Hickory Knolls Named 2013 Holiday Heritage House

The Lunenburg County Historical Society is pleased to announce that its Holiday Heritage House will be “Hickory Knolls,” the home of Hilda and Jim Muller at 3005 Plank Road in south central rural Lunenburg County, approximately three miles north of the Mecklenburg-Lunenburg border. The property will be open to the public on Sunday afternoon, December 15, between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. for a nominal admission price of $5.00.

Jim Muller acquired the circa-1890 Victorian farmhouse in 1995. The 207-acre parcel on which the house sits was once a part of Isaac Bonaparte Bell’s Wilburn estate of originally 3995 acres. The Muller farmhouse was one of two nearly identical homes built on the elder Bell’s property for his sons, Walton Elliott Bell and Isaac Washington Bell.

Not only did the Mullers work tirelessly to refurbish, repair and modernize the house, but they also constructed two new wings which enlarged the house tremendously. In the original portion of the house, bull’s eye molding, unique diagonal wainscoting, solid panel doors, and six matching decorative mantels remain. The appearance and style of the farm house have been preserved.

Recently, Steve Israel and Spencer Moore collaborated with the Mullers to complete many of the small details of interior refinishing, repair, trim and painting as well as designing and installing a modern farm house kitchen. With the final refinishing of original pine flooring throughout, Hickory Knolls Farm has been restored to its former charm and functionality.

Directions to Hickory Knolls at 3005 Plank Road (state road 655):

• From the Town of Kenbridge, take South Broad Street, which runs into Craig Mill Road. At the “Y” in the road just past the Kenbridge water filtration plant, take the fork to the right. This will put you on Plank Road which you will follow to 3005 Plank Road.

• From Lunenburg Courthouse, take Hardy Road to a left turn that will put you on Reedy Creek Road. Follow Reedy Creek Road until it “T’s” at Plank Road. Make a right turn on Plank Road and continue on to 3005.

• Turn down the private road at the 3005 marker. You will make a right turn to arrive at the house which is not visible from the road. Park in front of the house near the cedar trees along the driveway.