500 N Duke Street

Almost 100 and still turning heads. I've been part of Durham since 1927, and I've picked up a few good features along the way. My best? Soaring ceilings, massive timber decking and beams, exposed brick, original maple hardwoods and enormous windows that pour natural light across the room. I've got the kind of wide-open living space warehouse dreams are made of, but don't mistake me for just another pretty loft. I have three bedrooms, including a main-level primary behind French doors, plus a true second floor. A sculptural spiral staircase leads to one of the upstairs bedrooms - a flexible space that could just as easily be an office, studio or guest room. There's also a proper staircase, because architectural drama is fun until you're carrying laundry. My quieter charms are pretty good too: all-new kitchen appliances, powered blinds and skylight shade, my own washer and dryer and a seriously impressive lighted walk-in closet. Ideal day? Saturday morning at the Farmers Market, dinner at M Sushi, live music at Blue Note Grill and home in time to watch the shadows lengthen across the exposed brick as the sun slips behind the downtown skyline. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, I've spent nearly a century watching Durham reinvent itself. I'd say we've both aged pretty well. If old souls, great bones and beautifully preserved historic features are your type, we should meet.