Haynes-Wiley-Hutchings House  
c.1790/1820   
148 Maiden Lane
HISTORIC SPARTA, GEORGIA
$239,000    

In search of a true historian to continue the restoration of this celebrated early home in Historic Sparta, Georgia! Offering the unique distinction of original architectural detailing from both the early settlement of Georgia’s frontier and the more stylized Federal architecture that followed in the early 1800s, the Haynes-Wiley-Hutchings House is one of very few existing residences that encapsulates such a significant stretch of the State’s earliest history all under one roof. With restoration well underway, this home on a large 1.06 acre corner lot within the Sparta Historic District seeks its next dedicated caretaker up to the task of preserving this rare gem for generations to come.

Upon entering the central bi-secting hallway through the wide “Cross and Open Bible'' front door flanked by sidelights and crowned by an ornate original fanlight overhead, it becomes immediately apparent that this 4,000+ SF home is one that expanded and grew with need since Georgia’s earliest years. The central hallway, naturally lit by ornate window groupings at each end and an ascending staircase, and right portion of the home feature the high ceilings, over-large double hung windows, and stylized Adams “scroll and rope” molding typical of Federal architecture. These details have led many architectural historians to suggest some of this work may have been done by architect John Marlor, who is known for crafting a style that mixed Georgian and Federal styles and became known as “Milledgeville Federal.” The rooms left of the entry retain the more modest ceiling heights, virgin wood paneled walls, and a vernacular masonry hearth that recall the early expansion of settlers into this historically rich region. Though officially thought to have been completed in 1820 for Charles Eaton Haynes, a U.S. Congressman whose terms stretched from President Andrew Jackson to President Martin Van Buren and one of the respected hosts of Marquis de LaFayette at an 1825 ball held just down the street at Eagle Tavern, the architectural styling of the original portion of the home suggests initial construction and residence as early as the 1790s.

After Haynes, a revered chain of ownership followed. Elizabeth Wiley Smith, a local teacher known for penning a widely-distributed grammar book then becoming Hancock County’s first historian, spent her entire life living within the home, which no doubt enabled the preservation of its earlier period architecture. The home then passed to the family of physician Dr. E.H. Hutchins and remained within the family into modern times. At one point, the home was divided into two apartments following the differing historical characteristics delineated by the central hallway.

Currently enjoyed as a home with 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 parlors, a formal dining room, and proposed kitchen connected by a rear breezeway, the unique historical configuration of the Haynes-Wiley-Hutchings House leaves plenty of room for a new owner’s imaginative usage of the ample square footage to meet more updated day-to-day needs. Period appropriate materials, including those required to complete a four-columned entry porch typical of the Federal stylings of this home, are included in the purchase. A lifelong preservationist, the current owner has made significant progress in restoring and saving the home from further neglect in the few years since he purchased this home from the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, including the addition of a new roof (2018), replacement of the rear porch and breezeway in addition to stabilization of the front porch in preparation of additional improvements, exterior facade improvements, plaster repair, wiring improvements, and installation of period lighting fixtures. The home currently does not have a central heating/air conditioning or a functional kitchen so potential buyers will need to arrange financing that accommodates these updates.

Sparta, Georgia, is home to some of Georgia’s most notable remaining examples of early architecture and true preservationists have long flocked to the agricultural area in search of their dream restoration projects. Once one of the wealthiest towns in the state due to the abundant cotton crops that flourished well into the early 1900s, Sparta sits just far enough off the beaten path to ensure its historical structures were spared destruction spurred by new development but close enough to commercial centers that a host of dedicated history lovers still move into the area to save these fabulous homes. Located just 22 miles from Milledgeville, a growing mid-sized town that once served as an early capital of Georgia and is now home to Georgia College, Georgia Military College, and a vibrant historic downtown, the home is an easy drive to your day-to-day shopping needs. Or, explore the small town shops and dining of nearby Greensboro (28 miles) and Sandersville (26 miles). The city centers of Macon (59 miles), Athens (61 miles), and Augusta (68 miles) surround Sparta, along with plentiful outdoor recreation opportunities at nearby Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee.
  
$239,000