If you’ve got a penchant for the past and love houses with character aplenty, you’ll want to check out this quirky sawmill in North Carolina. It’s got a fascinating history, plus it’s been renovated sympathetically meaning you could move right on in. Sound good? Let’s take a look around…

If you’re looking for a slice of proper American history, look no further. This rural retreat was originally known as The Boone Mill and it’s the oldest remaining sawmill built in North Carolina. It would make a great holiday home, as it’s conveniently located just 10 minutes from Greensboro, plus it’s an easy commute from the Winston-Salem, Durham, and Raleigh metro areas.

It was originally constructed in 1835 and it ceased operation as a sawmill in 1920; it’s hard to believe that for over a decade this beauty lay abandoned and unloved. That is, until New Yorker Katheryn Pettygrew happened across it.

With a sympathetic attitude to renovation that was years ahead of her time, Katheryn was able to see beyond its state of dilapidation and abandoned mill machinery. In 1935 she set about transforming it into a rustic summer home while preserving and reusing as much of the original building as she could.

In total it took her three years to transform the property. She made use of the surrounding materials throughout, such as recycled lumber taken from the nearby crumbling structures and barns.

She even used parts of the old mill machinery to create decorative features throughout the interior. Old pulley wheels and rollers were turned into unique pieces of furniture and they do an excellent job paying homage to the building’s heritage. 

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After her incredible renovation, it became known as the Katydid Mill. Though in a 1939 article published in the Indianapolis Star, Katheryn called it ‘Grand Central Station’, referring to the number of people who stopped to check it out.

The transformation of the mill was so impressive, it even caught the eye of American Home Magazine and they chose to feature Katheryn and the property in their June 1940 issue. “It would be hard to top the simple, natural character of the place,” the magazine article read.

“A charm due in great measure to the fact that the house has kept its original outline and has been left in its unpainted, weathered gray finish,” it continued.

The magazine piece concluded: “It’s the very unpretentiousness of the place which is so ‘right,’ so peaceful, and most important, so utterly comfortable.” And we couldn’t agree more!

Because of Katheryn’s unique approach to the remodel – check out the stair spindles, which are re-purposed plough handles! – Katydid Mill has stood the test of time and looks just as charming now as it did back in the 1940s.  

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But beyond bags of historic charm, what else do you get for your $875,000 (£689k)? The main house has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and is fully modernised for contemporary family life. There’s also a one-bedroom guesthouse and expansive grounds, but more on those later.

Inside the main house, you’ll find quaint original architectural details including rustic pine panelling and hand-hewn beams. The focal point of the 900-square-foot living room is the attractive wood-burning fireplace, which is the perfect place to cuddle up on a winter's evening with cocoa and a good book.

The kitchen and dining space, once the old saw room, is flooded with light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. The views from the dining table over the surrounding countryside aren’t bad either!

We particularly love the charming stone wall that wraps around the stove and double ovens. There’s also a great mixed use of materials throughout; here natural wood and rustic stonework perfectly with sleek modern granite countertops and shiny silver appliances.

The large island complete with farmhouse sink adds some extra counter space, meanwhile, the 360-degree storage means this kitchen is as practical as it is good looking. Plus, with that view, even the washing up wouldn’t be a drag here.

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This clever kitchen pantry area is the perfect place to store your best rustic cookbooks, favourite chinaware and there’s even an ingenious storage solution for dried produce.

In the main house, behind the kitchen, you’ll find the master suite. It’s a dreamy spot to get your 40 winks thanks to the whitewashed panelled walls, pine flooring and windows boasting views out to the dam and waterfall. During the day, the room enjoys plenty of natural light thanks to all the windows, giving it an airy quality.

And while the master bathroom has been updated for contemporary bathing, it’s got oodles of vintage charm thanks to the clawfoot bath and subway tile lined shower. The double sinks are a practical addition, as are the spacious storage units, perfect for hiding away the less aesthetic bathroom necessities.

Tucked away in the corner, there are even a washing machine and tumble dryer for keeping up on top of your laundry. These necessary but bulky machines are hidden from view thanks to some clever in-built cabinetry. 

The guest bathroom is of a similar style to the master one and it also features a clawfoot soaking tub, glass enclosed shower with grey marble tile and a double sink set-up. The simple hanging rail above the bath is a charming and useful touch.

There are two upstairs bedrooms, both make good use of the space. The white wood panelling in this room gives it a spacious vibe, meanwhile the bed has been placed under the eaves to maximise the space.

The barn-wood shiplap walls and a tin ceiling in this bedroom make it the perfect cosy nook for a child. Alternatively, it would make a great home office or mini-library – the all-wood décor manages to be both rustic yet smart. 

Outside and over the wooden footbridge, you’ll find the entrance to the gabled guest cottage. It was originally built in the late 19th century as an outbuilding for the mill, but today it’s the perfect spot for holidaying with friends or extended family. Inside the main living area, the vibe feels similar to the main house thanks to the panelled walls, hand-hewn beams and river rock fireplace. 

The guest house is snug but perfectly formed complete with a living room, bedroom and bathroom. There’s even a mini gourmet kitchen that comes decked out with Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer drawers, dishwasher and a Wolf range, making it ideal for guests who love to cook.

The upstairs bedroom is decorated with white wood panelling and rustic wooden flooring. The current set-up – with the double bed, crib and armchair – would be great for visitors travelling with a little one.

In the second guest bedroom, pared-back colours and shabby chic furniture works well with crisp white linens to create a guest space that feels homely and fresh all at once.

The guesthouse bathroom has been recently renovated and the result is very stylish indeed. The glass and marble tile shower feel decadent, with vintage-style fixtures and fittings adding appropriate period detail.

Back outside, this property comes with its very own historic millpond and a 13-foot waterfall. In total, the property comes with 2.7 acres of private wooded land where you might spot anything from blue heron and Canada geese to otters or deer. The connecting river runs rampant with bass, catfish and bream, and the land is studded with impressive trees including walnut, oak and sycamores.

In short, it’s the perfect antidote to frantic, modern life. Yet the contemporary amenities and timeless design mean you can get back to basics in style. Described as ‘one of America’s unique historical properties’, we reckon Katydid Mill will be snapped up soon. Our advice? Run don’t walk to the next viewing. 

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