Work on the individual dependencies used that same criteria: is the structure endangered? The Gin Mill and Stables topped the list of concerns. While it was not possible to restore these structures immediately, important stabilization work was done to protect the buildings.
The GIN HOUSE is the farm’s largest agricultural structure, built in the mid-19 th century. Badly damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003, the Gin House lost half of its roof and an addition. A supporting structure was erected inside the building, propping up the timber frames and the collapsing northwest wall. A temporary metal roof was installed until more permanent restoration work could take place.
THE STABLES house over a dozen stalls, 3 tack rooms, and a full loft. Significant rot had caused the back wall of this 19th century structure to sink into the ground. Support timber braces have been added along the back wall and complete restoration of the stables will happen in the future.
THE CARRIAGE HOUSE was built at the beginning of the 20th century with reclaimed materials from earlier structures on the farm. The work began in September 2023 with new sills, floor joists and boards; about 70% of the early wall framing was replaced. The five historic carriages were returned and the original tack was rehung in the restored Carriage House in early 2024.
THE DAIRY, or Milk House, dates from the mid-19th century. The structure was encased in vines, hiding the small, square structure with its pyramid roof. The restored building was raised on new pilings, rebuilt from the original brick. The lattice vents, door and siding are all original; only the carefully wood shingled roof and top spire are new.
THE SMOKE HOUSE. like the Dairy, had sunk into the ground. The crumbled brick pilings were replaced, raising the newly restored building above ground level. Though the original timber frame structure had board and batten walls, these were replaced in the late 19th century with clapboard siding. Inside, you can see the fire pit and the charred posts and beams.
BATH HOUSE What appeared to be a series of rooms turned out to be three separate, privy buildings, joined together in the early 20 th century. The toilets visible today were likely installed during this later period.
COX HOUSE: A rotted sill, leaking roof and collapsed floors placed the Cox House on the endangered list. Originally two separate apartments sharing a common chimney, these slave quarters had board and batten walls and a shingle roof. Around 1930, the building changed from Richard Cox’s living quarters to a farm office for Gilliam Wood when electricity, a bathroom, and air conditioning were added.
Most notable is the tenure of Richard Cox (1833-1931). Initially a slave and later a coachman at Hayes, as a freed man, Cox served as the butler until his death in 1931. An amateur artist, his painting of Hayes and other paintings hang in the downstairs sitting room.