergone significant changes. While the house itself is in good condition, rehabilitation is necessary, especially considering it hasn’t been updated since 1975 and served as office space for decades.
A Unique Opportunity, But with Delays
The State of North Carolina currently owns the Beckwith-Farlow House. In 2009, the state initially planned to sell the house as part of a larger development project called “Blount Street Commons.” However, the 2008 real estate crash stalled those plans, leaving the house empty and deteriorating for over a decade. Unlike most other houses in the Blount Street Historic District that were successfully sold, the Beckwith-Farlow House remained unclaimed.
Finally, in February 2020, under pressure from preservationists, the State put the Beckwith-Farlow House on the market through an upset bid process. This unique opportunity offered the house itself, but not the land it sits on, along with a designated lot directly behind it at 425 N. Blount Street. However, there was a crucial stipulation: the buyer would need to relocate the house to the new lot. A glimmer of hope emerged when Attorney Todd Jones, known for restoring the Norris House in the area, won the final round of bidding in June 2021 with a bid of $632,000. However, despite a dedicated buyer and a seemingly clear plan, the sale has been inexplicably delayed by the State for unknown reasons.
A Call to Action
The future of the Beckwith-Farlow House remains uncertain and bureaucratic hurdles persist. This unique opportunity requires continued advocacy to ensure that the state follows up with the sale of the home.
Preservation Raleigh asks that the N.C. State Property Office be urged to follow through with the sale. That office is part of the Department of Administration. Of course, the Governor is the ultimate authority. If you have any contacts with those departments or would like to get involved, please reach out to raise awareness of this issue and encourage them to finish the sale of this property. The reward? Saving a vital piece of Raleigh’s architectural heritage and ensuring its continued enjoyment for generations to come.
Call to Action contact: NC State Property Office
For more information on the Beckwith-Farlow House, please visit:
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article248028475.html#storylink=cpy
https://localwiki.org/raleigh/Beckwith_House
Sale announcement from the 2020-21 bidding process: