Hope Plantation

Some of you may be aware that Meriam does about 95% of the planning for our trips. She spends many hours mapping out the route, finding great places to stay, and interesting things to see and visit. She then is my navigator as I drive.

Over the years in our travels, we have learned some of our destinations are less remarkable than we expect and some more. Hope Plantation was definitely more than we expected. It is one of the most magnificent historic places we have visited.

Existing documentation proves the construction of Hope Mansion reached its final stage in 1803. In a letter from the owner David Stone, he requests the pricing of Italian marble and red stone for use in building the fireplaces. This was considered one of the final steps in home construction of this magnitude during the period.

This building, furnishing, and aura of Hope Plantation best define the era of the 18th century of any place we have visited. Notice the candles in each of the windows, just as they would have been in the early period. A wooden candle bar was used to multiple candles in their place. Also, the window panes themselves are much larger than other colonial-era homes.
Ok, Folks here is your next contest! Housed in the visitor’s center on the plantation property is this hollowed-out log. What was its purpose?
In the outdoor kitchen, we saw this huge mortar and pestle. One wonders what in the world did they grind with this? Not corn or flour…they would have had mills.
The ceiling in the hallway retains its original plaster!
This is a piece of renowned WH furniture. Even to this day, experts still argue: Does “WH” represent the furniture maker or the person who commissioned the piece? The first “WH” piece we saw was in Old Salem.
Listed in Governor Stone’s inventory were these 10 walnut chairs and a three-leaf piece banquet table. Two leaves are in the table while Meriam and the docent inspect the third leaf. Of significance to me, the third leaf is actually part of another side table. The total span of the table with all three leaves is 13 feet!
This linen press differs in design (but not function) from the traditional Shaker style. The mansion is full of impressive period furniture. In fact, historic Hope has over 60 pieces of Roanoke River furniture from the Roanoke River Basin School of Cabinet Making around 1795.
This door is actually faux painted! Notice the detail of the wood grain and inlay. If you look in the upper right-hand corner, you will notice where the experts have taken chips of paint in order to date its authenticity.
The second-floor drawing-room. Each of the floorboards in this room runs the entire 30-foot length of the room. Notice the reflection in the mirror of the candle bar a window holding its candles.
This library comprised more than 1400 volumes. Stone’s library was the most extensive in all of North Carolina. The plaster behind the bookcases is original and Stone made notations of loaned volumes on the walls. On one wall, a scribble made by Stone following the death of his wife Hanna, reads, “Oh for the past gone days when I could gaze at my wife.”
Notice the unique collapsing ladder held by the docent.
In the library sitting area, Meriam carefully studied this map chest for Harold’s next project.
Hope was a self-sufficient plantation with a workforce, both skilled and labor, able to produce fine craftsmanship such as this faux painting. There are many of these doors on the second floor.
Another original piece to the house, c. 1760 Chippendale slant top deck.

Posted in 2022 - Tennessee and North Carolina
18 comments
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  • DONWOW!  That’s the most interesting and beautiful display of furniture I ever saw.  What was the function of the trough.  Water comes to mind, but I’m sure that assumption is too obvious to be right.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldGood guess, Don, but only a small part of its function…keep guessing!ReplyCancel

  • Laura Pace OmerWonderful.  Thanks for finding this, Meriam.  Thanks for photographing for our pleasure, Harold.ReplyCancel

  • Ginny JonesWOW! What thought and excellence and care went into the planning  and execution of this lovely home. The 30 foot long floor boards, the entry hall floor, the dual purpose table leaf…oh so many details.  I have no idea what the long piece is. I am so enjoying  this trip. Thanks ReplyCancel

    • HaroldGinny, it is a special place. Not to worry about the log piece. The first quiz was so easy, we decided to make this one harder!ReplyCancel

  • mao North Carolina is full of wonderful finds for you guys.  Thanks for sharing.  My guess is for Saturday night baths for all the family.ReplyCancel

    • HaroldNice try MAO, but wrong! However, a form of liquid was used in it.ReplyCancel

  • Andrew AllenLooks like it has divisions within it. Maybe a food trough with divisions to keep food separated for different animals?ReplyCancel

    • HaroldGood try Andrew! Close but no banana. You are the closest yet! Keep trying.ReplyCancel

  • Peter WalshHarold’s next project should be the fold out desk…something simple!!!😁ReplyCancel

    • HaroldJP, I just finished a stand-up desk for a friend, complete with a lift-up top. Came out quite nice.ReplyCancel

  • SherryCanoe/boat? Furniture is amazing❤️❤️ReplyCancel

    • HaroldSorry, Sherry. Look at some of the other guesses. Check with Lamar, he might know.ReplyCancel

  • MaryI could have lived here. Love the furnitureReplyCancel

    • HaroldCouldn’t we all…although no running water, no A/C, …ReplyCancel

  • MaryThink it was a sledReplyCancel

    • HaroldGood try, Mary. Alas, not a sled. Think of use by a single species of animal.ReplyCancel