The 650-square-foot structure in Tryon, North Carolina, stood vacant and crumbling for over two decades before four artists intervened. They bought the three-room home in 2017 for $95,000. The price tag for bringing it back to life? Nearly $850,000. That is a nine-fold markup on the initial purchase, reflecting the sheer scale of the decay they inherited.
The restoration wasn't just cosmetic. The team fought to preserve original features while addressing structural damage accumulated since the property was abandoned. Nina Simone, the legendary jazz and civil rights icon, lived here in her youth. The home had become a symbol of neglect in the small town, but the artists viewed it as a cultural artifact worth saving at any cost.
Now, the work is done. The house stands solid, its history intact. It will not remain a private residence. The owners plan to open the doors to visitors. The public opening is set for 2027, giving the local community a tangible connection to one of America’s most influential musicians.
For Tryon, this shift from ruin to landmark signals a new chapter. The $850,000 investment will likely draw tourists and historians alike. The next step is simple: wait for 2027 to see how the world receives Nina Simone’s restored sanctuary.