$600,000
SOLD JAN 20, 2026

223 Empress Rd Hillsborough, NC 27278

4 Beds
3.5 Baths
2,692 Sq Ft
7,405 Sq Ft Lot

Recently Sold

$223 Per Sq Ft

2% Below List Price

46 Days on Market

Highlights

  • Open Floorplan
  • Clubhouse
  • Wood Flooring
  • Cedar Ridge High Rated A-
  • Transitional Architecture
  • Bonus Room

About This Home

As of January 2026

Welcome home to 223 Empress Road, a beautifully designed three-story residence located in the highly sought-after Waterstone neighborhood. Ideally situated just minutes from I-40, UNC Hillsborough Hospital, downtown Hillsborough, and a short drive to downtown Durham or Chapel Hill, this home offers the perfect balance of comfort, accessibility, and lifestyle. Step inside to discover a thoughtful floor plan with timeless finishes and quality craftsmanship throughout. The main level features hardwood flooring, a private office with French doors, and stylish built-in bookcases. The open-concept layout seamlessly connects the kitchen, living
room, and dining room, creating an ideal space for entertaining and everyday living. The kitchen is designed to impress, with a gas range, an expansive center island, and pantry. The living room centers around a gas-log fireplace with side cabinets and shelving, adding warmth and character to the space. On the second floor, you'll find three spacious bedrooms and a conveniently located laundry room. The owner's suite offers luxury and comfort with a tray ceiling, large walk-in closet, and a spa-inspired bathroom featuring a garden soaking tub and a stand-alone tile shower. The two secondary bedrooms share a full hall bathroom.
The third floor offers remarkable flexibility with a private fourth bedroom, a full bath, walk in closet and a charming window seat with built in cubbies This space is ideal as a guest suite, bonus room, teen retreat, or dedicated creative space. Outdoor living is just as inviting, with a fully fenced backyard, a covered flagstone patio, and a flat driveway and lot that offer convenience and ease. The two-car garage provides ample storage functionality and electric car charger. Neighborhood pool, playground and miles of sidewalks. 223 Empress Road is more than just a home—it is a lifestyle. With its open floor plan, thoughtful design, and unbeatable location close to major conveniences, this property is ready to welcome its next chapter.

Last Agent to Sell the Property

Lisa Ellis

Real Estate By Design License #185688 Listed on: 11/21/2025

Last Buyer's Agent

Liz Fortunato

Choice Residential Real Estate License #274624

Choice Residential Real Estate

Home Details

Home Type

  • Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

  • $7,423

Year Built

  • Built in 2015

Lot Details

  • 7,405 Sq Ft Lot
  • Fenced
  • Landscaped with Trees
  • Back Yard

HOA Fees

  • $90 Monthly HOA Fees

Parking

  • 2 Car Attached Garage
  • Electric Vehicle Home Charger
  • Front Facing Garage

Home Design

  • Transitional Architecture
  • Brick or Stone Mason
  • Slab Foundation
  • Shingle Roof
  • Vinyl Siding
  • Stone

Interior Spaces

  • 2,692 Sq Ft Home
  • 2-Story Property
  • Open Floorplan
  • Bookcases
  • Crown Molding
  • Tray Ceiling
  • High Ceiling
  • Ceiling Fan
  • Entrance Foyer
  • Great Room with Fireplace
  • Living Room
  • Dining Room
  • Home Office
  • Bonus Room
  • Fire and Smoke Detector

Kitchen

  • Gas Cooktop
  • Range Hood
  • Microwave
  • Dishwasher
  • ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances
  • Kitchen Island
  • Granite Countertops

Flooring

  • Wood
  • Carpet
  • Tile

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

  • 4 Bedrooms
  • Primary bedroom located on second floor
  • Dual Closets
  • Walk-In Closet
  • Double Vanity
  • Separate Shower in Primary Bathroom
  • Soaking Tub
  • Bathtub with Shower
  • Separate Shower

Laundry

  • Laundry Room
  • Laundry on upper level
  • Washer and Dryer

Schools

  • New Hope Elementary School
  • A L Stanback Middle School
  • Cedar Ridge High School

