For the first time ever, the public will have an opportunity to tour the house where James Taylor spent his childhood years in Chapel Hill.

George Smart, the executive director of North Carolina Modernist Houses, calls the home a “great example of midcentury modernism.” The home was built in 1952 and was designed by award-winning architects George Matsumoto and John Latimer.

The house sits nestled in the woods on 23 acres off of Fordham Boulevard, near where the appropriately named James Taylor Bridge brings travelers into Chapel Hill.

Smart said he viewed the home last weekend and that visitors will likely be surprised with how small the house is where the Taylors brought up James and his four siblings.

Smart said as Taylor and his brothers and sisters were growing up and harnessing their musical talents, the Taylors ran into a problem many parents face.

“One of the issues was that the kids were playing music all the time and the parents couldn’t stand it,” Smart said. “So they built a two-bedroom guest house to the side where the kids could play music in the evenings and on the weekends.”

"JT" initials at childhood home of James Taylor. Photo via ncmodernist.org.

“JT” initials at childhood home of James Taylor. Photo via ncmodernist.org.

Smart said being able to say ‘This is where James Taylor grew up’ certainly adds to the “cachet” of the house, as it does with other celebrities, but there is an even stronger connection with this home and its famous former resident.

“I think what makes it special to Chapel Hill is that a number of James Taylor songs would reference Chapel Hill,” Smart said.

Smart said his organization has showings like this across the state for those who appreciate the midcentury-modern architecture, but he’s also hoping this showing will transplant James Taylor fans back to Copperline.

The open house will run from 10 o’clock until 2:30 on Saturday, June 4. Smart said they are expecting to sell out of tickets with around 500 guests coming through the home at staggered times. Tickets can be purchased here.

The home and 23 acres will then be going to auction later in June.

Related Stories
‹
What's Open or Closed on Labor Day? Holiday to Impact Local Government Services
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, Sep. 7, […]
The Evening News: Michael Lombardi Out, Jamezetta Bedford Crisis Care Center, CHCCS School Board
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear more on the resignation an investigation around former UNC Football General Manager Michael Lombardi. We also hear more on the Orange County Commissioners decision to name the Crisis Care Center after late board member Jamezetta Bedford. We get a recap of the CHCCS Board meeting from Thursday, and more. In sports, UNC Women's Soccer and Volleyball both get wins, as Field Hockey looks to get on track this weekend, and more.
Chapel Hill: G20 Debrief, LUMO, Labor Day
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, September 3, discussing town news and events. She debriefed the impact on the town from this week's meeting of G20 leaders at the Carolina Inn. She also talked about upcoming business of the Town Council this fall, including the rest of the process of finishing the Land Use Management Ordinance rewrite, and more.
The Evening News: Drowning at Eastwood Lake, Economic Development, Endswell Gallery Space
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news we learn of a tragic drowning at Eastwood Lake in Chapel Hill, hear from some local leaders on economic development initiatives, hear about a new gallery space from Endswell Funeral Home, and more.
New On-Ramp for I-40 Opens Along Chapel Hill's Highway 86
The North Carolina Department of Transportation officially activated the new west-bound on-ramp from Highway 86 to Interstate 40 on Saturday.
Endswell Funeral Home Expanding to Chapel Hill with Art Gallery, Memorial Space
Opening an art gallery is just the latest example of Endswell Funeral Home attempting to stand out from the traditional experience.
The Evening News: Football Wins, Reclaimed Water, Restaurant Closing
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the evening news. Included in this edition, we hear a story on OWASA's reclaimed water program. We get updates on a couple of recent crime stories. In sports, The UNC Football team scored an upset win in Ireland, while Field Hockey took two upset losses, and more.
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor
Chapelboro.com and 97.9 The Hill Social Media Manager Henry Taylor spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 31. He discussed the latest trends on Chapelboro social media, including a large online response to the G20 meeting happening in Chapel Hill this week. He also discusses social media reaction around the UNC football team's win over the weekend. Andrew and Henry also discussed weekend television viewing, and more.
How OWASA's Reclaimed Water System Extends the Lifespan of Local Water Sources
Built 17 years ago to improve the community’s drinking water resilience, it has saved the county billions of gallons of drinking water. 
The Evening News: Football in Ireland, Carrboro Homicide, G20 Event
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the evening news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear more coverage of the UNC Football team in Ireland, preparing for tomorrow's game against TCU. We get more details as the investigation continues on a fatal stabbing in Carrboro. Chapel Hill prepares for a G20 Technology event coming to the Carolina Inn early next week. The UNC Women's Soccer team also plays in Ireland, and more.
›