In the years following the Civil War Hughes experienced a number of financial problems and became unable to continue repayment of his debt for the land.

Distinct similarities between the completed Mistletoe Villa and the Executive mansion, down to the final color scheme, are often cited by historians as evidence of Sloan's involvement in the design.

A number of indoor elements, including floor boards, doors, lock hardware, mantels and others items were preserved and repurposed in the house.

Although unusual for the era, the house was equipped with indoor plumbing which was supplied and pressurized by a large reservoir in the attic which functioned similarly to a simple water tower.

The house also contained other innovative elements for the time including a "speak tube" which would allow people in the dining room to communicate with servants in the kitchen on the floor below.

[3] During that same period trains transporting U.S. troops would pass the house and deliver German prisoners of war to a factory next door to work.

The home was recently purchased by another local North Carolina couple who hope to continue the never ending work of bringing it back to its glory days.