My Thoughts on this Little House

Old houses always catch my eye, especially when they sit at a busy corner with the confidence of a place that has seen decades of life pass by. 

When I came across the listing for the Theophilus Henry Woodley House in Columbia, North Carolina, I knew I had to share it with you all. 

I’m not an investor, I’m not selling anything, and I’m not promoting real estate. I simply love old houses, the stories they hold, and the quiet charm that makes them feel like living history.

This home, built around 1896, stands proudly at the intersection of Broad Street and what used to be Scuppernong Road. It’s like the town grew around it, yet it still remains the warm, rooted heart of the neighborhood.

What I admire most is how beautifully it blends architectural character with day-to-day comfort. As someone who spends hours studying old houses for fun, this one offers so much to explore.

Let me walk you through the corners that stood out to me most.

The Front Porch

The first thing that caught my heart was the long, enclosed front porch. It stretches across the entire front of the house like a sunroom that refuses to be anything less than inviting. The walls of windows make the whole space glow, almost like a lantern in the evenings. 

I’ve toured many old Southern homes, and I can say this one has one of the most versatile porches I’ve seen.

What I love most is how the porch preserves the Victorian idea of transitional space: a place where indoor comfort meets outdoor air. 

Compared to other 19th-century porches, this one feels more usable year-round thanks to those windows and the overhead fan.

Part of me imagines turning this into a morning coffee room with bookshelves, soft cushions, and potted herbs. Another part imagines it as a creative studio with natural light pouring in all day. 

If I ever design my own enclosed porch, I might borrow the idea of running windows along all three sides as it creates such an airy, uplifting mood.

The Main Hallway & Staircase

Stepping inside, the long hallway feels like the home’s backbone. The staircase caught my attention immediately. The blue paint is worn in places, revealing hints of the wood beneath, and instead of looking neglected, it actually adds character.

I love how the hallway walls mix simple white paint with the natural texture of old shiplap. It’s a reminder that older homes were built with materials meant to last. 

Walking through this hall, I found myself slowing down, almost like the space encourages you not to rush.

Honestly, if I ever build a staircase in my own home, I might copy the idea of keeping the railing simple and letting the surrounding walls tell the story.

The Formal Dining Room

I’ve seen many dining rooms in historic homes, but this one stands out in a way that made me pause. The exposed beams across the ceiling give the room a stately, almost English-manor feel.

The dark wood is stunning. There’s a depth to it that only age can create, and the rich tones instantly make the room feel formal. 

Those tall windows with heavy drapery add elegance, and I can picture holiday dinners here lasting until late at night, the chandelier glowing over the polished table.

This is the kind of dining room that makes you want to host people. It’s dramatic but not intimidating.

The Living Room

The living room blends light and dark beautifully. The white fireplace mantel is oversized and decorative, a classic Victorian feature meant to show off craftsmanship. 

Above it, the television fits surprisingly well proof that old homes can embrace modern living without losing charm.

The ceiling fan, warm lighting, and natural wood floors create a relaxed everyday feel. Compared to many Victorian parlors, which can feel stiff or overly ornate, this one has a simplicity that feels more livable.

The Sunroom

This room is pure joy. It’s filled with windows on every side, vintage wicker furniture, and a mix of bright chairs that make it feel playful and welcoming. 

Compared to traditional sunrooms, this one has more of a nostalgic, cottage-like charm, the kind that makes you want to sip sweet tea with friends while catching the afternoon breeze.

One thing I’d love to copy someday is the long uninterrupted row of windows. It creates a panoramic feel that makes even a small room seem spacious.

The Primary Bedroom

The deep green walls surprised me in a good way. Victorian homes traditionally used bold colors, but this shade feels modern and earthy. Paired with the warm wood floors, the room feels grounded and restful.

It’s spacious too, much larger than typical 19th-century bedrooms. Compared to similar historic homes I’ve seen, this one is unusually generous, which gives it more flexibility for layout and furniture.

I caught myself thinking, “One day I want to try a bold color like this in my own bedroom.”

The Kitchen

The kitchen keeps its original charm with warm wooden cabinetry and a cozy cottage feel, though it’s clearly updated to be practical. 

The blue countertops and matching blue accent wall give the room personality, something older kitchens often lack when modernized.

The overhead cabinets separating the cooking area from the dining space are something you rarely see in new homes, but in older layouts, they were common. 

I actually love this design because it creates definition without closing the space entirely. It feels nostalgic in the best way.

If someone wanted to modernize the kitchen further, it could be done beautifully while still preserving its warmth.

The Children’s Room

The children’s room or bonus room is surprisingly large, with polished wood floors and a lovely fireplace painted deep blue. The built-in shelving adds character and storage, the kind of detail modern builds often skip.

Compared to most historic homes, which often have small upper bedrooms, this room feels very generous and full of possibilities. It could be a playroom, an office, or even a future guest bedroom.

The Bathroom

I love the bold green walls, they complement the rich wood vanity perfectly. The carved details on the vanity tell a mini story of craftsmanship, and the large mirror above it completes the traditional look.

The bathroom feels clean, functional, and comfortably updated. The walk-in shower is practical, and the layout makes smart use of space.

If I lived here, I might add warm lighting or vintage artwork to enhance the classic feel.

I’m not buying it. I’m not selling it. I simply want to share homes that inspire me so you can explore them too. At $249,000, this home offers far more character and story than many newer homes at twice the price.

As someone who loves studying old architecture, I see:

• Beautiful bones
• A charming wraparound porch
• Spacious rooms
• A potential upstairs rental unit
• And a history worth preserving

It’s one of those homes that invites imagination. It asks you to picture your life inside it, not just your furniture.

So tell me, with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a sun-filled porch, a breathtaking dining room, and a piece of Columbia’s history, would you consider owning this home?

If it were yours, what would you do first, refinish the dining room, style the porch, or bring the sunroom to life?