Sold
Last Sold Price
2 beds2,098 sqft
5401 Friends School Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Single FamilyProperty Type
5 acresLot Size
1996Year Built
$347/sq ftPrice per sq ft
10 carsParking Spaces

Description

As John Muir once said, ''In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.'' Welcome to 5401 Friends School Road—an extraordinary retreat on five serene and picturesque acres. This truly one-of-a-kind property features a thoughtfully designed 2,098 sq ft cottage, handcrafted by renowned builder Howard Staab using recycled and repurposed materials. Every element of the home reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural...As John Muir once said, ''In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.'' Welcome to 5401 Friends School Road—an extraordinary retreat on five serene and picturesque acres. This truly one-of-a-kind property features a thoughtfully designed 2,098 sq ft cottage, handcrafted by renowned builder Howard Staab using recycled and repurposed materials. Every element of the home reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light and provide beautiful views of the property's gardens and lush, peaceful setting. Spend your afternoons and evenings on the oversized, sunny deck and covered front porch. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, skylights, a renovated kitchen, barreled wood ceiling, remodeled bath, walk-in closet, and whimsical artistic detail throughout. Don't miss the impressive stone sculpture or classic Jotul cast iron wood stove with embossed woodland animals. Approximately half of the 5 acres is fenced. Surrounded by mature trees and open meadows, it's an ideal setting for anyone seeking a peaceful sanctuary and connection to the land. A separate 1125 sq ft detached studio offers incredible flexibility, complete with a full bath and kitchenette—perfect for a creative workspace, a quiet home office, woodworking shop, or yoga. Like the main house, it was built with an artist's eye and a commitment to environmental harmony. In addition to the house, studio, and detached garage, there is a spectacular 1000 sq ft pole barn with a poured concrete foundation and large cedar posts that has enormous potential for your creative endeavors. At 5401 Friends School Road, Muir's sentiment is brought to life—a rare opportunity to live with intention, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
  • Listed by: Brooke Buchanan 919.824.3580 brooke@adagerealty.com Brokerage DRE #C27585 • Inhabit Real Estate
Listing closed: 05/29/2025 12:00 AM • Source: Doorify MLS (fka Triangle MLS), MLS#: 10088451

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$4,253 per month

30 year fixed, 7.03% Interest

Principal and Interest

$3,890

Property Taxes

$363

HOA Dues

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Property Information for 5401 Friends School Road

