Preservation Greensboro Incorporated Blandwood National Historic Landmark

History A. J. Davis Architecture Directions Archaeology

Blandwood facade in the snow.

Blandwood, home of former North Carolina Governor John Motley Morehead is a treasure of architectural and historical significance located in the heart of downtown Greensboro.

The original two-story farmhouse was constructed on the site in 1795, before the founding of Greensboro (1808), and was expanded in the 1820s. In 1844, nationally renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis designed a prototype Italianate style villa for Governor Morehead, featuring a tall central tower, stucco walls, and symmetrical flanking dependencies. This addition was completed in 1846 and is considered the oldest standing example of Italianate architecture in the United States.

Blandwood was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and received the distinction of being named a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

Tours

All tours of Blandwood are guided by trained docents, who will take you through the restored main building including the 1795 farmhouse section, the 1822 addition, and the 1846 A.J. Davis Italianate addition.

Student group touring Blandwood.

Tours of Blandwood also include the two reconstructed dependencies, Governor Morehead's Law Office and the Kitchen. Both buildings were recreated using the original plans and evidence of foundations discovered during an archaeological dig in 1984.

Kitchen garden.

The Blandwood Gardens are open daily and include a variety of native plants and trees. In 1844 the grounds at Blandwood were featured in A. J. Downing's landscape guide Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening Adapted to North America. Today the only remaining original elements of that design are the sweeping drive, decorative urns, and feature plants that characterize Victorian era gardens.

Tour Hours

Tuesday - Saturday 11:00am-4:00pm &
Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm

The last tour begins 30 minutes prior to closing.

Blandwood and it's outbuildings are fully air-conditioned for your comfort as you tour the museum.

Please note that Blandwood only offers guided tours, led by trained docents. During our regular hours of operation tours are available on a walk-up basis. If a tour has started prior to your arrival, it may be necessary for you to wait until its completion to start your tour. Generally a tour of Blandwood lasts 45 minutes to one hour.

Closed Mondays, major holidays and the first week of January.

Admission

$8.00 Adults
$7.00 Seniors, AAA, Groups Front Facade at Night
$5.00 Children under 12

Blandwood can take cash, check, or credit cards for your admission.

To qualify for a group tour you must have a minimum of 10 people. To qualify for the group tour rate of $7 you must have a minimum of 20 people. All groups must reserve tours in advance a minimum of two weeks.

All scheduled NC school groups tour Blandwood for FREE admission. School groups must have one chaperone per 10 children. School groups must book tours in advance a minimum of two weeks.

Group tours available by appointment, call 336-272-5003 x2 or email Director/Curator Ashley Poteat.

Inclement Weather Policy

Due to the size of Blandwood's grounds and walkways, Blandwood is closed when there is more than a dusting of snow on the ground or if there is any ice.