Thorndale

Thorndale is a two-story frame house at the head of a cedar and oak lined lane in Oxford, North Carolina, surrounded by horse pastures. Horace L. Robards, a planter who received 206 acres from his father in 1837, likely built the original block that year. A chimney brick bearing that date supports the attribution. The house has a brick raised basement laid in Flemish bond, beaded weatherboards, and delicate three-part window surrounds. Inside, all six original rooms and the hallway share the same ornate transitional Georgian/Federal finish, including six-panel doors, Federal mantels, wainscoting and a graceful stair. Rooms were added over the rear in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. The property is recognized for its agricultural history as a plantation seat and for its architecture. Later owners included the Lassiter family for three generations. The nominated area covers about thirteen acres, including the house, pasture land, a servants' house and a horse stable. The period of significance ends in 1865.