FREE HOUSE

KATHLEEN JOHNSON
Correspondent

May 22, 2008 10:26 am

— Five months after it was put "on the market for free," Tarboro's free house at 114 E. Saint John St., owned by the First Baptist Church, apparently can't be given away.
Not much has changed since the house "went on the market" in December. The arts and crafts style home, built around 1913, remains staunchly anchored by its brick foundations and piers, its old glass windows gleaming happily in the morning sun.
So why is this lovely old place with its wide and welcoming porch, hardwood floors, four fireplaces, large master bedroom and lofty, beamed ceilings still on the lot?
It's certainly not because the church won't let it go. The congregation is to be applauded for advertising the Hagins' house well before a new building program begins. That means more time to save the home.
And there has certainly been plenty of interest. Lilli Thomas, the home's current best friend and caretaker, has fielded hundreds of calls over the past months, many from people who thought that all they had to do was move in.
This old homeplace, though – all 3,200 square feet of it – has to be cut into three sections and moved to another location – at the new owner's expense. The "House - Free" hitch is a modest one – the church wants the house moved by a reputable mover, they will not be liable for damages during the move, and the church's lot must be cleared of all debris following the move.
The three or four people currently interested in the home will certainly encounter some complications as owners. The first will be finding a lot that will accommodate its size and be close enough to the present site on Saint John Street to be affordable.
There are at least three sites within the historic district that might accommodate the home. Ironically, telephone lines are not likely to be the major obstacle in the move. Trees will be, though. There are estimates that moving a house this size could cost as much as $30,000 or more.
And finding a new site and completing the move is only the beginning. The house will then have to be put back together and remodeled.
All is not gloom and doom, however. It's a worthy endeavor for some to save an old house, and this particular house has enough space, grace, warmth and light to charm anyone who values the past.
A "handy" couple, a few rowdy children, at least two dogs and a dog-tolerant cat could definitely make this house a home again. Like the old-timers say ... just a little paint and some curtains.

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