A fine example of the architectural legacy of J. Bryant Heard, this handsome white painted brick house was among the initial wave built in Forest Hills, Danville's first upscale automobile suburb, laid out in Pittsylvania County prior to its 1932 annexation.  The Forest Hills Development Corporation – of which Mr. Heard and Mr. Ben Temple, for whom this house was built, were directors – stipulated that all dwellings be architect designed.  Featured as the "Ben Temple Residence" in a catalogue of Mr. Heard's architectural commissions from about 1930, this late 1920s dwelling reflects the inspiration of the Georgian Revival, complete with a full-length, two-story monumental portico.

Like his father George Temple – the longtime president and principal in the investments and real estate firm, Patton, Temple and Williamson – Mr. Ben Temple established himself as a real estate investor.  In 1931 the Temples conveyed their house, then only a few years old, to Mr. and Mrs. William Robinson.  Two years later the property was acquired by the Herman family, whose successive generations – Louis Herman and his wife Kate and Milton Herman his wife Elise – became identified with the house for most of the next 50 years.  During the early 20th century, Louis Herman was widely regarded not only as the enterprising industrialist – owner of Danville Knitting Mills, but also as the dean of Danville retailers.  His store, L. Herman's, was rivaled in quality and sophistication only by such department store powerhouses as Miller and Rhoads on Broad Street in Richmond.  After Mr. Herman’s death in 1950 his sons Milton and Allen continued the family business until 1955 when the Thalhimers chain purchased the landmark store.  It remained a fixture in downtown Danville's 500 block for the next 35 years.  The Herman Building at 515 Main Street now houses the city’s Registrar and Department of Social Services.

After Elise Herman died, the house was acquired by a long time Forest Hills neighbor, Ruth Simpson Carrington.  In January 1983 Mrs. Carrington bequeathed the property to Averett University.  Since that time the property has sheltered four succeeding Averett presidents and their families – Dr. and Mrs. Howard Lee, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Campbell, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Pfau, and Dr. Tiffany Franks and Mr. Joe Franks.  Named Averett's 24th president in 2008, Dr. Franks and her husband have settled into the gracious 80-year old dwelling – now in its 25th year as Averett's Presidents House.  Her upcoming inauguration next spring coincides with the University's Sesquicentennial in 2009.