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Heartsfield House, circa 1803 Heartsfield House on Ligon Mill Road is owned by Mary and David Cooke. The house was designated a local historic landmark on December 20, 2011. Built in 1803, the house is architecturally sig- nificant within the context of early nine- teenth century residential architecture in Wake Forest. The early date is substan- tiated by the heavy mortise-and-tenon framing still visible in the attic and base- ment. The dwelling is a two-story Federal period I-house with tall narrow propor-
tions, flush gable ends, and boxed eaves. Of particular note are the three Flemish bond double- shouldered chimneys, which rank among the county’s finest displays of early nineteenth century brick work. The house is significant as an example of high-style rural domestic architecture of the Federal period. Around 1850 the house received a Greek Revival makeover to include the wide, one-story front porch. The house retains a high degree of architectural integrity on the interior and exterior. Although Dr. Wesley Heartsfield was the first documented owner, there is evidence that a member of the Dempsey Powell family may have built the house. Wesley Heartsfield was born in 1810, the second child of Andrew and Siddie Heartsfield. Family tradition states that he studied medicine in Cincinnati and returned to Wake County to practice. He married Candace Smith in 1835 and they had nine children. In 1848, Heartsfield acquired a 485 tract which contained the 1803 dwelling on Ligon Mill Road. At this time he updated the house in the Greek Revival style. In 1866 Wesley Heartsfield conveyed 685 acres including the house to his son, Jacob Andrew. The house remained in the family as it was first passed to Jacob Andrew Heartsfield, Jr. in 1916 and Jacob Andrew the third in 1934. It was sold out of the family in 1954 when it was purchased by Cary Maupin who enclosed the front porch and added a bathroom on the second floor. The cur- rent owners, James D. and Mary Cooke bought the house in 1974 and continue to care for it. The house was designated a local historic landmark in 2011.
Oakforest, circa 1803 The house was originally constructed in the Federal style with a hall-and-parlor floorplan. Various additions during the nineteenth century converted it into the Greek Revival-style house you see today. Some of these changes include moving the front door from the south side to the west side, the delicate Federal baluster stairwell was moved to the rear of the hallway, the
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