Nestled on a uniquely large quadruple lot along a serene, tree-lined street in the heart of Trinity Park, this home embodies timeless elegance and historic charm. Constructed in 1925 with extraordinary craftsmanship, it has been meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated by its current owner, making it one of the most significant properties in decades to be offered for sale Durham's historic and walkable neighborhoods. Inside, the home's grand dining room, spacious living area, and expansive front porch reveal a legacy and future of large gatherings. Inviting bedrooms with generous closets and beautifully updated bathrooms offer a peaceful retreat amid the vibrant surroundings of Durham and Duke University. This Renaissance Revival masterpiece was originally commissioned by Benjamin Kronheimer, one of Durham's ''Merchant Princes,'' who sought out celebrated architect Nelson G. Murray—the same visionary behind Duke University's Hart House—to design a residence of unparalleled quality. Murray delivered on every detail, using the finest materials and sparing no expense to ensure lasting grandeur. The 4,667-square-foot estate known as ''Rose Villa'' spans a lush 0.69-acre lot and includes a detached garage and workshop, ample for any creative endeavor. The kitchen is a dream for serious cooks, featuring bar-top seating, a breakfast nook, a butler's pantry, and abundant storage. The home's original trim, doors, and hardware have been preserved, while modern comforts seamlessly blend in: five large bedrooms, four full baths (three recently updated), two half baths, and two functional fireplaces. Outside, the manicured landscaping is replete with native varietals. Located just a block from Duke's East Campus and within walking distance to Whole Foods, Brightleaf, and many of Durham's best offerings, this property combines the essence of history with the energy of a walkable lifestyle. The owners have, during their 30 year ownership, been exceptional stewards of this architectural masterpiece. All flat roofs have recently been re-surfaced with modern rubber membrane roofing. Even more impressively, every single terra cotta roof tile was removed, and new waterproof membrane installed. The tiles were carefully inspected, and any cracked ones were replaced before re-installation of the roof surface, ensuring it's reliability for at least another 50 years. The home is heated by a boiler & radiators, which are reliable and add a nice consistent warmth to the home. The highly efficient Boiler is less than 2 years old. Central air conditioning is provided by 3 forced air units, all less than 10 years old. The ductwork is well-fabricated from sheet metal and insulated. The original electrical system was commercial BX shielded cable (not the more common knob & tube). There is a modern main panel & sub panels feeding updated Romex cable in kitchen & bathrooms and for HVAC circuits. An electrician with 30+ years experience evaluated and said the main house system is safe and reliable as-is. All in all, this is an extraordinary opportunity for a discerning buyer to own a crown jewel of Durham history, in move-in ready condition.
Sold for $1,845,000 on 06/27/25
$1,845,000
1015 Minerva Ave, Durham, NC 27701
5beds
4,667sqft
Single Family Residence, Residential
Built in 1925
0.69 Acres Lot
$1,838,200 Zestimate®
$395/sqft
$7,270 Estimated rent
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: June 27, 2025 at 12:58pm
Listed by:
Adam J Dickinson 919-452-3751,
Nest Realty of the Triangle
Bought with:
Non Member
Non Member Office
Source: Doorify MLS,MLS#: 10059080

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 6
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 2
Heating
- Central, Hot Water, Natural Gas, Steam
Cooling
- Central Air, Electric, ENERGY STAR Qualified Equipment, Multi Units, Zoned
Appliances
- Included: Convection Oven, Cooktop, Dishwasher, Down Draft, Electric Oven, Gas Cooktop, Microwave, Plumbed For Ice Maker, Refrigerator, Self Cleaning Oven, Stainless Steel Appliance(s), Vented Exhaust Fan, Washer/Dryer Stacked, Water Heater
- Laundry: Electric Dryer Hookup, Laundry Closet, Upper Level, Washer Hookup
Features
- Bathtub/Shower Combination, Bookcases, Built-in Features, Pantry, Chandelier, Crown Molding, Dual Closets, Eat-in Kitchen, Entrance Foyer, Granite Counters, High Ceilings, High Speed Internet, Kitchen Island, Recessed Lighting, Second Primary Bedroom, Separate Shower, Smooth Ceilings, Stone Counters, Storage, Walk-In Shower, WaterSense Fixture(s)
- Flooring: Carpet, Clay, Hardwood, Stone, Tile, Wood
- Windows: Storm Window(s)
- Basement: Concrete, Crawl Space, Exterior Entry, Interior Entry, Storage Space, Unfinished, Unheated, Walk-Out Access
- Number of fireplaces: 2
Interior area
- Total structure area: 4,667
- Total interior livable area: 4,667 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 4,667
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 5
- Parking features: Additional Parking, Alley Access, Asphalt, Driveway, Garage, Garage Faces Front, Lighted, Off Street, On Street, Paved, Workshop in Garage
- Garage spaces: 2
- Uncovered spaces: 3
Features
- Levels: Two
- Stories: 2
- Patio & porch: Front Porch, Patio, Side Porch, Terrace
- Exterior features: Garden, Private Yard, Rain Gutters, Storage
- Fencing: Back Yard, Wood
- Has view: Yes
Lot
- Size: 0.69 Acres
- Features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden, Hardwood Trees, Landscaped, Level, Many Trees, Near Public Transit, Private, Rectangular Lot
Details
- Additional structures: Garage(s), Storage, Workshop
- Parcel number: 101997
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Local Historic Designation, Traditional
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence, Residential
Materials
- Brick, Brick Veneer, Plaster
- Foundation: Block, Brick/Mortar, Combination
- Roof: Spanish Tile, Tile
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1925
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: Cable Available, Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Available, Natural Gas Connected, Phone Available, Sewer Connected, Water Connected
Community & neighborhood
Community
- Community features: Curbs, Historical Area, Playground, Sidewalks, Street Lights
Location
- Region: Durham
- Subdivision: Not in a Subdivision
Other
Other facts
- Road surface type: Alley Paved, Asphalt
Services availability
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Estimated market value
$1,838,200
Get a cash offer in 3 minutes
Find out how much your home could sell for in as little as 3 minutes with a no-obligation cash offer.
Estimated market value
$1,838,200