Utilities

  • Forced Air Zoned Heating and Cooling System
  • Heating System Uses Natural Gas
  • Gas Water Heater
  • Cable TV Available

Additional Features

  • Energy-Efficient Thermostat
  • Covered Patio or Porch

Listing and Financial Details

  • Assessor Parcel Number 9873382118

Community Details

Overview

  • Association fees include unknown
  • Waterstone Residential Neighborhood Association, Phone Number (910) 295-3791
  • Waterstone Subdivision

Amenities

  • Clubhouse

Recreation

  • Community Playground
  • Community Pool
  • Park

Home Details

Home Type

Single Family

Est. Annual Taxes

$7,423

Year Built

Built in 2015

Lot Details

0

HOA Fees

$90 per month

Parking

2

Listing Details

  • Year Built: 2015
  • Prop. Type: Residential
  • Road Frontage Type: City Street
  • Road Surface Type: Paved
  • Reso Association Fee Includes: Unknown
  • Subdivision Name: Waterstone
  • Above Grade Finished Sq Ft: 2692.0
  • Architectural Style: Transitional
  • Carport Y N: No
  • Garage Yn: Yes
  • Unit Levels: Three Or More
  • New Construction: No
  • Efficiency: Thermostat
  • General Property Information Above Grade Unfinished Area: 53.0
  • General Property Information Total Unfinished Area2: 53.0
  • General Property Information Association Fee Required YN: Yes
  • General Property Information Basement YN: No
  • General Property Information Fireplace YN: Yes
  • Appliances Microwave: Yes
  • Architectural Style Transitional: Yes
  • Flooring Tile: Yes
  • Foundation Details Slab: Yes
  • Interior Features BathtubShower Combination: Yes
  • Security Features Smoke Detector(s): Yes
  • Sewer:Public Sewer: Yes
  • Water Source Public: Yes
  • Cooling Zoned: Yes
  • Flooring Carpet: Yes
  • Flooring Hardwood: Yes
  • Interior Features Separate Shower: Yes
  • Lot Features Hardwood Trees: Yes
  • Room Types Bedroom 2 Level: Second
  • Room Types Bedroom 3 Level: Second
  • Room Types Bonus Room: Yes
  • Room Types Dining Room2: Yes
  • Room Types Office: Yes
  • Room Types Primary Bedroom Level: Second
  • Laundry Features Upper Level: Yes
  • Room Types Living Room2: Yes
  • Utilities Cable Available: Yes
  • Remarks and Miscellaneous Syndication Remarks2: Washer and dryer convey. REBD does not hold earnest money; please use selling firm or closing attorney as escrow agent.
  • General Property Information Association Phone: 910-295-3791
  • General Property Information Senior Community YN: No
  • Levels Three Or More: Yes
  • General Property Information Enhanced Accessible2: No
  • Roof:Shingle: Yes
  • Room Types Entrance Hall: Yes
  • General Property Information Above Grade Finished Area: 2692.0
  • General Property Information Carport YN: No
  • Fencing Fenced: Yes
  • Room Types Laundry2: Yes
  • Common Walls No Common Walls: Yes
  • Interior Features Dual Closets: Yes
  • General Property Information Lot Size Square Feet2: 7405.0
  • General Property Information Lot Size Acres: 0.17
  • General Property Information Stories2: 2
  • General Property Information:Living Area3: 2692.0
  • General Property Information Waterfront YN: No
  • DelayedMarketingYN: No
  • Special Features: VirtualTour
  • Property Sub Type: Detached
  • Stories: 2

