The J. Deryl Hart House was built between 1933 and 1934 on Duke University's West Campus for Julian Deryl Hart, the head of surgery at Duke University Hospital.[1][2] Hart, who was one of the founding chairmen of Duke University School of Medicine, was appointed University President in 1960, serving in that capacity until 1963.[1][3] He rented out rooms in the house to medical students.[4] Hart continued to live in the house until his death in 1980.[1][5] His wife, Mary Hart, continued to live in the house until her death in 2000.[1][5]
The house, designed by Raleigh architects Thomas Wright Cooper and G. Murray Nelson and constructed by Durham contractor George W Kane, was built in the Tudor Revival style as one of five homes built for Duke faculty members in the initial development of West Campus.[1][2] Of the five houses, it is the only one built almost entirely out of brick.[1] There is half-timbering on the upper stories of some of the gabled wings of the house, and decorative chimneys with corbelled stacks and octagonal chimney pots.[1] Located at the crossroads of Duke University Road and Academy Road, the home sits near the Wallace Wade Stadium.[6] The first floor of the J. Deryl Hart House includes two kitchens, a formal dining room, a grand foyer, a formal living room, a casual family room, a study, a library, and a sunroom.[4] The master bedroom, which includes a dressing room, large bathroom, and a sleeping porch, is located on the second floor.[4] Aside from the master bedroom, there are four bedrooms as well as an apartment with a kitchenette.[4]