Above: The John Latimer-designed house that was singer James Taylor’s childhood home. Photo: Auction First
In 1952 Dr. Isaac and Trudy Taylor commissioned the design of a 4000 square foot home shortly after Dr. Taylor joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina’s Chapel Hill’s School of Medicine, where he also served for 10 years as dean. Initially the Taylors hire noted architect George Matsumoto but Trudy Taylor was unhappy with his designs. In the end they chose North Carolina architect John Latimer who worked closely with Ms. Taylor in the home’s design.
A beam on which a young James Taylor carved his initials. Photo: North Carolina Modernist Houses
Situated on a wooded 23 acre site the Taylor family lived in the home until 1974 when Isaac and Trudy Taylor divorced. It was then purchased by current owners James and Patricia Johnston and, remarkably, the home, (while looking perhaps a little tired,) is still in great original condition. One must give credit to the Johnstons for keeping it in such wonderful, original condition. Recently the Johnsons, after living in the home for 40 years, have decided to sell the and it will be going up for auction soon. Let’s hope the new owners are as respectful to Modernist architecture as the previous owners were.
The John Latimer-designed house at 618 Morgan Creek Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Click on Image for full view.
The charming guest house at 618 Morgan Creek Road. Photo: Auction First
Check out the home listing here.
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