Coolmore Plantation, National Historic Landmark plantation near Tarboro, North Carolina.
Coolmore is an Italianate plantation house with a two-story wood-frame structure, single-story wings, and a central hipped roof with gabled projections. Outbuildings on the property, including quarters for workers, a smokehouse, and a carriage house, follow a similar design approach.
The architect E. G. Lind from Baltimore designed this residence between 1858 and 1861 for Dr. Joseph J.W. Powell and Martha Powell. Its completion coincided with a period of significant economic and social transformation in the region.
The interior showcases fine craftsmanship with a freestanding elliptical staircase and an intricate trompe-l'œil mural painted on a parlor ceiling. These decorative touches reveal the taste and refinement of those who lived within these walls.
Visiting requires advance arrangements with the resident curators to protect the delicate architectural elements and historical features. Expect a guided and controlled visit experience.
The outbuildings on the property intentionally mirror the design of the main structure, including matching cupolas, reflecting careful architectural planning across the entire complex. This design cohesion was uncommon for plantations of this era.
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