Blandwood Mansion, Greensboro (must see)

Originally constructed in 1795 as a modest four-room Federal style farmhouse, Blandwood Mansion underwent significant transformation under the ownership of two-term North Carolina governor John Motley Morehead. Notably, Blandwood Mansion is revered as the oldest building in Greensboro built on its original foundations, bearing witness to the city's evolution from rural surroundings to urban development.

Renowned architect A. J. Davis, inspired by Tuscan villas despite never having visited Italy, crafted a stunning design for Blandwood Mansion in 1844. Davis's vision included wide overhanging eaves, low rooflines, casement windows, stucco-on-brick veneer, and a distinctive tall prospect tower dominating the facade. The mansion stands as a rare example of grand antebellum architecture in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, contrasting with the area's predominantly agricultural landscape and small enslaved population.

Preservation Greensboro Incorporated, a local nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation, acquired Blandwood Mansion in 1966, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Subsequent efforts focused on meticulous restoration, including paint analysis, archaeological investigations, reconstruction of dependencies, and restoration of surrounding gardens. The mansion's interior was enriched with original furnishings returned by members of the Morehead family, further enhancing its authenticity and charm.

Today, Blandwood Mansion stands as a testament to the antebellum spirit of improvement, earning its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1988.