5401 Friends School Road
Durham, NC 27705
- 2 beds
- 2 baths
- 2,098 sqft
- ~5 acre lot
- $357 per sqft
- 1996 build
- – on site
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.
Last checked:
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Last updated May 17, 2025
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MLS# 10088451 —
The Building
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Year Built:1996
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New Construction:false
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Construction Materials:Cedar
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Architectural Style:Cottage
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Structure Type:House
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Roof:Metal
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Foundation Details:Other
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Stories:1
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Levels:One
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Basement:false
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Patio And Porch Features:Covered
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Building Area Total:2098
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Building Area Units:Square Feet
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Above Grade Finished Area:2098
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Above Grade Finished Area Units:Square Feet
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Below Grade Finished Area Units:Square Feet
Interior
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Rooms Total:10
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Interior Features:Bookcases
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Flooring:Ceramic Tile
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Laundry Features:Laundry Room
Room Dimensions
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Living Area:2098
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Living Area Units:Square Feet
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Living Area Source:Appraiser
Location
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Directions:From Erwin Rd, turn onto Mt. Sinai. In 1.9 miles, turn right onto Friends School Road. Property will be 700 feet on the left.
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Latitude:36.000884
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Longitude:-79.019761
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Coordinates:-79.019761, 36.000884
The Property
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Property Type:Residential
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Lot Features:Back Yard
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Property Subtype:Single Family Residence
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Zoning:RB
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Parcel Number:9891490275
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Lot Size Acres:5
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Lot Size Area:5
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Lot Size SqFt:217800
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Lot Size Units:Acres
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Exterior Features:Fenced Yard
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Other Structures:Barn(s)
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Fencing:Fenced
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View:true
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Horse:true
Listing Agent
- Contact info:
- Agent phone:
- (919) 824-3580
- Office phone:
- (919) 808-4549
Taxes
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Tax Annual Amount:4351.4
Beds
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Bedrooms Total:2
Baths
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Total Baths:2
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Total Baths:2
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Total Baths:2
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Full Baths:2
The Listing
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Special Listing Conditions:Standard
Heating & Cooling
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Heating:Natural Gas
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Heating:true
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Cooling:Central Air
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Cooling:true
Utilities
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Sewer:Septic Tank
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Water Source:Well
Appliances
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Appliances:Dishwasher
Schools
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Elementary School:Orange - New Hope
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Middle Or Junior School:Orange - A L Stanback
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High School:Orange - Cedar Ridge
The Community
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Subdivision Name:Not in a Subdivision
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Association:false
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Pool Private:false
Parking
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Garage:true
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Garage Spaces:1
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Attached Garage:false
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Parking Features:Circular Driveway
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Open Parking:true
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Open Parking Spaces:10
Monthly cost estimate

Asking price
$750,000
Expense | Monthly cost |
---|---|
Mortgage
This calculator is intended for planning and education purposes only. It relies on assumptions and information provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation, and should not be used as your sole source of information. The output of the tool is not a loan offer or solicitation, nor is it financial or legal advice. |
$4,016
|
Taxes | $362 |
Insurance | $206 |
Utilities | $166 See report |
Total | $4,750/mo.* |
*This is an estimate |
Walk Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Walk Score is the most well-known measure of walkability for any address. It is based on the distance to a variety of nearby services and pedestrian friendliness. Walk Scores range from 0 (Car-Dependent) to 100 (Walker’s Paradise).
Bike Score®
Provided by WalkScore® Inc.
Bike Score evaluates a location's bikeability. It is calculated by measuring bike infrastructure, hills, destinations and road connectivity, and the number of bike commuters. Bike Scores range from 0 (Somewhat Bikeable) to 100 (Biker’s Paradise).
Soundscore™
Provided by HowLoud
Soundscore is an overall score that accounts for traffic, airport activity, and local sources. A Soundscore rating is a number between 50 (very loud) and 100 (very quiet).
Air Pollution Index
Provided by ClearlyEnergy
The air pollution index is calculated by county or urban area using the past three years data. The index ranks the county or urban area on a scale of 0 (best) - 100 (worst) across the United Sates.
Max Internet Speed
Provided by BroadbandNow®
This is the maximum advertised internet speed available for this home. Under 10 Mbps is in the slower range, and anything above 30 Mbps is considered fast. For heavier internet users, some plans allow for more than 100 Mbps.
Sale history
Date | Event | Source | Price | % Change |
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4/20/25
Apr 20, 2025
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Pending | DMLS | $750,000 | |
4/10/25
Apr 10, 2025
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Listed / Active | DMLS | $750,000 | 89.9% (10.1% / YR) |
5/24/16
May 24, 2016
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DMLS | $395,000 |