Thistle Dhu | $3,250,000

10,405 FT² | 1.19 ACRES | 7 BED | 7 BATH | 3 ½ BATHS

Thistle Dhu is a celebrated Pinehurst landmark where American golf history and refined living converge. Built in 1919 by James Barber, this storied estate was home to the first 18-hole miniature golf course in the United States, with original holes still visible today, including one on the front lawn near the driveway. The name ''Thistle Dhu'' is a playful nod to Barber's admiring words upon completion: ''This'll do.''

Located in Olde Town Pinehurst, the property is just a short golf cart ride to Pinehurst Village, offering boutique shopping, dining, live entertainment, and the renowned Pinehurst Hotel & Spa. Thistle Dhu offers exceptional versatility as a primary residence, vacation home, or income-producing property. The estate may be utilized as a high-end Airbnb or short-term rental. The estate is ideal for hosting corporate retreats, family gatherings, and major golf events. Timeless and irreplaceable, Thistle Dhu remains one of Pinehurst's most iconic estates, where history lives on with modern luxury woven seamlessly throughout. The residence was extensively updated to modern standards while carefully preserving its original architectural character. The residence now features seven luxurious suites, including expansive owner's suites on both the main and upper levels with private living areas. Restored heart pine floors, original moldings, Palladian doors, and hand-carved staircases honor the home's historic character throughout. The lower level is designed for entertaining, featuring a recreation room with fireplace, a hidden speakeasy bar, confessional window, movie theater and multiple storage rooms. Outdoors, the fully fenced and gated 1.19-acre grounds create a private garden retreat.

MAIN LEVEL

  • Built 1919
  • Extensive renovations and historical preservation 2015
  • CertainTeed Pro Series Roof installed 2020 (House and Pavilion) 
  • Original heart pine floors and detailed crown molding throughout
  • Two hand-carved staircases connecting all levels  
  • Loggia with five sets of French doors opens to grand foyer  
  • Grand foyer with fifteen sets of large Palladian French doors 
  • Powder room with original pedestal sink
  • Kitchen with original upper cabinetry, quartz countertops and soft-close cabinetry  
  • SMEG 5-burner dual-fuel range with griddle and double oven  
  • Bosch SilencePlus dishwasher  
  • ULINE built-in wine refrigerator  
  • Sharp under-mount microwave in island  
  • Two refrigerators with original dumbwaiter window  
  • Large walk-in pantry
  • Breakfast nook with French doors open to brick patio for outdoor dining
  • Butler's pantry with original upper cabinetry, prep sink and dishwasher
  • Double doors to private main floor bedroom suite, The Westport, with sitting room, closet and full bathroom
  • Formal dining room with built-in glass corner cabinets and ornate crown molding detail throughout 
  • Living room with gas fireplace and multiple seating areas
  • Study with powder room
  • Study opens to covered sunporch 
  • Dry bar with quartz countertop
  • Side entrance with mudroom/drop zone  
  • Laundry room with custom tile elevated dog wash station
  • Multiple storage closets throughout  

SECOND LEVEL

  • Original heart pine floors and detailed crown molding throughout
  • The Barber Gandy owner’s suite with double-door entry with two fully separate owner’s bathrooms, Kohler air-jet tub and Kohler soaking tub, walk-in showers in both bathrooms, private dressing room, multiple closets and huge walk-in closet with center island, built-ins, and keypad lock  
  • The Manhattan bedroom suite features a wet bar with an under-counter wine refrigerator and shares a full adjoining bathroom with The Brooklyn bedroom suite
  • Three additional guest bedrooms with en-suite baths  (The Pinehurst, The London and The Englewood)
  • Second floor laundry room  

BASEMENT LEVEL

  • Slate flooring throughout  
  • Three stairways including exterior access   
  • Theater room with seating  
  • Kitchenette with sink and cabinets 
  • Original Speakeasy with private powder room  
  • Large game/living room with fireplace and original hidden doorway  
  • Ample basement storage  
  • Confessional with window *In 1928 the house was sold to the Good Humor Ice Cream founder who deeded the property to the Catholic Church.