Interior Features

  • Flooring: Carpet, Hardwood, Tile
  • Interior Amenities: Bathtub/Shower Combination, Bookcases, Ceiling Fan(s), Crown Molding, Double Vanity, Dual Closets, Entrance Foyer, Granite Counters, High Ceilings, Kitchen Island, Open Floorplan, Pantry, Separate Shower, Soaking Tub, Tray Ceiling(s), Walk-In Closet(s), Walk-In Shower
  • Spa Features: None
  • Appliances: Dishwasher, ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances, Gas Cooktop, Gas Water Heater, Microwave, Range Hood, Washer/Dryer
  • Basement YN: No
  • Full Bathrooms: 3
  • Half Bathrooms: 1
  • Total Bedrooms: 4
  • Fireplace Features: Great Room
  • Fireplaces: 1
  • Stories: 2
  • Appliances Dishwasher: Yes
  • Appliances:Gas Cooktop: Yes
  • Appliances:Range Hood: Yes
  • Community Features:Playground2: Yes
  • Community Features:Pool2: Yes
  • Interior Features:Ceiling Fan(s)2: Yes
  • Interior Features:Double Vanity: Yes
  • Interior Features:Entrance Foyer: Yes
  • Interior Features:Granite Counters: Yes
  • Interior Features:High Ceilings: Yes
  • Interior Features:Pantry: Yes
  • Interior Features:Walk-In Closet(s): Yes
  • Interior Features:Walk-In Shower: Yes
  • Community Features:Street Lights: Yes
  • Interior Features:Tray Ceiling(s): Yes
  • Appliances:ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances: Yes
  • Appliances:Gas Water Heater: Yes
  • Interior Features:Soaking Tub: Yes
  • Interior Features:Bookcases: Yes
  • Fireplace Features:Great Room: Yes
  • Fireplace Features:Fireplaces Total: 1
  • Interior Features:Crown Molding: Yes
  • Appliances:WasherDryer: Yes
  • Interior Features:Kitchen Island: Yes
  • Interior Features:Open Floorplan: Yes
  • Community Features:Park2: Yes

Exterior Features

  • Roof: Shingle
  • Fencing: Fenced
  • Acres: 0.17
  • Waterfront: No
  • Disclosures: Seller Disclosure
  • Common Walls: No Common Walls
  • Construction Type: Stone, Vinyl Siding
  • Foundation Details: Slab
  • Patio And Porch Features: Covered, Patio, Porch, Rear Porch
  • Patio and Porch Features:Porch: Yes
  • Patio And Porch Features:Covered2: Yes
  • Construction Materials:Vinyl Siding: Yes
  • Construction Materials:Stone: Yes
  • Patio And Porch Features:Patio: Yes
  • Lot Features:Back Yard2: Yes
  • Patio And Porch Features:Rear Porch: Yes

Garage/Parking

  • Attached Garage: Yes
  • Garage Spaces: 2.0
  • Open Parking: No
  • Parking Features: Garage, Garage Faces Front, Paved
  • Total Parking Spaces: 2.0
  • Parking Features:Garage: Yes
  • Parking Features:Garage Faces Front: Yes
  • General Property Information:Garage Spaces: 2.0
  • Parking Features:Paved2: Yes
  • General Property Information:Attached Garage YN: Yes
  • General Property Information:Parking Total: 2.0
  • General Property Information:Open Parking YN2: No

Utilities

  • Utilities: Cable Available
  • Heating: Electric, Forced Air, Natural Gas, Zoned
  • Cooling: Zoned
  • Cooling Y N: Yes
  • HeatingYN: Yes
  • Water Source: Public
  • Heating:Electric4: Yes
  • Heating:Forced Air: Yes
  • Heating:Natural Gas: Yes
  • Heating:Zoned2: Yes

Condo/Co-op/Association

  • Community Features: Park, Playground, Pool, Street Lights
  • Senior Community: No
  • Association Fee: 540.0
  • Association Fee Frequency: Semi-Annually
  • Association Name: Waterstone Residential Neighborhood Association
  • Phone: 910-295-3791
  • Association: Yes

Association/Amenities

  • General Property Information:Association Name: Waterstone Residential Neighborhood Association
  • Association Amenities:Pool: Yes
  • Association Amenities:Clubhouse: Yes
  • Horse Amenities:None11: Yes
  • General Property Information:Association YN: Yes
  • General Property Information:Association Fee: 540.0
  • General Property Information:Association Fee Frequency: Semi-Annually

Schools

  • Ninth Grade High School: Orange - Cedar Ridge
  • Middle Or Junior School: Orange - A L Stanback

Lot Info

  • Horse Amenities: None
  • Lot Size Sq Ft: 7405.0
  • ResoLotSizeUnits: Acres
  • Parcel #: 9873382118

