I spent some time with Marvin Pippen at Branch Grove Thursday, April 19th. Marvin lived at Branch Grove as a child, from the ages of 1 to 6 or 7. As he tells it, those years were shared with what we today would consider extended family - his grandparents, his mother, uncles, aunts and cousins. He shared memories of where everyone slept - his grandparents in what will be the dining room after the current renovation is complete, "the boys" in the first bedroom upstairs on the left and "the girls" in the other bedroom upstairs, which overlooks the back yard where the home now sits. He referred to what will be the family room after renovation, as "the big room".  Turns out, that it's new label is pretty much the same as it was used all those years ago, where everyone gathered together and spent time with one another.  He chuckled, remembering how he and a cousin or uncle had to spend some time in the closet under the stairs as a result of some sort of offense, long forgotten now.  As a child he heard stories of the loft

of the Georgian addition being used as a meeting place for farmers of the area preparing for the Civil War. I find it so amazing that a home that has seen so many changes in our county, our state and our country is now being restored to be a part of the future.  I can't wait to meet the family that will share their future with this unique, historical home.

There's just something about a heart pine floor. The rich red hue in the lines of the wood are so warm, and the floors at Branch Grove are no exception. The Federal Tripartite house retains the original wide plank pine flooring. They are going to look stunning once  restored. The Georgian addition is floored with reclaimed pine from the same time period. The wood floors in the two sections will be complimented by the charming weathered brick tile in the connecting sun porch. The texture of this tile fits perfectly in this circa 1848 Federal tripartite house and it's 1790 Georgian addition.

SELLER SAYS: What I Love about Living at the Beautifully Restored Edenton Cotton Mill.

The things I love about Edenton are the friendliness of the people, the historic properties, and the small town flavor. Private homes are opened and decorated every Christmas for the public to view. The Woman's Club hosts Pilgrimage which opens some of the oldest homes to the public. Both events are well worth attending.

Edenton is known as "The South's Prettiest Town" It is located on the Albemarle Sound and a mecca for boating, sailing and all water activities.

The Mill Village neighborhood has block parties, the Cotton Mill itself has get togethers at the pool or in individual condos. Cookouts for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day are always fun. The Mill village itself is great for walking around the streets and seeing all the restored mill houses.

The following restaurants are friendly and great places to eat. Waterman's Grill, Bistro 309, Nothing Fancy, Kristy's and soon to open is a new restaurant on the water near the Chowan River bridge. There is always a crowd of regulars at the Coffee House on Broad St. every morning and Emilo's makes great subs for lunch.

Food Lion has just moved from its old location and opened a new and bigger store in Edenton. Great produce section and a larger selection of inventory. There is a Farmer's Market in town on Saturday mornings.

When we bought the property we were drawn to the proximity to downtown. It is a short walk to the stores and restaurants. It is also a quiet neighborhood, not much vehicle traffic and great for riding bikes.

Edenton has a hospital right in town which is owned by Vidant Medical, Greenville, N.C. There is also a campus of College of the Albemarle in town. COA is a community college with its main campus in Elizabeth City.

We love to kayak and ride bikes in the area. You can put the kayaks in right at the Cotton Mill condos and paddle in beautiful Queen Anne's creek or launch from a ramp on Water St. and paddle in the sound. Bike riding around town if always fun and great exercise.

Living in the Mill Village we have lower electric bills than town. We are served by Dominion Power and we also have natural gas provided by Piedmont Gas Co. Water is included in the HOA dues. Ann R.

Original, one-owner, excellent condition home Scotland Neck NC

1725 Clarksville Drive, Scotland Neck, NC   27874:  This charming home in the small community of Scotland Neck NC is a one-owner home with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  Original and beautiful hardwood floors throughout, pine paneling and real wood cabinets in kitchen and den, large gorgeous mantel for wood-burning fireplace make this a wonderful house for the person looking for quality throughout their next home.  The back of the home offers quiet privacy, a tile porch and and beautiful landscaping.

For those of you not familiar with Scotland Neck, townofscotlandneck.com, this small, rural town is home to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, shwpark.com, the largest collection of waterfowl IN THE WORLD.   The Roanoke River town, Roanokeriverpartners.com which runs along the edge of town offers recreation and beautify to the relaxed atmosphere and location.  Scotland Neck is one of the few towns remaining with 'parking in the middle of the street'.

Located at the intersection of highways 258, 903 and 125, Scotland Neck is convenient to I95 and US 64.  In two hours, a resident here can be in NC beaches or the state capital in Raleigh.

Why should you consider moving to Scotland Neck?  Friendly people, convenient location, all four seasons, great housing prices and low property taxes.