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Ayr Mount Historic Site
http://classicalamericanhomes.org/ayr-mount/
Ayr Mount is a Federal-style plantation house built in 1815 by William Kirkland of Ayr, Scotland just outside of historic Hillsborough, North Carolina. Unlike the other houses in the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust collection, Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house. Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered the finest residential structure in this central Carolina area. Hillsborough is full of charming old colonial houses, but Ayr Mount, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the crown jewel and well worth a visit.
Public, docent-led tours are offered throughout the year at Ayr Mount (tours by appointment only December 20 - March 21, please see link below for tour dates and times). Group tours are offered by appointment year-round at Ayr Mount. Please visit http://classicalamericanhomes.org/ayr-mount-tour-information/ for more information about visiting Ayr Mount.
Ayr Mount originally sat on 503 acres of land, but today the house is surrounded by approximately 60 remaining acres of gardens, woodlands and pastures that are open for public enjoyment year-round. Especially popular is the Poet's Walk, a one-mile trail that meanders through the property and beside the Eno River. These grounds, plus the trails across the Eno River, total to over 287 acres available to the public.
Please visit http://classicalamericanhomes.org/ayr-mount-hours-directions-map/ for hours and directions pertaining to Ayr Mount and its scenic trails.
Ayr Mount is a Federal-style plantation house built in 1815 by William Kirkland of Ayr, Scotland just outside of historic Hillsborough, North Carolina. Unlike the other houses in the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust collection, Ayr Mount looks deceptively simple, even austere on the outside. There are no soaring columns proclaiming its classicism. On the other hand, Ayr Mount is far grander – especially in the interior – than one might expect from a first look at the exterior. The ceiling height of 14 feet is unusual for this period as is the elaborate Federal period woodwork and plasterwork found throughout the house. Ayr Mount also was the first major residence built of brick in this area of predominantly colonial era wood frame houses. At the time of its construction at the end of the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered the finest residential structure in this central Carolina area. Hillsborough is full of charming old colonial houses, but Ayr Mount, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the crown jewel and well worth a visit.
Public, docent-led tours are offered throughout the year at Ayr Mount (tours by appointment only December 20 - March 21, please see link below for tour dates and times). Group tours are offered by appointment year-round at Ayr Mount. Please visit http://classicalamericanhomes.org/ayr-mount-tour-information/ for more information about visiting Ayr Mount.
Ayr Mount originally sat on 503 acres of land, but today the house is surrounded by approximately 60 remaining acres of gardens, woodlands and pastures that are open for public enjoyment year-round. Especially popular is the Poet's Walk, a one-mile trail that meanders through the property and beside the Eno River. These grounds, plus the trails across the Eno River, total to over 287 acres available to the public.
Please visit http://classicalamericanhomes.org/ayr-mount-hours-directions-map/ for hours and directions pertaining to Ayr Mount and its scenic trails.