harmony hall plantation

What a great place. The plantation house is very authentic and tells a great story. All the reenactors were friendly and helpful. There was even a Blue Grass group that were fantastic.

If this house could talk, it would have the most amazing stories. My husband and I were the only visitors and kindly Custodian told us some wonderful historical facts. The poor settlers struggled with Indians and then Pirates marauding along Cape Fear River, then the British commandeered the house when the men of the household were away fighting but Genl. Cornwallis and the Brits stupidly plotted in the wife's hearing and she sent word to her husband and they thwarted the Brits. The wooden house itself is very interesting architecturally and wonderful to walk around observing the layout, and seeing the old artefacts displayed. Loved it. A lot to see and enjoy. The two floors are independent of each other and second and attic floors are accessed by the unusual external staircase off the back verandahs. The condition of the house was excellent. It was beautifully sited and views from the windows and verandahs towards Cape Fear River or over the plantation were lovely. Whilst I loved the two lower floors and had good vibes, at the point I wanted to step onto the attic floor I never could. I had 360 degree views into the room, it was spotlessly clean, minimally furnished, good light came thru the windows but I couldn't force myself to step up onto the floor. I felt as if something was behind me but whilst clutching the post I could see all around and there was nothing behind me on the narrow stair. Not timid usually but conceded defeat grumpily and took some photos clumsily whilst frantically clutching the stair post. Then went downstairs and outside to husband whom I asked had he gone into the attic. He had but he then confessed he couldn't enter the Cellar. I expected it to be underground and dark but it was in the brick foundations, and quite light even and accessed by a wide opening/doorway and shallow stairs. My husband protested he wasn't going in even with me but after looking in I decided there were no hiding places and all corners visible and it was very clean so I went in and walked all around it and felt no scary presence/s but it occurred to me the householders must have retreated to this cellar when attacked by Indians, Pirates and even The British. There were slots in the brick walls, presumably for guns to enable shooting at marauders. My husband ventured down the stairs but never moved far from the opening and declared the cellar spooked him. I have hated the Tower of London, the Colosseum because of the cruelty associated with them but cannot recall being frightened by something in any historical place so this was curious. However my intent is not to deter anyway from visiting Harmony Hall. It is of enormous historical significance and importance. We went to Wilmington after and saw the lovely famous old houses there and we still regard Harmony Hall as an amazing place and hope it gets financial support to preserve it for future generations but also that people visit it to appreciate and learn its history.

My wife and I went here as part of our anniversary date. The history behind the site is fascinating. The house is original and the other buildings were brought in from around the area. We were both very glad that we found out about Harmony Hall and love to go back again someday.

Harmony Hall Plantation is located off River Road near White Oak. The site is only open on Sundays from 2-4 pm (as of this writing). It was built ~1768 by Col. James Richardson and has been altered very little. Harmony Hall is a good example of a comfortable colonial farm/plantation - hard to come by in this area of NC. It is in a remote location - a very serene setting for such a pretty historic house. Harmony Hall Plantation1615 River RoadWhite Oak, N.C. 28399----- More can be read at their website - -----