OUTDOOR LIVING

  • Brick landscaped garden with covered pavilion and outdoor living areas designed for both entertaining and quiet retreat
  • Fully fenced and gated property

 

Videography

3D Floorplan

Photography

Launch Slideshow Viewer
1 of 120.
2 of 120. Thistle Dhu Estate 1919
3 of 120.
4 of 120.
5 of 120.
6 of 120.
7 of 120.
8 of 120.
9 of 120.
10 of 120.
11 of 120.
12 of 120.
13 of 120.
14 of 120.
15 of 120.
16 of 120. Arched french doors leading to the grand foyer through the loggia
17 of 120.
18 of 120. Grand foyer with access to formal living room, formal dining room and half bath, staircases to second floor and basement, and kitchen areas.
19 of 120.
20 of 120. Powder Room off Grand Foyer
21 of 120. Formal Dining with built-in corner china hutches and gallery wall.
22 of 120.
23 of 120.
24 of 120.
25 of 120.
26 of 120. Butler's pantry with original upper cabinetry, quartz counters, dishwasher and prep sink.
27 of 120. Butler's pantry with original upper cabinetry, quartz counters, dishwasher and prep sink.
28 of 120. Kitchen with quartz counters, original restored upper cabinetry and custom soft close cabinetry throughout. SMEG 5 Burner Dual Fuel Range with double oven, ULINE built-in wine fridge, Bosch Dishwasher and under mount microwave oven in island.
29 of 120.
30 of 120.
31 of 120.
32 of 120. 2 Refrigerators in kitchen nook with original dumb-waiter pass through window.
33 of 120. Breakfast Area with french door access to outside seating porch.
34 of 120. Breakfast Area with french door access to outside seating porch.
35 of 120.
36 of 120.
37 of 120. Formal Living Room with Gas Fireplace
38 of 120. Formal Living Room
39 of 120.
40 of 120.
41 of 120.
42 of 120.
43 of 120. Study opens to sunroom.
44 of 120.
45 of 120. Powder Room in Study.
46 of 120. Sunroom off Study
47 of 120.
48 of 120.
49 of 120.
50 of 120. Laundry room with custom tile dog washing station
51 of 120. Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
52 of 120. Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
53 of 120. Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
54 of 120. Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
55 of 120. Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
56 of 120.
57 of 120.
58 of 120. The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
59 of 120. The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
60 of 120. The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
61 of 120. Full Bathroom between The Brooklyn Suite and The Manhattan Suite
62 of 120. Full Bathroom between The Brooklyn Suite and The Manhattan Suite
63 of 120. The Brooklyn Suite
64 of 120. The Brooklyn Suite
65 of 120. The Englewood EnSuite
66 of 120. The Englewood EnSuite
67 of 120. The Englewood EnSuite
68 of 120. The Englewood EnSuite Bathroom with original tub and pedestal sink.
69 of 120. The Englewood EnSuite Bathroom with original tub and pedestal sink.
70 of 120. The Englewood Suite Dressing Room with Laundry Hook Up
71 of 120. The London EnSuite
72 of 120. The London EnSuite
73 of 120. The London EnSuite
74 of 120. The London EnSuite
75 of 120. The Pinehurst EnSuite
76 of 120. The Pinehurst EnSuite
77 of 120. The Pinehurst EnSuite
78 of 120. The Pinehurst EnSuite
79 of 120. The Pinehurst EnSuite
80 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
81 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
82 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
83 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
84 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
85 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
86 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
87 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
88 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
89 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
90 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
91 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
92 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
93 of 120. The Barber Gandy Ensuite walk in closet
94 of 120.
95 of 120. Basement level with slate floors
96 of 120.
97 of 120.
98 of 120.
99 of 120.
100 of 120. Original "hidden" Speakeasy bar with powder room.
101 of 120.
102 of 120.
103 of 120. Powder Room in Speakeasy
104 of 120.
105 of 120. Confessional booth *In 1928 the house was sold to Good Humor Ice Cream founder who deeded the property to the Catholic Church.
106 of 120. Confessional booth *In 1928 the house was sold to Good Humor Ice Cream founder who deeded the property to the Catholic Church.
107 of 120.
