412 N 3rd Street, Smithfield, NC 27577 - The Tammy Register Team

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$435,000

THE SANDERS-STALLINGS STORYBOOK COTTAGE A Rare Fairytale European Cottage in Historic Smithfield AN ENCHANTING SWISS CHALET-INSPIRED LANDMARK IN HISTORIC SMITHFIELD The Sanders-Stallings Storybook Cottage is one of the most architecturally distinctive and historically significant residences in Johnston County. Rising gracefully along North 3rd Street beneath a canopy of mature trees… Read More walking distance to downtown center, this extraordinary 3108 square foot 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom circa-1927 home appears as though it was transported from a European fairytale village and lovingly placed in the heart of Historic Smithfield. Built for William Marsh Sanders Jr., owner of Sanders Ford Motor Company and a member of one of Smithfield's most influential families, the home reflects a remarkable chapter in the town's history. Constructed during the optimism and prosperity of the Roaring Twenties, when automobiles were transforming American life and Smithfield was emerging as a thriving commercial center, the residence became a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation, and enduring beauty. Known historically as the Sanders-Stallings House, the property showcases rare Swiss Chalet-inspired architecture seldom found in North Carolina. Its soaring curved gable, decorative half-timbering, charming dormer windows, exposed rafter tails, and handcrafted details create an unmistakable silhouette that has captivated residents and visitors for nearly a century. Over time, admirers have affectionately come to regard it as Smithfield's Storybook Cottage—a designation earned through its whimsical character, historic significance, and unforgettable presence. The home was built during the dawn of the automobile age. Historic records show Sanders Motor Company receiving railcar shipments of Ford automobiles into Smithfield as the town entered a period of extraordinary growth and prosperity. As one of the community's prominent families helped shape the future of Johnston County, this remarkable residence stood as a reflection of both ambition and artistry. Through the Great Depression, World War II, the post-war boom, and the transformation of Johnston County into one of North Carolina's fastest-growing regions, the Sanders-Stallings Storybook Cottage has remained a cherished landmark and silent witness to generations of local history. The home has been willed to future families members for the past three generations. For the first time in over 70 years, the doors to home are open for the next new owners. Today, it remains one of the crown jewels of the North Smithfield Historic District, offering a rare opportunity to own not simply a home, but a piece of Smithfield's architectural and cultural heritage. The enchanting storybook cottage can be yours!!! Read Less

Courtesy of Chapel Hill Realty Group, Inc., Sarah Chaires.

Listing Snapshot

Days Online

Last Updated

Jul 15, 2026

Property Type

Single Family Residence

Beds

Full Baths

Square Ft.

3,108

Lot Size

0.3 Acres

Year Built

1927

MLS Number

10180250

Additional Details

Property Access

Accessibility Features: "Aging In Place", "Central Living Area", Road Frontage Type: "City Street", Road Surface Type: "Paved"

Appliances & Equipment

Appliances: "Dishwasher", "Electric Range", "Electric Water Heater", "Freezer", "Refrigerator", "Washer/Dryer", "Water Heater"

Basement

Basement: "Crawl Space", "Interior Entry", "Storage Space", "Sump Pump", "Unfinished"

Building

Building Area Total: 3108, Building Area Units: Square Feet, Construction Materials: "Concrete", "Stone", "Stucco", "Wood Siding", Living Area Units: Square Feet, Living Area: 3108, Structure Type: "House", Year Built: 1927

Community

Community Features: Historical Area, Playground, Sidewalks, Street Lights

Cooling

Cooling: "Central Air", Cooling Included

Exterior Features

Exterior Features: "Balcony", "Fenced Yard", "Private Entrance", "Private Yard", "Rain Gutters", Patio And Porch Features: "Covered", "Front Porch", "Glass Enclosed", "Porch", "Rear Porch"

Fence

Fencing: "Back Yard", "Partial"

Fireplaces

Fireplace Included, Features: "Family Room", "Gas Log", "Masonry"

Floors

Flooring: "Tile", "Wood"

Foundation

Foundation Details: "Concrete", "Brick/Mortar", "Concrete Perimeter", "Stone", "Other"

Heating

Heating: "Central", "Forced Air", "Natural Gas", "None", Heating Included

Interior Features

Interior Features: "Bookcases", "Pantry", "Ceiling Fan(s)", "Chandelier", "Crown Molding", "Eat-in Kitchen", "High Ceilings", "Natural Woodwork", "Second Primary Bedroom", "Walk-In Closet(s)"

Laundry

Features: "Inside", "Laundry Room", "Main Level"

Lot

Lot Features: "Back Yard", "Few Trees", "Front Yard", "Level", Lot Size Acres: 0.3, Lot Size Area: 13068, Lot Size Square Feet: 13068, Lot Size Units: Square Feet, Parcel Number: 15013021

Parking

Parking Features: On Street, Open, Outside, 2 carport spaces, Carport Included, Open Parking

Property

Property Sub Type: Single Family Residence, View: "Neighborhood", "Trees/Woods", Zoning: RES

Roof

Roof: "Shingle", "Asphalt"

Sewer

Sewer: "Public Sewer"

Taxes

Tax Annual Amount: 2975.96

Utilities

Utilities: "Cable Available", "Electricity Connected", "Natural Gas Available", "Phone Available", "Sewer Connected", "Water Connected", Water Source: "Public"

Windows

Window Features: "Window Coverings", "Window Treatments", "Wood Frames"

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