Description of the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House Property
The Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House, was built in 1804, is an example of Georgian architecture, perfectly balanced and symmetrical inside and out. It is believed to have been built by ship builders from the north who came south during the cold and severe winters and to build homes. The Nimocks House exhibits a proportional, classical and “regular” style. “Regular” styles are defined by mathematical ratios (such as the golden mean) that are used to determine every measurement from the floor layout to the width to height ratio of the windows. Their unique building style probably explains the unusual barrel staircase design in the Nimocks House. In addition, the hand carved cornices, wainscoting, mantels and hand-punched gouge work are beautifully detailed and type of the period. Georgian Style homes were typically painted red, tan, and/or white if not constructed from brick or stone.
The front entrance features a cozy introduction to the home. The light fixture at the top of the staircase was planned for use in the state capital building if Fayetteville had remained the capital. The two upstairs rooms feature dormer windows and individual fireplaces.
The dormer windows are American Colonial, four across the front and five across the back of the house. Each piece of weatherboarding has a beaded edge.
All workmanship was by hand and wood pegs were used in construction. The circular staircase in the back hall winds to the second story. At the top on the newel post is a small shelf with a brass candleholder inset. The handrail is mahogany, the stringer handcarved and the panel wainscoting was cut from a large tree and curved. The middle dormer window opens into this back hall area.
The Woman’s Club purchased the home in 1966.
Parts of this article were taken from an article in The Fayetteville Observer, June 19, 1961.