Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Vale, NC (WNN) - Nestled in the North Carolina countryside, one man has decided to show his patriotism to all who pass. The homeowner decided to represent the United States 250th in the largest way possible. Anyone using Cat Square Road will have noticed that, at the corner of Bill Sain Road, a home is now transformed into the American Flag.
Alan Bayley is a former Long Island resident who spent his days upstate, serving as a first responder. This volunteer firefighter served for 37 years despite admitting how taxing the role can be. He followed in his father's footsteps, who began volunteer firefighting at 16 during WWII and served the public for 71 years. He recounted how everyone would always get together to solve problems. One said the problem occurred at Bayley’s expense when he stepped on a nail, resulting in future firefighters having steel shanks on the bottom of their boots. Even with this, the unexpected tragedies he worked through weigh more than many physical injuries. After spending so many years as a public servant, in 2019, Bayley acquired the home and found his way to a peaceful retreat in NC.
As part of his new laid-back routine, Bayley enjoys the ease of waiting for the rain and cutting the grass. Perhaps while mowing, the house presented a full two-story flat white wall, and Bayley saw a canvas. Despite the scale of the project, he claims not to be an artistically inclined individual.
“And as soon as I got the idea, I started laughing. I knew I was going to like it, and I knew everybody else would like it too.”
With a bit of math, he determined the height of the flag's red stripes. After calculating for his first stripe, Bayley “just went for it” to the displeasure of his wife. Doubtful of his decision, she started out by giving him a hard time, but came around in time to ensure the 50 stars were perfectly aligned. She even became his social media manager, using TikTok to document the progress. Now, with its occupants both happy with the result, the home has begun pulling in passersby.
In its completion, honking horns and waving have become commonplace. Further still, some onlookers stop and pull over to photograph the home. The bravest of which stop in for a visit. Bayley recounted stories of drone pilots, social media influencers, and Jeep enthusiasts all stopping by for the home's unique look. Eventually, a Little League girls' team reached out because their team colors were red, white, and blue, which gave the homeowner a new idea. For this occasion, he installed a new stage and painted 250 USA across it. Bayley’s key message and hope for the home is that it inspires people to have fun, and it would suit him if the house to stay that way forever. Despite all the work, the family is searching for a home with no stairs, so this new icon located just outside Cat Square may eventually find its way back to the market.
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