As John Muir once said, ''In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.'' Welcome to 5401 Friends School Road—an extraordinary retreat on five serene and picturesque acres.
This truly one-of-a-kind property features a thoughtfully designed 2,098 sq ft cottage, handcrafted by renowned builder Howard Staab using recycled and repurposed materials. Every element of the home reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship and sustainability. Expansive windows bring in an abundance of natural light and provide beautiful views of the property's gardens and lush, peaceful setting. Spend your afternoons and evenings on the oversized, sunny deck and covered front porch. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, skylights, a renovated kitchen, barreled wood ceiling, remodeled bath, walk-in closet, and whimsical artistic detail throughout. Don't miss the impressive stone sculpture or classic Jotul cast iron wood stove with embossed woodland animals. Approximately half of the 5 acres is fenced.
Surrounded by mature trees and open meadows, it's an ideal setting for anyone seeking a peaceful sanctuary and connection to the land. A separate 1125 sq ft detached studio offers incredible flexibility, complete with a full bath and kitchenette—perfect for a creative workspace, a quiet home office, woodworking shop, or yoga. Like the main house, it was built with an artist's eye and a commitment to environmental harmony.
In addition to the house, studio, and detached garage, there is a spectacular 1000 sq ft pole barn with a poured concrete foundation and large cedar posts that has enormous potential for your creative endeavors.
At 5401 Friends School Road, Muir's sentiment is brought to life—a rare opportunity to live with intention, creativity, and connection to the natural world.
Sold for $728,754
$728,754
5401 Friends School Rd, Durham, NC 27705
2beds
2,098sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1996
5 Acres Lot
$725,500 Zestimate®
$347/sqft
$2,594 Estimated rent
Home value
$725,500
$653,000 - $805,000
$2,594/mo
Zestimate® history
Owner options
List your home for rent
$2,594/mo
Rent Zestimate®
Find your next renter with Zillow Rental Manager. Plus, with online applications, you can quickly screen prospective tenants – for free.
$2,594/mo
Rent Zestimate®
Refinance and save
$4,516/mo
Est. payment
Refinancing to a lower rate could help reduce your monthly payments and save thousands over the life of the loan.
$4,516/mo
Est. payment
Explore your selling options
Work with a Zillow partner agent
Leverage their expertise and Zillow's premium Showcase listings to get your home seen by more buyers.
Get startedList with your own agent
Get your home in front of millions of buyers by listing it on Zillow.
Learn how to do itSell it yourself
Take full control of how buyers see your home on Zillow by listing For Sale by Owner (FSBO).
List your homeWhat's special
Oversized sunny deckBarreled wood ceilingHardwood floorsRemodeled bathWhimsical artistic detailSurrounded by mature treesExpansive windows
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Brooke Buchanan 919-824-3580,
Inhabit Real Estate
Bought with:
Karyn Cho, 254514
Real Estate Experts
Source: Doorify MLS,MLS#: 10088451
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
- Main level bathrooms: 2
Primary bedroom
- Level: Main
- Area: 340.81 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19.7 x 17.3
Bedroom 2
- Level: Main
- Area: 172.14 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 15.1 x 11.4
Dining room
- Level: Main
- Area: 123.22 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10.1 x 12.2
Family room
- Level: Main
- Area: 574.28 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 29.3 x 19.6
Kitchen
- Level: Main
- Area: 333.68 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 19.4 x 17.2
Laundry
- Level: Main
- Area: 62.4 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 10.4 x 6
Living room
- Level: Main
- Area: 113.46 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 12.2
Other
- Description: Barn
- Level: Additional
- Area: 1069.64 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 24.2 x 44.2
Other
- Description: Garage
- Level: Additional
- Area: 407.55 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 24.7 x 16.5
Workshop
- Description: Detached Studio
- Level: Additional
- Area: 1124.96 Square Feet
- Dimensions: 35.6 x 31.6
Heating
- Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dryer, Dishwasher, Freezer, Gas Range, Oven, Refrigerator, Stainless Steel Appliance(s)
- Laundry: Laundry Room, Main Level
Features
- Bookcases, Open Floorplan, Primary Downstairs, Recessed Lighting, Walk-In Closet(s), Separate Shower
- Flooring: Ceramic Tile, Hardwood
Interior area
- Total structure area: 2,098
- Total interior livable area: 2,098 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 2,098
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 11
- Parking features: Circular Driveway, Driveway, Garage, Off Street
- Garage spaces: 1
- Uncovered spaces: 10
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Covered, Deck, Front Porch, Side Porch
- Exterior features: Garden, Fenced Yard
- Fencing: Fenced,Gate
Lot
- Size: 5 Acres
- Features: Back Yard, Front Yard, Garden, Landscaped, Many Trees, Private, Secluded, Hardwood Trees
Details
- Additional structures: Barn(s), Garage(s), Other, See Remarks, Workshop
- Parcel number: 9891490275
- Zoning: RB
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Cottage
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Cedar, Wood Siding
- Foundation: Other
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- Updated/Remodeled
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1996
Utilities & green energy
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Well
Community & HOA
HOA
- Has HOA: No
Location
- Region: Durham
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $347/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $552,300
- Annual tax amount: $4,351
- Date on market: 4/10/2025
- Listing agreement: Exclusive Agency
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,FHA,USDA Loan,VA Loan
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/29/2025 | Sold | $728,754-2.8%$347/sqft |
Source:  Doorify MLS #10088451 Report a problem | ||
| 4/20/2025 | Pending sale | $750,000$357/sqft |
Source: Doorify MLS #10088451 Report a problem | ||
| 4/10/2025 | Listed for sale | $750,000+89.9%$357/sqft |
Source: Doorify MLS #10088451 Report a problem | ||
| 5/24/2016 | Sold | $395,000$188/sqft |
Source: Doorify MLS #2055820 Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,144 -7.7% | $552,300 +24.7% |
| 2024 | $4,489 +4.8% | $442,800 |
| 2023 | $4,283 +0.4% | $442,800 |
| 2022 | $4,264 +2.4% | $442,800 |
| 2021 | $4,165 -2.3% | $442,800 +3.7% |
| 2020 | $4,261 | $427,000 +8.3% |
| 2018 | $4,261 +10.2% | $394,400 |
| 2017 | $3,868 +80.6% | $394,400 +85.7% |
| 2016 | $2,142 | $212,416 |
| 2015 | $2,142 +0.9% | $212,416 |
| 2014 | $2,122 | $212,416 |
| 2013 | -- | $212,416 |
| 2012 | -- | $212,416 |
| 2011 | -- | $212,416 |
| 2010 | -- | $212,416 |
| 2009 | -- | $212,416 +28.1% |
| 2008 | $1,670 +4.9% | $165,819 |
| 2007 | $1,592 +33.6% | $165,819 +25.3% |
| 2006 | $1,191 | $132,358 |
| 2005 | $1,191 +5.6% | $132,358 +10.8% |
| 2004 | $1,128 +3.9% | $119,503 |
| 2003 | $1,086 +4% | $119,503 |
| 2002 | $1,044 +2.9% | $119,503 |
| 2001 | $1,015 +1.8% | $119,503 +17.5% |
| 2000 | $997 | $101,699 |
Find assessor info on the county website
Neighborhood: 27705
Nearby homes
- $348,8003 bd1 ba2k sqft5411 Friends School Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $285,2003 bd1 ba1k sqft4522 Mount Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $297,6003 bd1 ba907 sqft4522 Mt Sinai Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27705Off Market
- $145,4000.52 acres4520 Mount Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $86,4003 bd1 ba1k sqft4520 Mount Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $282,9003 bd1 ba1k sqft4520 Mount Sinai Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $137,500-- bd-- ba-- sqft4417 Nature Trail Ln, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
- $400,6004 bd1 ba2.1k sqft5311 Friends School Rd, Durham, NC 27705Off Market
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 8/10New Hope ElementaryGrades: PK-5Distance: 3.4 mi
- 4/10A L Stanback MiddleGrades: 6-8Distance: 3.8 mi
- 7/10Cedar Ridge HighGrades: 9-12Distance: 7.1 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Orange - New Hope Elementary
- Middle: Orange - A L Stanback Middle
- High: Orange - Cedar Ridge High
Source: Doorify MLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
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
$725,500
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
$725,500
- North Carolina
- Orange County
- Durham
- 27705
- 5401 Friends School Rd