Property Details
  • Taxes: $4,351 / year
  • MLS Type: Residential / Single Family Residence
  • Zoning Description: RB
  • Subdivision: Not in a Subdivision
Building Information
  • Stories: 1
  • Year Built: 1996
  • Lot Size: 5.00 AC / 217,800 SF
Summary
Location and General Information
  • Zoning: RB
  • Directions: From Erwin Rd, turn onto Mt. Sinai. In 1.9 miles, turn right onto Friends School Road. Property will be 700 feet on the left.
  • Subdivision Name: Not in a Subdivision
  • Latitude: 36.000884
  • Longitude: -79.019761
Taxes and HOA Information
  • Association: No
  • Tax Annual Amount: $4,351.40
  • Has City Limits: No
  • Lot Number: 1
  • Has Restrictive Covenants: No
Contract Information
  • Original MLS: Triangle MLS Inc
  • Has Property Leased: No
  • Years Owned: 1 or More Year(s)
  • Due Diligence Expiration Date: 2025-05-20
School Information
  • Elementary School: Orange - New Hope Elementary
  • Middle Or Junior School: Orange - A L Stanback Middle
  • High School: Orange - Cedar Ridge High
Parking
  • Open Parking Spaces: 10.0
  • Open Parking: Yes
  • Parking Features: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage, Off Street
  • Attached Garage: No
  • Garage Spaces: 1.0
  • Garage: Yes
Property
Lot Information
  • Building Area Total: 2098.0
  • Lot Features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden, Landscaped, Many Trees, Private, Secluded, Hardwood Trees
  • Architectural Style: Cottage
  • Detached Living Area Sq Ft: 1125.0
  • Total Other Area Sq Ft: 0.0
  • Other Structures: Barn(s), Garage(s), Other, See Remarks, Workshop
  • Parcel Number: 9891490275
  • Structure Type: House
  • Enhanced Accessible: No
  • Has Main Level Bedrooms: Yes
  • Has Primary Residence: Yes
  • Sold PriceList Price: 0.97
Property and Assessments
  • New Construction: No
  • Above Grade Finished Area Source: Appraiser
  • Property Condition: Updated/Remodeled
Utilities
  • Sewer: Septic Tank
  • Water Source: Well
Interior and Exterior Features
Exterior Features
  • Construction Materials: Cedar, Wood Siding
  • Exterior Features: Garden, Fenced Yard
  • Fencing: Fenced, Gate
  • Foundation Details: Other
  • Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Deck, Front Porch, Side Porch
  • Roof: Metal
  • New Construction Type: House, Cedar, Wood Siding
Interior Features
  • Levels: One
  • Stories: 1
  • Main Level Bathrooms: 2
  • Master Bedroom 1st Floor: Yes
  • Flooring: Ceramic Tile, Hardwood
  • Cooling: Central Air
  • Has Cooling: Yes
  • Heating: Natural Gas
  • Has Heating: Yes
  • Appliances: Dryer, Dishwasher, Freezer, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
  • Laundry Features: Laundry Room, Main Level
  • Interior Features: Bookcases, Open Floorplan, Primary Downstairs, Recessed Lighting, Walk-In Closet(s), Separate Shower
Room Information
Room 1
  • Type: Primary Bedroom
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 19.7
  • Width: 17.3
Room 2
  • Type: Bedroom 2
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 15.1
  • Width: 11.4
Room 3
  • Type: Kitchen
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 19.39
  • Width: 17.2
Room 4
  • Type: Dining Room
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 10.1
  • Width: 12.2
Room 5
  • Type: Living Room
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 9.3
  • Width: 12.2
Room 6
  • Type: Family Room
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 29.3
  • Width: 19.6
Room 7
  • Type: Laundry
  • Level: Main
  • Length: 10.4
  • Width: 6.0
Room 8
  • Type: Workshop
  • Level: Additional
  • Description: Detached Studio
  • Length: 35.6
  • Width: 31.6
Room 9
  • Type: Other
  • Level: Additional
  • Description: Barn
  • Length: 24.2
  • Width: 44.2
Room 10
  • Type: Other
  • Level: Additional
  • Description: Garage
  • Length: 24.7
  • Width: 16.5

Property History for 5401 Friends School Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
May 29, 2025

Sold (Public Record)

Public Record #1558698357

$729,000

+7.0% / yr

May 29, 2025

Sold

Doorify MLS (fka Triangle MLS) #10088451

$728,754—
Apr 20, 2025

Pending

Doorify MLS (fka Triangle MLS) #10088451

—
DateEvent & SourcePrice
05/29/2025

Sold (Public Record)

Public Record #1558698357

$729,000

+7.0% / yr

05/29/2025

Sold

Doorify MLS (fka Triangle MLS) #10088451

$728,754
04/20/2025

Pending

Doorify MLS (fka Triangle MLS) #10088451

—

For completeness, we often displays two records for one sale: the MLS record and the public record.

Public Records for 5401 Friends School Road

Taxable ValueLand$257,400Additions$294,900Total$552,300
Tax Record2025$4,144 ($345 / month)
Home Facts
Beds2Baths1Total Finished SqFt2,104 SqFtAbove Grade Finished SqFt2,104 SqFtStories1Lot Size217,800 SqFtStyleSingle Family ResidenceYear Built1996Year Renovated2001ZoningRBCountyORANGEAPN9891-49-0275

Schools near 5401 Friends School Road

This home is within Orange County School District.
Rating
School
Type
Grades
Distance
Public - PK to 5
Public - 6 to 8
Public - 9 to 12
Public - 9 to 12
Rating
School
Distance
New Hope Elementary
PublicPK to 5

A L Stanback Middle
Public6 to 8

Cedar Ridge High
Public9 to 12

Partnership Academy Alternativ
Public9 to 12

School ratings and boundaries are provided by GreatSchools.org and Pitney Bowes. This information should only be used as a reference. Proximity or boundaries shown here are not a guarantee of enrollment. Please reach out to schools directly to verify all information and enrollment eligibility.

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Listings marked with a Doorify MLS icon are provided courtesy of the Doorify MLS, of North Carolina, Internet Data Exchange Database. Brokers make an effort to deliver accurate information, but buyers should independently verify any information on which they will rely in a transaction. The listing broker shall not be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints, and they shall be held totally harmless from any damages arising from reliance upon this data. This data is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use. Copyright 2024 Doorify MLS of North Carolina. All rights reserved.