HISTORIC HOMES OF CAROLINA

Over the threshold and back in time.

North Carolina has a rich history that precedes its modern reputation as a rapidly growing state. The Tar Heel state is believed to have been inhabited since around 700 A.D. by Native American tribes like those around Cape Fear. In 1729, North Carolina was established as one of 13 royal colonies, and went on to be the setting of five Revolutionary War battles. As a key participant in the Civil War, the state has played an indelible role in the evolution of the United States.

Here, we’ve rounded up a list of historic homes of NC that bore witness to beautiful eras and people of North Carolina’s history. Wander the grounds or walk into the heart of these homes and step back in time, appreciating a different architectural era, a different way of life, or a moment frozen in time.

Duke Mansion / Charlotte

Located in Charlotte’s own Myers Park neighborhood (which is itself on the National Register of Historic Places), the Duke Mansion is a colonial revival structure that was originally constructed for Zebulon Vance Taylor in 1915. In 1919, James B. Duke, who had purchased the house from Taylor, transformed the house into a mansion. In 1977, the building and its 4.5 acres of landscaped grounds were acquired by the Duke Endowment. Now, the mansion functions as an inn, offering guests modern amenities in a historic setting.

Biltmore / Asheville

No list of historic North Carolina homes would be complete without including the Biltmore. Before it became the popular tourist destination it is today, the Biltmore was the country home of George Washington Vanderbilt and his family. After becoming captivated by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, he set to work purchasing land in the area so that he might enjoy that view for the rest of his life. Officially completed in 1895, the mansion houses 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms. It also boasts thousands of acres of perfectly landscaped scenery. Architectural enthusiasts will love seeing the French Renaissance influences throughout the home, while history buffs will enjoy experiencing a bygone era of opulence.

The Palmer-Marsh House / Bath Captain Michael Coutanche built the Palmer-Marsh House in 1751 before selling it to 28-year-old Robert Palmer, a lieutenant colonel in the British army, in 1753. The house passed through the hands of the next two generations of Palmer’s family, before it was sold to brothers and merchants Jonathan and Daniel Marsh. The Marsh family descendants would occupy the house for the next 120 years.

Bennett Place / Durham

By the time Confederate General Joseph Johnston agreed to a truce with Union General William T. Sherman, the Civil War had been raging on for years already. With Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender already complete and General Sherman’s destructive march still ongoing, the Confederate Army was on a clear path to defeat. To discuss the terms of Johnston’s surrender, the two generals met at a midway point between the two fronts—a house now known as Bennett Place. Home to farmer James Bennett and his family, this simple house would serve as the site of the largest troop surrender of the Civil War. Although a fire destroyed much of the property in 1921, it has since been restored and is open to the public.

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The Allison-Deaver House / Brevard

As the oldest standing frame house in western North Carolina, the Allison-Deaver House represents the architectural shift that was slowly making its way throughout the mountainside. Instead of building a log cabin like most of his neighbors, property owner Benjamin Allison decided to build his house out of a two-story timber frame. In 1830, Allison sold the property to William Deaver, who added more rooms and Charlestoninspired double porches. When the Civil War began and North Carolina seceded, the residents of the town were quite divided over the choice, and the Deaver family was no exception. Visitors who come to the Allison-Deaver House can not only admire the early frame home architecture, but also learn about the Civil War and how such a monumental event impacted families of all sizes.

Tryon Palace / New Bern

Built between 1767 and 1770, Tryon Palace was the first permanent capitol building for the colony of North Carolina. British governors occupied the palace until 1775, and then the building hosted the first sessions of the General Assembly. In the twentieth century, an extensive reconstruction of the palace was completed. Visitors can now tour the palace alongside guides in period clothing, visit the on-site North Carolina History Center, peruse Tryon Palace museum galleries, and stroll the palace gardens and grounds.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art / Winston-Salem

Katharine Smith and husband RJ Reynolds settled into the 34,000 square foot, 64-room home now known as Reynolda House in 1917. With 1,076 acres at their disposal, the Reynolds family built a post office, greenhouse, smokehouse, power plant, and churches, plus they installed four themed, formal gardens. Now, the grounds are open to the public, and the house displays pieces by artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Stuart Davis.

Blandwood Mansion / Greensboro

This historic home was originally constructed by Charles Bland before being purchased and expanded by Governor John Motley Morehead. By the time Morehead’s renovations were complete, the structure featured a central three-story tower and gorgeous gardens. The new and improved Blandwood mansion was considered a very modern home when it was first built, mainly due to its special architectural style. In fact, it’s now considered the oldest home in the United States to exemplify the Italianate architectural style of the nineteenth century.

For more historic homes visit: discoverthecarolinas.com

Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside. — Coco Chanel

Inspiration From Every View

14900 Henry Harrison Stillwell Drive Huntersville, NC 28078

Reminiscent of Mission-style architecture, Misty Ridge Lodge is an exceptional standard of architecture and craftsmanship. This one owner entertainer’s dream home has 6 beds, 7.5 baths, 5 insulated garage bays (ideal for a car enthusiast), a heated, saltwater pool 3-10 ft., tanning ledge and waterfall on 3 acres in a private, premier gated subdivision. Luxury features abound including a palatial primary suite with adjoining sunroom and study on the main level. New Calcutta quartz adorn the main level kitchen (and baths), with a stunning backsplash, large island and bar seating, Monogram 6 gas burner range with double oven, two dishwashers and a butler’s pantry. Upstairs are four bedroom en suites, a loft and family room with marble fireplace and wet bar, plus full secondary living quarters. On the walk-out lower level, enjoy a wine cellar and patio, kitchen and dining area, billiards/7th bedroom, full bathroom and exercise/media room.

Catherine Taylor

(704) 453-1596 catherine.taylor@allentate.com catherinetaylor.allentate.com