There is not too much we "know" about the house and what we do know is really what we have been told several times and have come to accept as the truth.
The house was begun in spring 1902 by Mr. Espy Brawley and finished in fall 1904. The story is that trains would pull up out front (we are surrounded by railroad tracks) and unload the lumber and supplies for building the home. Then Espy would examine each board and keep only the best. The rest would be loaded back on the train and be sent to Troutman where he owned a hardware supply store. When finished he called the estate Lawndale.

The entire home was built with rich woods and ornate fireplaces. There is only one room that has been painted. We call  it The Sarah Brawley room. The story goes that although Espy was against it the room was painted white for Sarahs wedding.