The Gimghoul District

The Gimghoul District was developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s to provide badly needed housing for university families. Located east of campus, the homes here are mostly of the Colonial Revival style on lushly landscaped lots. The rugged topography of the neighborhood is quite distinctive because it is situated along a ridge which ends in a dramatic overlook of Battle Park forest, bordering the district on its north and east sides. Homes sit high above the street overlooking trails through the forest across the street. Of particular interest is the intriguing Gimghoul Castle and historic Chapel of St. Thomas More, which add to the distinctive, romantic character of this neighborhood’s setting. 

The dominance of Battle Park forest throughout this historic district gives the homes here a mature, naturalized and peaceful setting despite being a stone’s throw from bustling downtown Chapel Hill. The convenience of walking from each of these historic districts to events on campus, to stores and the many restaurants on Franklin and Rosemary streets offsets what some locals see as drawbacks—the occasional late-night celebrations after a big win by a UNC team or downtown festivals.