Gibson-Henson House - 305 Lafayette St NE

An Old Decatur landmark, the Gibson-Henson House was built in 1901 by cotton broker Johnnie Knight. The home is an example of the finest craftmanship and materials available at the turn of the 20th century. In 1908, Mr. Knight sold the home to the Holland family of Holland Pipe Company who, in 1918, passed possession of the stately house to the Gibson family. The Gibson family occupied it for about seventy years. Following the Gibson era, the house was unoccupied for more than a decade and, as a result, fell into disrepair. Rodger and Brenda Henson bought the home in 2009.

Restored in 1984, the two-story Victorian has pine and poplar siding with detailed gables and three roof dormers of varying sizes and shapes. A hipped porch dominates the lower façade and continues around one side of the home. Inside are many original details including ladies and gentlemen’s parlors, a formal dining room, and a study. The first-floor spaces are graced with original oak floors. Each parlor features its original oak pocket doors, paneled wainscoting walls and fireplace. Upstairs are three bedrooms with bay windows and a bathroom containing all original features, including an eyebrow window.

In 2018, Rodger and Brenda completely renovated the kitchen incorporating a stained-glass window recovered from Decatur’s iconic Central Baptist Church. Additionally, the current owners added crown molding throughout the first floor this year. You will not want to miss this Victorian treasure located on the corner of Lafayette and Line Street.