Upstairs Apartment of Historic Mangum House

Step into Durham history in a lovingly restored, Nationally Registered Historic Home. Built in 1908 and completely upgraded in 2021, the apartment features all-new furnishings and appliances, original hardwoods, and nods to the home’s rich history throughout (read our full description to learn more!). Enjoy morning coffee or nightcaps on the classic Victorian balcony. Private entrance, dedicated parking, and incredible convenience – 5min to Duke, 15min to UNC, 15min to RDU. Welcome to Durham! The space Located right on the edge of downtown, 5min from Duke, 15min from UNC/Chapel Hill, 20min from RDU airport, you are looking at one of the most beautiful AirBnBs in Durham. Kid friendly! Pack and play, high chair, booster seat; plus more available upon request. You are renting the entire second floor of the Historic Mangum House (more to its storied history below). You have a separate entrance, with outside stairs up to the second floor. Two bedrooms (one with an old walk-in closet), two bathrooms (one with a tube and one with a vast shower), a living room with a pull out couch feature room for up to 6 to sleep, dine, enjoy and relax (plus a pack-and-play for the little ones). One of 17 homes in Durham listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Durham, the Bartlett-Mangum House has a storied history since it was built in 1908. Mangum’s daughters Bessie and Inez lived in the house until 1956. The property was then sold at auction and rented for residential purposes until the early 1960’s. From 1960 to 1963, Arthur D. Thomas, who operated a politically ‘alternative’ bookstore in town, used the first floor for a racially integrated, non-denominational church that counted Duke University faculty and area civil rights leaders among its congregants. After Thomas left the area, the house was named ‘Freedom House’ and rented for a time by a civil rights organization. It was used as temporary housing for transient civil rights activists. From 1968 to 1974 the house was operated as a woman’s consignment clothing store called ‘Victoria’s Closet’. Then turned into two high-end restaurants (Claire's Cafe and Four Square Restaurant), the house become residential again in 2019 and was renovated from roof to the foundations of the house. You will find peace and quiet in and around the property - on your Victorian balcony, the firepit and sitting area in french gravel, or simply the lawns around the house. Great dining, shopping and entertainment options are in walking distance or close by, including Durham's top performing DPAC, 5min from the house, with broadway shows almost every night. We are here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible and welcome you to dive into Durham's history in one of its most impressive mansions. Guest access You will have your own private entrance from the side of the house (got to be ok with stairs!) incl. parking spaces for up to three cars and a fire pit sitting area. You will receive gate codes and the door lock code upon booking that you can share with your family, friends, or coworkers so everyone can easily get in and out without having to figure out key sharing. I, the owner, live on the first floor of the house with y 5-year old son - so I’m available in a second if you need me; but I can (and will) also stay out of your way while you are in your own apartment or outside.