Green Features

  • Green Energy Efficient:Thermostat: Yes

Tax Info

  • Tax Annual Amount: 7422.51
  • Tax Year: 2025

MLS Schools

  • Elementary School: Orange - New Hope

Matterport 3D Tour

Ownership History

Date Name Owned For Owner Type

Purchase Details

Listed on
Nov 21, 2025
Closed on
Jan 19, 2026
Sold by
Riter Tory Drew and Riter Heather Brianna
Bought by
Blakley Family Trust and Blakley
Seller's Agent
Lisa Ellis
Real Estate By Design
Buyer's Agent
Liz Fortunato
Choice Residential Real Estate
List Price
$615,000
Sold Price
$600,000
Premium/Discount to List
-$15,000
-2.44%
Views
107

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Avg. Annual Appreciation
91.23%

Purchase Details

Listed on
Apr 26, 2024
Closed on
May 31, 2024
Sold by
Conrad Christina A
Bought by
Garbo Heather Manna and Riter Tory Drew
Seller's Agent
Ashley King
Coldwell Banker HPW
Buyer's Agent
Shelby Bishop
Inhabit Real Estate
List Price
$574,000
Sold Price
$596,000
Premium/Discount to List
$22,000
3.83%
Views
25

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Avg. Annual Appreciation
0.41%

Purchase Details

Closed on
Jul 10, 2017
Sold by
Desai Mintu and Yadav Vandana
Bought by
Conrad Cuenca Christina A

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Original Mortgage
$288,000
Interest Rate
3.95%
Mortgage Type
New Conventional

Purchase Details

Closed on
May 26, 2015
Sold by
Ashton Raleigh Residential Llc
Bought by
Desai Mintu and Yadav Vandana

Home Financials for this Owner

Home Financials are based on the most recent Mortgage that was taken out on this home.
Original Mortgage
$318,353
Interest Rate
3.79%
Mortgage Type
New Conventional

Purchase Details

Closed on
Nov 24, 2014
Sold by
Great Waterstone Lp
Bought by
Ashton Raleigh Residential Llc
Source: Public Records

Range of Values:

--
Value Increase
--
Percent Increase
--
Adjusted for Inflation
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List Price
Sold Price
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Home Values in the Area

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value in this Area





Source: Public Records

Purchase History

Date Type Sale Price Title Company
Warranty Deed $600,000 None Listed On Document
Warranty Deed $596,000 None Listed On Document
Warranty Deed $368,000 None Available
Special Warranty Deed $345,000 None Available
Special Warranty Deed $403,000 None Available
Source: Public Records

Mortgage History

Date Status Loan Amount Loan Type
Previous Owner $288,000 New Conventional
Previous Owner $318,353 New Conventional
Source: Public Records

Property History

Date Event Price List to Sale Price per Sq Ft Prior Sale
01/20/2026 01/20/26 Sold $600,000 -2.4% $223 / Sq Ft
01/06/2026 01/06/26 Pending -- -- --
11/21/2025 11/21/25 For Sale $615,000 +3.2% $228 / Sq Ft
05/31/2024 05/31/24 Sold $596,000 +3.8% $225 / Sq Ft View Prior Sale
05/03/2024 05/03/24 Pending -- -- --
04/26/2024 04/26/24 For Sale $574,000 -- $217 / Sq Ft
Source: Doorify MLS

Tax History

Year Tax Paid Tax Assessment Tax Assessment Total Assessment is a certain percentage of the fair market value that is determined by local assessors to be the total taxable value of land and additions on the property. Land Improvement
2025 $7,423 $623,600 $210,000 $413,600
2024 $5,727 $374,100 $65,000 $309,100
2023 $5,538 $374,100 $65,000 $309,100
2022 $5,522 $374,100 $65,000 $309,100
2021 $5,476 $374,100 $65,000 $309,100
2020 $5,166 $332,600 $65,000 $267,600
2018 $5,098 $332,600 $65,000 $267,600
2017 $5,242 $332,600 $65,000 $267,600
2016 $5,242 $324,800 $55,000 $269,800
2015 $857 $55,000 $55,000 $0
2014 -- $0 $0 $0
Source: Public Records

Agents Affiliated with this Home

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Map

Source: Doorify MLS

MLS Number: 10134385

Doorify MLS

APN: 9873382118