Built in 1911, this Spanish Colonial Revival mansion boasts historic details and modern amenities.
The John Sprunt Hill House served as the family home of John Sprunt Hill, his wife, Annie Watts Hill, and their three children. The Boston firm Kendall and Taylor, which also built Watts Hospital, designed the house in a modified Spanish style with stucco exterior and a red tile roof. All the woodwork on the first floor and most of the furniture was designed and manufactured by another Boston firm, Irving Casson, the same firm that created the woodwork for Duke Chapel.
Building began in 1911 and was completed in 1912. The original grounds (a full city square around the house) included a tennis court, a putting green, a pergola, and a formal rose garden. Across the street to the south (now the site of Orchard Park, a gift of the Hill Family to the City of Durham) were a large vegetable garden, orchard, stables for horses and cows, as well as several greenhouses. The interior of many of the rooms of the house, particularly those on the first floor, appear today much as they did when the Hill family lived here. Many of the furniture pieces and rugs are original as well.
In recognition of his wife’s participation in civic functions, Mr. Hill’s will established a trust, the Annie Watts Hill Fund, so that Hill House would serve as a continuing memorial to wife. In 1963, the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties, through its nonprofit status, began to enjoy an intricate legal relationship that in effect binds Hill House and the League together, to the benefit of each.
In 2020, Hill House underwent a large-scale restoration, updating plasterwork, flooring, the roof, and systems including the HVAC. A multi-stall restroom was also added to the first floor to better accommodate larger events. The home reopened in early 2022 ready to host groups of all sizes. Please enjoy a virtual 360 degree tour or get in touch below to schedule an in-person tour day.
In 2020, Hill House underwent a large-scale restoration, updating plasterwork, flooring, the roof, and systems including the HVAC. A multi-stall restroom was also added to the first floor to better accommodate larger events. The home reopened in early 2022 ready to host groups of all sizes. Please enjoy a virtual 360 degree tour or get in touch below to schedule an in-person tour day.
Photo above by Pamela Jahnke
Host your next event at Hill House.
Hill House Durham is the perfect venue for events of nearly any size.
The first floor includes a large main hall, which is the perfect spot for seated dinners, engagement parties, cocktail hours, baby showers, birthday celebrations, luncheons, or presentations. Our library and music rooms offer additional space for seating or mingling, filled with original details and charm. The dining room offers space for formal dining up to 20, or to set a lavish buffet for larger events. The butler's pantry and catering kitchen offer ample space for caterers and servers to prepare dishes for serving.
Our second floor boasts two spacious getting ready suites, perfect for brides, grooms, and event hosts. These spaces, along with several smaller rooms, are also perfect for board meetings and break out sessions during retreats or corporate gatherings.
Situated on four acres, with use of our covered porch or tenting, Hill House can accommodate weddings, galas, and parties of up to 150.
Hill House Durham offers a variety of rental packages, allowing event hosts to customize their experience, with the possibility to use our tables and chairs, linens, serveware, dishes, and cutlery. Please reach out for more details.
Photos above by Krystal Kast (1) and Pamela Jahnke (2 & 3)