Hayes Plantation

Hayes Plantation is a Federal-style house in Edenton featuring a central two-story block with curved colonnades connecting the kitchen and library wings. The residence sits on extensive grounds and displays the refined architectural details typical of early 19th-century plantation homes.

Samuel Johnston acquired the property in 1765, and his son James Cathcart Johnston had the current mansion built between 1814 and 1817 with architect William Nichols. This construction transformed the older plantation into a significant Federal-period residence.

The property served as a center for education and intellectual life in the coastal region, where the owning family gathered with writers and scholars. This made it more than just a residence; it functioned as a place where ideas were shared and discussed among educated circles.

The grounds operate as a working property where visitors can see crops growing and farm operations in progress. The coastal location in North Carolina means the area is generally flat and easy to navigate.

A reproduction of the Gothic Revival library interior can be viewed at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill rather than on site. This allows visitors to study the original room design in a different location and represents an unusual preservation approach.