Last Sold Price
2 beds2,098 sqft$347/sqft
5401 Friends School Rd, Durham, NC 27705

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.
LISTING CLOSED: 05/30/2025 01:23 PM

  1. Listed by Brooke Buchanan • Inhabit Real Estate

Property Details for 5401 Friends School Road

Status
MLS #
10088451
Taxes
$4,351 / year
HOA Fees
-
Condo/Co-op Fees
-
Property Type
MLS Type
Residential / Single Family Residence
Year Built
1996
Lot Size
5.00 AC / 217,800 SF
View
Yes
Subdivision
Not in a Subdivision

Location

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Building Information for 5401 Friends School Road

Stories1Year Built1996Building Size-Lot Size5.00 AC / 217,800 SF

Payment Calculator

$4,067 per month

30 year fixed, 6.55% Interest

Principal and Interest

$3,704

Property Taxes

$363

HOA Dues

$0

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Property Information for 5401 Friends School Road

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
  • City Limits YN: No
  • Lot Number: 1
  • Restrictive Covenants YN: No
Contract Information
  • Original MLS: Triangle MLS Inc
  • Property Leased YN: No
  • Years Owned: 1 or More Year(s)
  • Due Diligence Expiration Date: 2025-05-20
School Information
  • Elementary School: Orange - New Hope
  • Middle Or Junior School: Orange - A L Stanback
  • High School: Orange - Cedar Ridge
Parking
  • 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, Hardwood Trees, Landscaped, Many Trees, Private, Secluded
  • Architectural Style: Cottage
  • Detached Living Area Sq Ft: 1125
  • Total Other Area Sq Ft: 0
  • Other Structures: Barn(s), Garage(s), Workshop, Other, See Remarks
  • Parcel Number: 9891490275
  • Structure Type: House
  • Enhanced Accessible: No
  • Primary Residence YN: Yes
  • Sold PriceList Price: 0.97
Property and Assessments
  • New Construction: No
  • Photos Count: 61
  • Above Grade Finished Area Source: Appraiser
  • Below Grade Finished Area: 0.0
  • Below Grade Finished Area Units: Square Feet
  • Property Condition: Updated/Remodeled
Utilities
  • Sewer: Septic Tank
  • Water Source: Well
  • Water_Sewer: Well, Septic Tank
Interior and Exterior Features
Exterior Features
  • Construction Materials: Cedar, Wood Siding
  • Exterior Features: Fenced Yard, Garden
  • Fencing: Fenced, Gate
  • Foundation Details: Other
  • Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Deck, Front Porch, Side Porch
  • Pool Private: No
  • Roof: Metal
  • New Construction Type: Cedar, Wood Siding, House
Interior Features
  • Levels: One
  • Stories: 1
  • Flooring: Ceramic Tile, Hardwood
  • Cooling: Central Air
  • Cooling?: Yes
  • Heating: Natural Gas
  • Heating?: Yes
  • Appliances: Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
  • Laundry Features: Laundry Room, Main Level
  • Interior Features: Bookcases, Open Floorplan, Master Downstairs, Recessed Lighting, Separate Shower, Walk-In Closet(s)
  • Equipment Appliances: Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
  • Interior: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage, Off Street, Cedar, Wood Siding, Laundry Room, Main Level
  • Equipment: Dishwasher, Dryer, Freezer, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Laundry Room, Main Level, Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage, Off Street
Room Information
Room Information
  • Rooms Total: 10.0
Room 1
  • Room Dimensions: 19.7 x 17.3
  • Room Width: 17.3
  • Room Length: 19.7
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Primary Bedroom
Room 2
  • Room Dimensions: 15.1 x 11.4
  • Room Width: 11.4
  • Room Length: 15.1
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Bedroom 2
Room 3
  • Room Dimensions: 19.4 x 17.2
  • Room Width: 17.2
  • Room Length: 19.4
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Kitchen
Room 4
  • Room Dimensions: 10.1 x 12.2
  • Room Width: 12.2
  • Room Length: 10.1
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Dining Room
Room 5
  • Room Dimensions: 9.3 x 12.2
  • Room Width: 12.2
  • Room Length: 9.3
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Living Room
Room 6
  • Room Dimensions: 29.3 x 19.6
  • Room Width: 19.6
  • Room Length: 29.3
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Family Room
Room 7
  • Room Dimensions: 10.4 x 6
  • Room Width: 6.0
  • Room Length: 10.4
  • Room Level: Main
  • Room Type: Laundry
Room 8
  • Room Description: Detached Studio
  • Room Dimensions: 35.6 x 31.6
  • Room Width: 31.6
  • Room Length: 35.6
  • Room Level: Additional
  • Room Type: Workshop
Room 9
  • Room Description: Barn
  • Room Dimensions: 24.2 x 44.2
  • Room Width: 44.2
  • Room Length: 24.2
  • Room Level: Additional
  • Room Type: Other
Room 10
  • Room Description: Garage
  • Room Dimensions: 24.7 x 16.5
  • Room Width: 16.5
  • Room Length: 24.7
  • Room Level: Additional
  • Room Type: Other
Agent
Sale and Listing
  • Property Type: Residential
  • Property Class Name: CrossProperty

Property History for 5401 Friends School Road

DateEvent & SourcePriceAppreciation
May 30, 2025

Sold

TRIANGLEMLS #10088451

May 30, 2025

Pending

TRIANGLEMLS #10088451

May 29, 2025

Sold (Public Record)

Public Record #1558698357

$729,000

+7.0% / yr

DateEvent & SourcePrice
05/30/2025

Sold

TRIANGLEMLS #10088451

05/30/2025

Pending

TRIANGLEMLS #10088451

05/29/2025

Sold (Public Record)

Public Record #1558698357

$729,000

+7.0% / yr

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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Nearby home values

AddressSold priceBedsBathsSqftLot (Sqft)
This home: 5401 Friends School Road, Durham, NC 27705
$728,754
2
2,098
217,800
3
2,001
43,560
3
3
1,663
43,560
1
960
217,800
4
1
2,169
100,624
$350,000
3
2
3,060
42,367

No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of any information, descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), such should be independently verified through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, in person inspection and public records, and Compass International Holdings, its subsidiaries, affiliates and independently owned and operated franchisees, and their affiliated agents and associated third parties expressly disclaim any liability in connection therewith. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Offers of compensation are subject to change at the seller's discretion. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Listing Courtesy of Inhabit Real Estate

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