Historic Homes in North Carolina: Where to Start Your Search

North Carolina has many homes that have been listed with the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the more famous locations that have since become museums or shops include the Biltmore, the Allison-Deaver House, Executive Mansion, and the Reynolda House. While these locations are open to the general public, there are many other historic homes that are available for purchase. If you are interested in purchasing a historic home in North Carolina, here are few tips to help you start your search.

 

Many North Carolina neighborhoods are known for historic homes. If you want to find the right property, consider the style of home that you prefer. Some of the earliest North Carolina homes built in the 17th and 18th centuries feature large porches and separate kitchens to accommodate the hot and humid climate that defines most regions of North Carolina.

 

Most of these homes feature European-influenced architectural styles. The Georgian-style home has plenty of symmetry and is typical of buildings built between the years 1750 to 1800. The Federal style home was also popular. Many homes feature a combination of both the Georgian and Federal styles.

 

During the Victorian era, the Second-Empire and Queen Anne styles became quite popular. The Biltmore House is an example of a home that utilizes these architectural styles. Following the end of the Civil War into the 20th century, most new homes were not custom-built by individual families but were instead designed by architectural firms. As a result, the varieties of historic homes that are available can vary greatly depending on the period in which the home was built.

 

If you want to find out more about the history of North Carolina historic properties, an organization called Preservation North Carolina can help. Founded in 1939, Preservation North Carolina is dedicated to the finding and protecting historic properties throughout North Carolina. The Endangered Properties Program helps to connect purchasers with endangered historic properties for restoration purposes.

 

Visiting the local historical society or courthouse in the area where your property of interest is located can provide you with access to title records, blueprints and other historical information. You may even find information about the previous owners of the residence by searching newspaper archives.

 

Working with a local real estate agent to search for North Carolina historic homes can help you to learn about the histories of the homes that are available on the market. In some cases, there may also be local ordinances that govern the purchase and restoration of historic homes. Therefore, you will need to have an understanding of what is involved before you make an investment. Our local North Carolina real estate agents can help you to find the historic home of your dreams.