The Heptinstall House is an notable example of transitional Federal/Greek Revival, side-hall plantation house. It is located in Halifax County, North Carolina and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 as the Edmunds-Heptinstall house. The house was built in the 1830s/40s for William Howell Edmunds [1815-1862] who sold the house in 1855 to the Reverend John Wesley Heptinstall [1814-1891], a planter and active Methodist leader. Although the house appears from the front yard to be two stories, it actually has four full stories which include a ground-level basement that served as the original kitchen and an unfinished attic space. The central block is roughly a thirty-five foot square sheathed with beaded weatherboard, resting on a raised stone basement originally stuccoed and scored to represent ashlar. Two exterior large stone chimneys are on the left side of the house and contain six fireplaces, two on each of the first three floors.
Federal-style elements highlight the three-bay façade which has a graceful side hall entrance with fanlight, keystone, sidelights, and double-leaf doors. Pilasters flank each door, the corner boards, and window surround. The nine-over-nine sash windows have a plain sill and simple entablature window head.
Bold Greek Revival details distinguish the remarkable intact interior, which includes original marbleizing, wood graining on doors, and door hardware.
The Reverend John Wesley Heptinstall was born in Halifax County near the town of Halifax to William Heptinstall [1775-1822] and Dolly Bradsher/Bradshire [1775-1848]. Not much is known about John Wesley’s early years. His father died when he was very young and there is a document of guardianship dated February Term 1833 for John Wesley, his brother Jesse and his sister Dolly. In his early forties, he was able to purchase the Edmunds-Heptinstall House and build a successful career in both the ministry and in business ventures. He operated a general store, grist mill, lumber mill, and a cotton gin.
When John Wesley Heptinstall’s son, John Olin Heptinstall moved into the house, he built a one story, two-room addition to the right side of the house that became a new kitchen and dining room.
The Heptinstall House Plantation has remained in family ownership since 1855 and today is owned by the great great grandson of the Reverend John Wesley Heptinstall. Over a forty year period, the house has been completely and appropriately renovated.
National Marker and Application for National Register of Historic Places http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov/nr/HX0004.pdf
A recommended reference book on the historic architecture of Halifax County that features the Heptinstall House on the cover is: The Historic Architecture of Halifax County, North Carolina. Hardcover-2010. Authors: Henry V. Taves, Allison H. Black, David R. Black. Editors: Drucilla H. York, J. Daniel Pezzoni. ISBN 978-0-615-335698. Published by the Halifax County Historical Association, PO Box 12, Halifax NC 27839 or can be purchased through the Halifax County Library in Halifax NC.