About
Sunnyview 1894
The home Sunnyview was built in 1894 by Rufus Owen, I, youngest son of William L. Owen. The Victorian mansion was built on a granite foundation with marble floors in the foyer, hall, and dining room. The stepping stone at the front of the walkway was used by the ladies and gentlemen of the era for entering their carriages.
The home Sunnyview was built in 1894 by Rufus Owen, I, youngest son of William L. Owen. The Victorian mansion was built on a granite foundation with marble floors in the foyer, hall, and dining room. The stepping stone at the front of the walkway was used by the ladies and gentlemen of the era for entering their carriages.
A fire demolished the original antebellum home built by Rufus' father, the notable planter, landowner, and politician, William L. Owen. After the fire, Owen had an architect from Tennessee to draw plans for a fireproof home.
The home had not been maintained for forty years until 1982 when it was donated to Patrick Henry Boys Home, along with 100 acres of land. With the support of the local community, churches, and volunteers, Sunnyview was renovated to meet the needs of 12 boys and their house parents. The boys home was open from 1984 through 2012, when the remaining residents were transferred and the home became vacant.
In 2018, Sunnyview was brought back to life by lifelong Halifax County residents, Sharon and Jimmy Wilborn. Jimmy is retired from ABB, and Sharon is the Owner/Broker of Realty Resource.
