listed on the national historic register. Listed on Oldhouses.com We own this home free and clear.
The Hart-Zander house was built around 1897 by newlyweds Luther V. Hart and Annie Cotton Hart, both descendents of prominent Edgecombe County planters. Situated on land once part of the expansive Pippen Estate, the house was originally a simple, center-hall cottage style home with straight column porch. The exterior was dramatically enhanced around 1908 by the second owners, Joseph Zander and Esther Kreslowski Zander, prominent Jewish merchants in Tarboro. The charming Queen Anne Victorian flourishes added to the house are attributed to the well-known architect, John Christie Stout (1860-1921) of Wilson and Rocky Mount, NC.
The house features a steeply pitched tri-gable roof, flanked by two tall brick chimneys. Each of the three-pitched gables are elaborately decorated with Victorian bric-a-brac; and each one has a stained glass window in the eaves covered with lattice. Decorative moldings and trim include fishscales, dental molding, and pinwheels all around the gables, roofline, and porch. The classical “Stout Swag,” practically his trademark, is prominent above the front portico. The expansive wrap-around porch has turned balustrades, curved railings and 9 (originally 10) stately Ionic columns.
The cottage has its original wood clapboard siding, with some restoration done to the south face. The rooms all have the original tall light-filled widows (over 80”), with 2 over 2 pane glass and storms. The three front-facing parlor windows are set into a gentle curve. The interior is classic southern cottage design, with a “4-box center hall” layout. Four original fireplaces and mantels (two working with gas) still grace the four main rooms flanking the expansive center hall that runs the length of the house. Original southern pine flooring is found throughout the original structure. A private backyard, abundant with flora and fauna, is totally enclosed by a gated privacy fence; and includes two storage outbuildings.
Today, the house consists of seven rooms: parlor, library, formal dining room, three bedrooms, kitchen, two full baths, and walk-in laundry/pantry. The interior rooms have 12-foot ceilings, and period lighting fixtures. Beadboard wainscoting is in the hallway, dining room, and kitchen. The two main bedrooms are well proportioned. (Master, 15’ x 15.6’ and 2nd BR 12.6’ x 13’). The smaller of these has a fireplace and built-in cabinetry. The third bedroom/office (9’ x 12’) was added mid-century when a portion of the north side of the wrap-around porch was enclosed to add additional living space. The large and bright kitchen is a delight, and fully appointed with modern amenities, including a wine cooler. The house has been completely updated and enhanced by its current owners, who strove to preserve the historic integrity of the home; and includes central air/heat, built-in custom cabinetry in the library, kitchen, bedroom and bath, arched stained glass in the foyer, French doors, and much more. New heating and ac system 2008 and hidden wheelchair ramp.
The house is located on the much-prized Main Street of Tarboro. Tarboro’s historic district is a 45-block historic treasure, and one of the largest preserved districts in the state. Often called, “one of the gems of Main Street,” the Hart-Zander House is the only single-story Victorian home on Main Street that predates 1900.
