Straw Valley Cafe is a welcomed addition to the Triangle– though the property itself is one of the richest and most seasoned (not unlike our coffee and chocolates!). First a dairy farm named for the broomcorn straw you’d once find along the Durham-Chapel Hill highway, and then the home and studio of two artists, Straw Valley has been cherished throughout the decades.

Just around this time of year, 53 years ago, Robert Keith Black and J. Osmond Sanderson began their venture with the Straw Valley Studio. The barn was converted into their unique living-working quarters, featuring textures such as wood, stone, chrome, leathers and fur. Dark orange leather chairs contrasted with the fireplace’s intricate black tiles, and wide, etched-glass windows  comprised a greenhouse containing a collection of cacti.

Contemporary artwork adorned the home, and the property was subject of newspaper articles, magazine photo shoots and home tours throughout the 1970′s.

Now as a cafe, the ambiance of Straw Valley is both a reflection of its history, but with a Zen flair. The house has been refurbished to accent its structure as a barn, but filled with contemporary furniture and decor to honor its former residents. Bamboo lines the property and contemporary seating, gardens and fountains can be found throughout the courtyard. There are also Buddha statues plopped around the property.

The goal is to have Straw Valley Cafe be a place where people can spend the day with coffee and a book, or sip wine in the evening to live music in the courtyard. A fabulous property to host an event; wedding rehearsal dinner, wedding, wedding reception, corporate event, birthday party, or anniversary party. Guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind event.

We hope you pay a visit and explore it for yourself. A unique destination for everyone in the community, we want this chapter in the life of Straw Valley to be one of its best.