Jury out cottages owned by John Grisham

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The jury is still out on the fate of four century-old cottages located in North Carolina on property owned by bestselling author John Grisham.

The Herald-Sun of Durham reported Grisham got permission from a town commission to demolish the homes in Chapel Hill. The Historic District Commission also voted to delay demolition by 365 days, the maximum time that state law allows.

Grisham, the commission and Preservation Chapel Hill are searching for someone who will move the cottages.

The cottages are on lots behind a home that Grisham and his wife Renee bought last year. The Grishams want to replace the cottages with landscaping.

Grisham said in an email that his team is sorting through about 20 inquiries so far from people and groups interested in the cottages.

Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press Author John Grisham, at right, with playwright Rupert Holmes and producer Daryl Roth. Grisham, Chapel Hill, N.C., officials and preservation advocates have pondered the future of four century-old cottages located on property Grisham owns.