City Directories and History: This house, circa 1860 was constructed on the eve of the Civil War in a style highly unlikely to have been constructed anywhere in the South so early. The owner, Osborne Wells, was a highly respected planter, brick manufacturer, and builder. The S.C. Artisans Database recorded him as a builder and brick maker, age 26, having move to Newberry from N.C.
This unique house was designed and built by Osborne Wells, prominent nineteenth century Newberry builder, planter, and brick manufacturer, whose building specialty was with decorative detailing in plaster and masonry. Built in 1860, this brick and stucco residence consists of a piano nobile over a raised basement. A raised porch projects from the center of the façade. The four stuccoed brick piers which carry the porch rise to a central four-centered arch and two flanking lancet arches. The four-centered arch motif is repeated to frame the side bays of the façade. The stucco on the piers and arches is scored to represent masonry. The front door is framed by multi-paned sidelights and transom. Triangular stuccoed end chimneys project from the hip roof. The back porch, a mirror of the front porch, has been enclosed. Listed in the National Register November 26, 1980. [Courtesy of the SC Dept. of Archives and History] (SC Plantation History)
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