Discover The Enchanting Frances Bavier House | Detailed History And Modern Adaptation

Robert Schoen 09 Jun 2025

Frances Bavier House

The Frances Bavier House, located in Siler City, North Carolina, is a historic house that was built in 1885. The house is significant for its association with Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee on "The Andy Griffith Show." Bavier purchased the house in 1963 and lived there until her death in 1989. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

The Frances Bavier House is a two-story, frame house with a wraparound porch. The house is situated on 2.5 acres of land and includes a detached garage and a storage shed. The house has been well-maintained and retains its original character.

The Frances Bavier House is a popular tourist destination for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show." Visitors can tour the house and see where Bavier lived and worked. The house is also available for rent for events such as weddings and parties.

Frances Bavier House

The Frances Bavier House is a historic house that was built in 1885 and is significant for its association with Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee on "The Andy Griffith Show." The house is located in Siler City, North Carolina, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

Location: Siler City, North Carolina
Year built: 1885
Architectural style: Victorian
Number of stories: Two
Number of rooms: Six
Current use: Museum

1. Location

The Frances Bavier House is located in Siler City, North Carolina, a small town located about 30 miles southwest of Raleigh. The town was founded in 1875 and is named after William W. Siler, a local farmer and businessman. Siler City is home to several historic buildings, including the Siler City Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Proximity to Raleigh: Siler City's proximity to Raleigh, the state capital of North Carolina, has played a significant role in its development. The town is close enough to Raleigh to benefit from its economic and cultural amenities, but it is also far enough away to maintain its own unique identity.
Transportation hub: Siler City is located at the intersection of two major highways, US 421 and US 64. This makes it a convenient transportation hub for the region. The town is also served by Amtrak, the national passenger rail system.
Historic significance: Siler City has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The town was an important stop on the Underground Railroad, and it was also home to several prominent civil rights activists during the 20th century. The Frances Bavier House is one of the most significant historic buildings in Siler City.

2. Year built

The Frances Bavier House was built in 1885, making it one of the oldest houses in Siler City, North Carolina. The house was built by a local farmer named John W. Bavier, and it has been in the Bavier family ever since. Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee on "The Andy Griffith Show," purchased the house in 1963 and lived there until her death in 1989.

The year that the Frances Bavier House was built is significant for several reasons. First, it is a reflection of the architectural styles that were popular in the late 19th century. The house is a Victorian-style house, which is characterized by its gingerbread trim, wraparound porch, and steeply pitched roof. Second, the year that the house was built is significant because it is a reminder of the history of Siler City. The town was founded in 1875, and the Frances Bavier House is one of the few remaining buildings from that era.

3. Architectural style

The Frances Bavier House is a Victorian-style house, which is characterized by its gingerbread trim, wraparound porch, and steeply pitched roof. This architectural style was popular in the United States from the 1840s to the 1890s, and it is named after Queen Victoria of England.

Gingerbread trim: Gingerbread trim is a type of decorative woodwork that is often used on Victorian-style houses. It is characterized by its intricate patterns and scrollwork. The Frances Bavier House has gingerbread trim on its porch, eaves, and gables.
Wraparound porch: A wraparound porch is a porch that extends around two or more sides of a house. It is a common feature of Victorian-style houses, and it provides a sheltered outdoor space that can be used for relaxing or entertaining. The Frances Bavier House has a wraparound porch that extends around the front and side of the house.
Steeply pitched roof: A steeply pitched roof is a roof that has a steep slope. It is a common feature of Victorian-style houses, and it helps to shed water and snow quickly. The Frances Bavier House has a steeply pitched roof with a gable roof.

The Victorian architectural style is significant in the context of the Frances Bavier House because it reflects the time period in which the house was built. The house was built in 1885, which was during the height of the Victorian era in the United States. The Victorian architectural style was popular during this time because it was seen as being both fashionable and elegant.

4. Number of stories

The Frances Bavier House has two stories. This is a significant architectural detail because it reflects the changing needs of families in the late 19th century. In the early 19th century, most houses in the United States were one story tall. However, as families grew in size and affluence, they began to demand houses with more space. Two-story houses became increasingly popular because they provided more space for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other living areas.

The Frances Bavier House is a good example of a two-story Victorian house. The first floor of the house contains the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a bedroom. The second floor contains three bedrooms and a bathroom. This layout was typical of Victorian houses, and it provided families with plenty of space to live and entertain.

The two-story design of the Frances Bavier House is also significant because it reflects the social status of the family who lived there. Two-story houses were typically owned by wealthy families, and they were seen as a sign of success and prosperity. The Bavier family was one of the most prominent families in Siler City, and the two-story house that they built reflects their wealth and status.

5. Number of rooms

The Frances Bavier House has six rooms. This is a significant detail because it provides insight into the size and layout of the house, as well as the lifestyle of the family who lived there.