108 of 120.
109 of 120.
110 of 120.
111 of 120.
112 of 120.
113 of 120.
114 of 120.
115 of 120. Attic
116 of 120. Attic
117 of 120.
118 of 120.
119 of 120.
120 of 120.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Thistle Dhu Estate 1919
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Arched french doors leading to the grand foyer through the loggia
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Grand foyer with access to formal living room, formal dining room and half bath, staircases to second floor and basement, and kitchen areas.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Powder Room off Grand Foyer
Formal Dining with built-in corner china hutches and gallery wall.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Butler's pantry with original upper cabinetry, quartz counters, dishwasher and prep sink.
Butler's pantry with original upper cabinetry, quartz counters, dishwasher and prep sink.
Kitchen with quartz counters, original restored upper cabinetry and custom soft close cabinetry throughout. SMEG 5 Burner Dual Fuel Range with double oven, ULINE built-in wine fridge, Bosch Dishwasher and under mount microwave oven in island.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
2 Refrigerators in kitchen nook with original dumb-waiter pass through window.
Breakfast Area with french door access to outside seating porch.
Breakfast Area with french door access to outside seating porch.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Formal Living Room with Gas Fireplace
Formal Living Room
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Study opens to sunroom.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Powder Room in Study.
Sunroom off Study
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Laundry room with custom tile dog washing station
Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
Main level suite with privacy doors and full bathroom.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
The Manhattan Suite with wet bar and wine refrigerator.
Full Bathroom between The Brooklyn Suite and The Manhattan Suite
Full Bathroom between The Brooklyn Suite and The Manhattan Suite
The Brooklyn Suite
The Brooklyn Suite
The Englewood EnSuite
The Englewood EnSuite
The Englewood EnSuite
The Englewood EnSuite Bathroom with original tub and pedestal sink.
The Englewood EnSuite Bathroom with original tub and pedestal sink.
The Englewood Suite Dressing Room with Laundry Hook Up
The London EnSuite
The London EnSuite
The London EnSuite
The London EnSuite
The Pinehurst EnSuite
The Pinehurst EnSuite
The Pinehurst EnSuite
The Pinehurst EnSuite
The Pinehurst EnSuite
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite with 2 full bathrooms, dressing room and closets.
The Barber Gandy Ensuite walk in closet
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Basement level with slate floors
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Original "hidden" Speakeasy bar with powder room.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Powder Room in Speakeasy
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Confessional booth *In 1928 the house was sold to Good Humor Ice Cream founder who deeded the property to the Catholic Church.
Confessional booth *In 1928 the house was sold to Good Humor Ice Cream founder who deeded the property to the Catholic Church.
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
Attic
Attic
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC
12 Barrett Road East, Pinehurst, NC

Thistle Dhu | America's first Miniature Golf Course

Pinehurst is celebrated worldwide for championship golf, but its place in history also includes the birth of American miniature golf. In 1919, English-born industrialist and avid golfer James Wells Barber completed a small but revolutionary course on his Pinehurst estate, designed by Edward H. Wiswell. Though always a private estate, its influence was lasting. Today, Pinehurst Resort honors that innovation with its own Thistle Dhu putting green, preserving the legacy of where modern miniature golf began.

In August 1919, Popular Science Monthly featured Thistle Dhu as a forward-thinking estate commissioned by James Barber, celebrating the home as a model of modern living for its time. The article highlighted the property’s innovative design, advanced systems, and thoughtful integration of comfort and craftsmanship, positioning Thistle Dhu as both a private residence and a statement of progress. More than a century later, that original vision of excellence and intention continues to define the estate.