Historic Two-Story Queen Anne Home in Winton’s National Register Historic District – A Rich Legacy of African American History
Description:
Located in the heart of Winton’s National Register Historic District, this distinguished two-story Queen Anne-style home stands as a testament to the town’s significant African American heritage. Built in 1886 for Dr. Calvin Scott and Amaza Drummond Brown, the home is a prime example of Romantic Era architecture and offers a direct connection to the history of Winton and its educational legacy. Just 500 yards from the historic C.S. Brown School (formerly Chowan Academy), this home was once part of the legacy of Dr. Brown, who established the school as a private institution for African American students and made lasting contributions to the community.
The house is set back from South Main Street, framed by mature trees and lush landscaping, offering a serene and private setting. A wide wrap-around porch with Tuscan columns and decorative sawn bargeboards enhances the home’s architectural charm, while large double-hung windows allow natural light to flood the spacious interior. The paneled front door, flanked by four-light-over-one-panel sidelights, makes a striking first impression.
Inside, the home’s cottage-style floor plan features a parlor, eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms, and two baths, offering a cozy yet functional space for modern living while retaining its historic charm. The first-floor bedroom is particularly notable in the home’s history, as it was used as a visitor’s room by many African American leaders who came to visit the nearby Chowan Academy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The home underwent renovations in the 1960s, carried out by the Brown family’s daughter, Eunice Robbins. These updates remain intact today, including a first-floor bathroom that connects to the downstairs bedroom, transforming it into a master suite.
Historically, the grounds were home to several outbuildings, including a detached kitchen, vegetable garden, cow shed, garage, and even a tennis court. Some of the land was donated over the years to the adjacent school, while other sections were subdivided for additional homes. However, the foundation of the detached kitchen remains, offering the perfect setting for a charming outdoor patio or cutting garden.
While the property boasts great historical significance and architectural beauty, it will require some updating to meet modern standards. Renovations to systems such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical are likely needed, along with updates to the kitchen and bathrooms. The roof, which currently has asphalt shingles, will need to be replaced, and the exterior of the house will require a fresh coat of paint. Additionally, the screened-in area of the front porch will need to be removed.
Designated as part of Winton’s Historic District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, the Dr. Calvin Scott and Amaza Drummond Brown House (also known locally as the C.S. Brown House) stands as one of the oldest contributing structures in the district. This property is eligible for historic preservation tax credits, providing a unique opportunity for those passionate about preserving history.
Dr. Calvin Scott Brown, born in Salisbury, NC, in 1859, was a trailblazer in education and social justice. A graduate of Shaw University, he moved to Winton to become Pastor of Pleasant Plains Baptist Church and soon founded Chowan Academy. His fundraising efforts, combined with his wife Amaza’s inheritance, ensured that the school thrived despite the challenges faced by many African American institutions during that era. Today, the school, now the C.S. Brown School, continues to stand as a proud symbol of the Brown family’s legacy in education and community service.
This remarkable property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of African American history and a home filled with character, charm, and potential. If you are looking to restore and preserve a historic treasure, the C.S. Brown House is a once-in-a-lifetime find.
From the Preservation North Carolina listing: