The William and Sarah Lindsey House was constructed from 1868-1870 and is the original grand mansion of Reidsville’s Tobacco Age. The Lindsey family was one of the most prominent in early Reidsville. William and Sarah literally owned the town in the 1850s and 60s after they purchased 384 acres from Sarah’s father, Josef Holderby. The former home on the site was destroyed by fire in the 1860’s, and consequently, Italianate masonry construction was chosen for the mansion. Married in 1856, Sarah and William had 14 children and raised the surviving 4 boys and 4 girls in the home. John, William Jr and Joseph were born before the home was built, but Franklin, Mary and Edna occupied the home from birth. In fact, Edna lived at 308 S Main St until her final year in 1961. The house stayed in the family until William and Sarah’s granddaughter passed away in the 1980s.

As you wander through the grand rooms of Chez Lindsey you may catch a whiff of William C. Stokes’ cigar. William Stokes married the granddaughter of William Lindsey and daughter of Edna Lindsey Watts. You may also catch a glimpse of a young woman out of the corner of your eye - several of William & Sarah’s children did not survive to adulthood. She may still be living in her childhood home. Also, do not despair if you continue to hear the train whistle long after it has left town - possibly a message from another ghost?

Elizabeth Taylor was married to Senator John Warner of Virginia from 1976 - 1982. Senator Warner was friends with William Stokes who resided in this house with his wife Sarah Watts Stokes - granddaughter of William & Sarah Lindsey. The Elizabeth Taylor Chambre will be available to Chez Lindsey guests Spring 2022.