 Sturdy construction and continued suitability for use as a farmhouse preserved this building when all others of its day in North Carolina fell victim to decay or progress. No other site is so representative of North Carolina's formative years, as the Newbold-White House, the oldest brick house in the state. The early eighteenth century was a transitional period in North Carolina history, as the old proprietary government gave way to full royal control. The colony's population was expanding with settlers attracted by cheap land whose forests and fields could be used to produce export goods. In 1726 a Quaker named Abraham Sanders bought land on the Perquimans River, and in 1730 he built this house to replace one erected by Joseph Scoot a generation earlier. Sanders built a structure reminiscent of an earlier period. his brick house was more substantial than the frame homes of most of his neighbors. Dominated by glazed headers, the Flemish bond brick walls are plastered on the first floor interior. The simple hall-and-parlor structure features enormous fireplaces with great lintels, pine woodwork, and a winding corner stair. Period furnishings and household goods recapture the rugged charm of early eighteenth century life. Leaded casement windows with diamond-shaped glass panes enhance the house's appearance, providing light and ventilation. Open: Tuesday to Saturday- 10 AM to 4:30 PM ; Sunday- 2 to 5 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day - February (Shown by appointment other days) Admission Charged. We welcome large groups and bus tours, but ask that you contact us several days before your arrival. Situated approximately 15 minutes south of Elizabeth City, 10 minutes north of Edenton, one hour south of the Norfolk, Virgina area, and a little over an hour from the Outer Banks, a visit to the Newbold-White House can easily be incorporated in to a tour of the area, or can be the focal point of a stay in Perquimans County. Visitors are invited to explore nearby Hertford. A stroll through the picturesque town promises intriguing views of buildings in varied architectural styles. A walking tour brochure is available at the site. PCRA Newbold - White House Historic Site P O Box 103 Hertford, NC 27944 Telephone:  426-7567 |
