James Taylor’s childhood home in Chapel Hill sits on a serene 24-acre property along Morgan Creek, a place deeply tied to his legacy since its construction in 1952.
Designed by renowned architects Matsumoto, Latimer, and Cogswell, this Modernist-style estate includes a main house, a two-bedroom guest house, and a charming children’s playhouse.
The 3,063-square-foot residence has remained virtually untouched since the Taylor family built it, preserving its original design.
Despite its tranquil setting, the estate is conveniently located just 1.5 miles from the University of North Carolina and the School of Medicine.
Explore the stunning details of this historic home, preserved as a true testament to Taylor’s enduring connection to his roots.
Tall trees partially shade the driveway, leading up to the sleek and minimalist facade of the home, which emphasizes a connection with nature.
A wooden guest house exudes a rustic charm, featuring a cozy porch that invites relaxation while overlooking the surrounding greenery.
The rear view of the house showcases its tiered balconies, which provide ample outdoor living spaces surrounded by the serenity of the forest.
Wide glass doors open up the interior to the expansive deck, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces harmoniously.
The secluded porch offers a peaceful retreat, with its wooden design complementing the natural setting and providing a perfect spot to enjoy the quiet ambiance.
A concrete staircase leads up to the entrance, where clean lines and minimalistic design elements emphasize the home’s modernist architectural roots.
A long, continuous deck stretches along the side of the house, offering an ideal vantage point to appreciate the tranquility of the wooded landscape.
The gated entrance to the guest house underscores the property’s secluded and private nature, with the simple fence blending seamlessly into the verdant surroundings.
A small wooden shed blends into the landscape, surrounded by towering trees and lush vegetation, adding a rustic touch to the expansive lawn.
Open grassy areas stretch out under the bright sky, bordered by a dense forest that ensures privacy and creates a natural, serene environment.
The simple, weathered structure is nestled among trees, providing a quaint and unobtrusive addition to the vast, green expanse.
A charming, shingle-clad playhouse peeks out from the foliage, its weathered appearance adding to the property’s nostalgic and rustic charm.
Home’s Interior
Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for abundant natural light to flood the interior, highlighting the home’s connection to its lush surroundings.
Warm wood paneling and a large stone fireplace dominate the cozy living room, where natural light filters through the expansive windows, highlighting the room’s mid-century design.
A closer look at the living room reveals the intricate details of the stone fireplace and the elegant simplicity of the modern furniture, enhancing the room’s inviting atmosphere.
The wood-paneled interior features large windows that open up to the surrounding forest, creating a seamless transition between the indoor living space and the natural outdoor environment.
A glass dining table sits beneath a set of contemporary pendant lights, while large windows provide a serene view of the lush, green surroundings.
Pendant lights hang above the dining area, where the glass table and modern chairs contrast beautifully with the warm wood walls and floors.
Built-in shelves line the walls of the room, offering ample storage and display space, while a vibrant piece of artwork adds a pop of color to the warm wooden interior.
The study nook is bathed in natural light, with its wood-paneled walls and simple built-in desk creating a cozy, minimalist workspace.
Open shelving dominates the kitchen, providing ample storage space while maintaining the room’s clean and functional aesthetic.
A guitar hangs on the wooden wall, adding a touch of personal charm to the room and hinting at the creative spirit of the home.
The kitchen features an island with a sleek cooktop, surrounded by natural wood cabinetry and large windows that invite the outside light.
A stainless steel range hood above the cooktop highlights the kitchen’s blend of modern amenities and warm wood tones.
Built-in shelving and large countertops provide plenty of workspace in the kitchen, while the natural light enhances the warm tones of the wood.
The bedroom offers a tranquil retreat with its large windows that frame views of the lush greenery, inviting nature into the cozy space.
This spacious living area, with its plush carpet and large windows, is ideal for displaying artwork and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
A vibrant yellow sink set against mirrored walls adds a playful pop of color to the bathroom, showcasing the home’s mid-century modern design.