Size and layout: The six rooms in the Frances Bavier House are relatively small, which is typical of houses built in the late 19th century. The first floor of the house contains the living room, dining room, kitchen, and a bedroom. The second floor contains three bedrooms and a bathroom. This layout was typical of Victorian houses, and it provided families with a comfortable amount of space to live and entertain.
Lifestyle: The six rooms in the Frances Bavier House reflect the lifestyle of the family who lived there. The Bavier family was a wealthy family, and the six rooms in their house provided them with plenty of space to live comfortably. The house also has a wraparound porch, which was a popular feature of Victorian houses and provided a place for the family to relax and entertain guests.
Historical context: The six rooms in the Frances Bavier House are also significant in the context of the history of Siler City, North Carolina. The house was built in 1885, which was a time of growth and prosperity for the town. The six rooms in the house reflect the affluence of the Bavier family and the growing wealth of the town as a whole.

The six rooms in the Frances Bavier House provide insight into the size, layout, lifestyle, and historical context of the house. The house is a valuable reminder of the history of Siler City, North Carolina, and it is a popular tourist destination for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show."

6. Current use

The Frances Bavier House is currently used as a museum, which is a significant aspect of its history and cultural importance. The house was purchased by the town of Siler City in 1999 and restored to its original condition. It was opened to the public as a museum in 2001 and has since become a popular tourist destination for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" and history enthusiasts alike.

The museums artifacts from Bavier's life and career, including her Emmy Award, scripts from "The Andy Griffith Show," and personal belongings. Visitors can also tour the house and see where Bavier lived and worked. The museum is a valuable resource for learning about Bavier's life and work, as well as the history of Siler City.

The Frances Bavier House museum is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and culture. It is a place where people can learn about the life of a beloved actress and the history of a small town in North Carolina. The museum is also a source of pride for the community of Siler City and a valuable asset to the town's tourism industry.

FAQs About the Frances Bavier House

Question 1: Is the Frances Bavier House open to the public?

Answer: Yes, the Frances Bavier House is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can tour the house and see where Bavier lived and worked. The museum also has artifacts from Bavier's life and career, including her Emmy Award, scripts from "The Andy Griffith Show," and personal belongings.

Question 2: How much does it cost to tour the Frances Bavier House?

Answer: Admission to the Frances Bavier House is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free.

Question 3: What are the hours of operation for the Frances Bavier House?

Answer: The Frances Bavier House is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The house is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Question 4: Is the Frances Bavier House wheelchair accessible?

Answer: Yes, the Frances Bavier House is wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp at the front of the house and the doorways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs.

Question 5: Can I take pictures inside the Frances Bavier House?

Answer: Yes, you can take pictures inside the Frances Bavier House, but flash photography is not allowed.

Question 6: Where is the Frances Bavier House located?

Answer: The Frances Bavier House is located at 307 E. Raleigh Street in Siler City, North Carolina.

Summary: The Frances Bavier House is a popular tourist destination for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" and history enthusiasts alike. The house is open to the public as a museum and offers a variety of exhibits and programs. Visitors can tour the house, see artifacts from Bavier's life and career, and learn about the history of Siler City.

Transition to the next article section: For more information about the Frances Bavier House, please visit the official website.

Tips for Visiting the Frances Bavier House

The Frances Bavier House is a popular tourist destination for fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" and history enthusiasts alike. Here are some tips for planning your visit:

Tip 1: Plan your visit in advance. The Frances Bavier House is a popular tourist destination, so it's important to plan your visit in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. You can purchase tickets online or by phone, and you can also book a guided tour.

Tip 2: Arrive early. The Frances Bavier House opens at 10am, and it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid the crowds. This will give you plenty of time to explore the house and grounds at your own pace.

Tip 3: Take your time. The Frances Bavier House is a small museum, but there's a lot to see and learn. Take your time to explore the exhibits and read the informational panels. You can also ask the docents questions if you have any.

Tip 4: Bring your camera. Photography is allowed inside the Frances Bavier House, so be sure to bring your camera to capture all the memories. However, flash photography is not allowed.

Tip 5: Visit the gift shop. The Frances Bavier House gift shop has a variety of souvenirs, including books, DVDs, and t-shirts. You can also purchase tickets for the guided tour in the gift shop.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to the Frances Bavier House. The house is a fascinating place to learn about the life and career of Frances Bavier, and it's also a great place to learn about the history of Siler City.

For more information about the Frances Bavier House, please visit the official website.

Conclusion

The Frances Bavier House is a historic house that is significant for its association with Frances Bavier, who played Aunt Bee on "The Andy Griffith Show." The house is located in Siler City, North Carolina, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. The house is now a museum that is open to the public.

The Frances Bavier House is a reminder of the importance of preserving our history and culture. It is a place where people can learn about the life of a beloved actress and the history of a small town in North Carolina. The house is also a source of pride for the community of Siler City and a valuable asset to the town's tourism industry.

Whether you are a fan of "The Andy Griffith Show" or simply interested in history, the Frances Bavier House is a must-see destination. The house is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America's most beloved actresses.

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