The Hunt House

Built in 1852 by John Wilkins Hunt, this home is an absolutely beautiful example of some of the best architecture offered from that trial period.  The home has only been owned by four or five families, the Hunts, Hobart Ames, Fred Shappert, who was a field trial judge, and the current owners, Dr. Crosby, and his family.  

The home was built as a majestic Colonial Manor House for the Hunt family, called ‘Huntland’.  The home played a prominent role in local Civil War History with skirmishes and battles occurring near the home, including an account of an altercation between Federal Spy Charles Ruggles and Mrs. Hunt during the war.  While Huntland was one of the few plantation homes not destroyed by fire during the war, perhaps the bravery of Mrs. Hunt could be the explanation. She verbally fought and won a battle with the ‘Yankees’ who invaded her plantation.  Her overseer was not as lucky. He came home to see his family, in full uniform but was accosted by the Federal troops. He was immediately hung as a spy. His gravestone on the property attests to the feelings of the family and of the community.  On the back, it states that he was ‘murdered by the Yankees’.

The property left the Hunt family in 1938, after three generations, and moved to Hobart Ames, who restored it completely.  The home sits on 157 acres and consists of three bedrooms, and two and a half baths, all completely modernized.  It is absolutely beautiful, with views that go on forever! The Crosby family then revitalized, all while keeping the historical aspects accurate in the home.

Brick walkways that lead to the front and side entrances are the original bricks made from local materials in 1852.  The wide front porch looks out over giant magnolia trees that must have been planted at the same time the home was built.  Hobart Ames added the glasswork to the front door, beautiful, tiny panes that let in a marvelous amount of light. As we photographed the home, the front door and veranda door were open, making us realize they carefully placed the location of the home so long ago to catch those breezes and keep it cool and fresh during the hot summer.

Of course, now there is a masterfully updated gourmet kitchen that enhances the back of the home, possibly in the location of an older kitchen.  The kitchen leads to the back stairs, giving further credence that it could have been a much earlier kitchen, positioned for easier access for the servants.  Across the hallway, the dining room rests with views out onto the front porch. Large enough to hold a table which could seat twelve comfortably, it is all decked out for Thanksgiving, with access to a children’s or young adult’s table in the kitchen.

Passing through the front hallway, you find a lovely den that you can imagine was once the gentleman’s parlor with a large fireplace enhancing that idea.  The back porch is absolutely lovely, with seating for an afternoon read on a couch, cuddled up with a good cup of tea.

Upstairs, the home has a master bedroom, along with a boys’ room and a girls’ room.  The rooms are currently set up for a weekend home, with extra beds as needed. They are large enough to accommodate quite a party!

For the summer, a pool party was certainly the thing to have with such a beautiful area.  Azaleas, dogwoods, and many more flowering shrubs and bushes adorn the grounds. I can just see the love that has gone into making this house a beautiful home.

In keeping with its original design as a self-sustaining plantation, it still has an Apple Orchard and a Vineyard, complete with Granny Smith, Gala and Yellow Delicious Apples, and  Muscadine Grapes. Vegetable gardens, chicken coops, and Peacocks, along with a stable complete the country gentleman’s abode.

As I stood at the gate, looking out what was the front of the Plantation home’s yard, I could just imagine the hubbub and excitement that happened on a daily basis so many years ago.  But today, I got to bask in the moment of stillness and loveliness that this home holds.

Publisher’s note:  It is not our policy to do stories on homes that are for sale.  However, due to the historical nature of this home, we decided to allow it, especially considering the possibility that the future owner may not allow us, and you, our readers, access.  We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! For more information, see harvestersland.com