The original owners, the Charles Ray family, built this farmhouse in the late nineteenth century. B.W. and Maude Wells established residence in 1954, and began to modernize the structure, including adding indoor plumbing and phone service. Initially the two buildings were separated, and the breezeway between them was added on later. The front of the house (facing the rock wall) originally was a porch, which was later closed in and changed into a modern bathroom. Both of the porches on the side of the house were also added after the Wells moved in.
2 - Rock Wall PHOTO - Wildflowers
This low rock wall was one of the first improvements that B.W. Wells made after moving onto the farm. It was created using large rocks found around the property with the help of David Ray.
3 - Studio PHOTO - View inside!
This combination office, workshop, and art studio was built entirely by B.W. Wells, with help from David Ray and his three older children. Rocks from the surrounding area were used to create the foundation pillars and the large stone fireplace in the center of the structure. Dr. Wells used this building after his retirement as a studio to paint, an office to correspond with fellow professionals in his fields of botany and ecology, and somewhere to sit with Maude and enjoy an evening conversation.
4 - Wood Rack PHOTO
The wood rack behind the studio was originally built by B.W. Wells, but deteriorated due to weather and age. It was rebuilt by John Lawrence, friend and member of the B.W. Wells Association.
5 - Pet Cemetery PHOTO
This area was used to bury beloved pets of the farm inhabitants, including the Wells and the David Ray family. The large stones are used as grave markers.
6 - Zeagle’s Loop Trail
White Blazes (1.08 Miles)This trail leads you down to Spring Branch Bay at Falls Lake, around to Zeagle’s Rock and then ends across from David Ray’s house.
7 - Outhouse PHOTO
This primitive outhouse was in use until Dr. Wells closed in the front porch to create a bathroom after indoor plumbing was installed.
8 - Cemetery PHOTO
This is the Charles Ray family cemetery. Charles Ray and his wife, the original owners, are buried here along with other family members. The fence was later built by the B.W. Wells association, a volunteer group that does preservation and maintenance work here.
9 - Well & Pump PHOTO
This well was hand dug and goes down approximately fifty feet, stopping at a layer of bedrock. A pump was later installed to enable the residents to draw water without having to use a bucket.
10 - Terrace Loop Trail
Yellow Blazes (0.6 miles) - Well and hog pen nearby, see below.
11 - Remains of Large Barn PHOTO - 1952 photo of barn
These are the remains of a large barn and wood rack. The large cedar posts on the ground were part of the barn, which was used for sheltering cattle and housing farming equipment such as an early tractor.
12 - Smoke House PHOTO
This structure was one of the original structures on the farm. It was used as a smoke house, to preserve and store salted pork and beef. The ledge above the front door also held compartments in which the chickens roosted, providing fresh eggs to the inhabitants of the farm.
13 - Moonshine Loop Trail
Blue Blazes (0.7 miles)
14 - Ray House PHOTO
This is the house of David Ray, who is not related to the Charles Ray family, the original owners. David Ray moved with his family onto this land around 1950, and has been the caretaker of the land ever since. Mr. Ray helped B.W. Wells maintain and renovate his land, including much of the construction that was done to other structures in this area. This house was also renovated after he moved in, with the additions of the front porch and indoor plumbing.
15 - Ray Barn PHOTO
This is possibly the oldest structure left here at Rockcliff farm. It was used as a kitchen for the Ray house, and possibly a residence before that. Mr. Ray now uses it as a storage barn.
Other features on farm
Restored Well structure PHOTO
This well served as a water source for the farm life. A second barn held hog feed, and a restored hog pen and fence are nearby. Installed in 5/2003 by eagle scout Garret Yates.
Located near entrance to Terrace Trail.
Eastern Red Cedar PHOTO
This tree is on the Wake County list of Capital Trees for it’s historical significance. It has been dated over 120 years.
American Holly PHOTO
This tree is over 100 years old, and used to be the centerpiece of the farm when Charles Ray owned it. In it’s honor he called this place “Holly Hill Farm”.
Blueberry Patch PHOTO
B.W. Wells planted this blueberry patch to bring a bit of the mountains to the piedmont. He also experimented with hybridizing blueberries here on Rock Cliff Farm.
Zeagle’s Rock PHOTO Wells painting
This large rock outcropping overlooking the lake serves as a reminder of the diverse history of the area. There many theories to it’s naming including Indian folklore, civil war and modern day biblical references.