Former Mebane home of the White Furniture Company family, built late 1800s

By Traci Davenport, Director, Mebane Historical Museum

 

The White House on Washington has been a Mebane marvel for as long as it has existed. Built in the late 1800s, its land has recorded documents that reach far back into the late 18th century. The structure we see today has evolved over the last 130+ years. Built on to, over and around, additions have been added on and the lot size has changed but the building’s grandeur has remained as an identifier throughout. 

 

This stately home has recently completed a massive renovation. The owner, Celine Meador, told us that she walked through the home twice, when it was but a shadow of its former self, and knew exactly what she was going to do to bring it back to life. Her vision has created an elegant yet charming event space that fills a void in the Mebane and Triad/Triangle region. 

 

Light, airy reception rooms with ample seating await your next party, wedding, or conference. With pristine white woodwork, light colored walls peppered with brilliantly hued artwork, and white porcelain floor tiles -- the space has reached a new level of sophistication. 

 

And yet, original architectural details remain. From the hearty stone fireplace in what had been a dark den and is now a naturally lit reception room, to the floral stained-glass transom in the formal dining room, the gems from the home’s inception can still be found. The segment of balustrade at the second-floor windows over the front door were replicated for the new deck space above the original den and across the front veranda, which now provides cheerful outdoor seating.

 

Plaster crown molding replete with carved ornamentation have been repaired, floors refinished, and the kitchen has been updated and outfitted with top- of-the-line equipment. A nod to the home’s old second floor color scheme is evident and a wet bar has been added adjacent to the upstairs main bath. A large conference room or dressing area for the bride and her maids is also on the second floor along with two beautifully outfitted small conference rooms. Step on to the two-tiered patio from the cozy bar on the first floor and take in the rolling lawns as they stretch towards and enchanting pond.

 

 

Historically Significant Prior Owners of the White House property:

 

Robert & William Bingham (pre 1871)

Founders of Bingham School

Eliza Bingham Penick (1871)

Sister of Bingham School founders, married to Rev. Penick

Arthur White (1890)

Father of White Furniture Company founders

James Samuel White (1891)

President of White Furniture Company, brother of founders.

Phonse Bean & Bernie Bean (1949/1965)

Both Executives of the White Furniture Company

Both “Maker of Modern Mebane” award recipients.

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