By Karen Olsen House
- Introduction
- The interior, exterior and descendants
- Hours, prices and contact information
- Download the article
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The Interior, Exterior and Descendants
Rooms are meticulously furnished with Stone possessions and period pieces. Two stunning cabinets, examples of Roanoke River Basin craftsmanship, stand in the dining room.
The drawing room features one-piece flooring
30 feet long.
But one of the best assets is a tall, deceptively ordinary-looking pole
in the impressive library. Push its secret button, and surprise!, it
folds out into a ladder. The kitchen was authentically reconstructed
just last year. Outside,
the five-bay façade features a pedimented double portico. The hipped roof
is topped by a widow’s walk.
The 1763 King-Bazemore house nearby literally
joined the
plantation when it was moved four miles from its original site
to Hope Plantation. Built by Bertie County planter and cooper William King,
the two-story structure is one of the few examples of mid-18th century “hall
and parlor” design in North Carolina. Its original meat house and detached
kitchen are also on the property.
Historic Hope Foundation staff has been seeking descendants of Stone and King’s family and slaves, as well as families who once lived in the houses. “Last week I found a woman who had lived in the King-Bazemore house in the 1970s, and one of our docents, Miss Bunnie Mizelle, had also lived there as a child,” says Lisa Briley, coordinator of education and programs.
The foundation is currently hosting a year-long anniversary celebration. Upcoming events include a heritage camp for kids July 21-25 and photography and artifact exhibit that premieres August 1. The mission of the non-profit organization, served by Roanoke Electric Cooperative, is to provide educational, cultural and recreational benefits through the plantation’s preservation. Membership levels start at $25.
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