A WALK THROUGH THE 1700’S: The Newbold-White House gives an incredible glimpse into a bygone era

06/25/2020

A WALK THROUGH THE 1700’S:
The Newbold-White House gives an incredible glimpse into a bygone era

For an authentic walk into early 18th century life, one of our area’s most treasured relics, the Newbold-White house dating back to 1730, is a must visit. Many of our Albemarle Plantation residents volunteer their time here at this historic site and we think you’ll enjoy visiting, too. Along the banks of the Perquimans River, the Newbold-White house is an unassuming brick residence that was the centerpiece of a plantation owned by Quakers, Abraham and Judith Sanders.

The property that this intriguing home sits on dates even farther back, to the earliest colonial settlements of North Carolina. In the mid 1600’s, settlers from established English regions in Tidewater Virginia, began to make their way into our beautiful Albemarle County area.  One of these settlers, Joseph Scott, was granted the property in 1684. His descendants sold the land to Abraham Sanders, who had recently come from Virginia to wed Judith Pritlove, a lovely Albemarle local, who we’re sure was worth the journey!

On the National Register of Historic Places, The Newbold-White house is the oldest brick plantation house in North Carolina and is a stunning showcase of the period, inside and out. Visit and walk among the historically accurate furnishings and details of the Newbold-White house and you’ll start to get a feel for how life must have been for the Sanders family so long ago.

Then, follow the shell path to the Quaker graveyard behind the home to see graves that date as far back as the 1680’s, enclosed in a boxwood border. Then, head toward the water and marvel at a replica of the Sanders family’s Periauger—a double-masted 30-foot boat. This one is very special—it’s the only known example of a colonial era work boat—and it’s still working! You may just see it sailing from Hertford Bay Marina and making appearances at various local waterfront festivals from time to time.

Feeling like a bit of adventure? The Newbold-White House has its very own Recreation Trail. An easily walkable mile round trip, the trail takes you to the Perquimans River by way of an amazing Bald Cypress Swamp, china berry bushes, and plantation fields sown with cotton, wheat and soybeans throughout the seasons.

Did You Know:  The historic home belonged to the Sanders family from its construction in 1730 until it was sold in 1868 to Joseph Underhill. It was later owned by Mary J. Tucker, Thomas G. Skinner, and T.E. White before being sold again— this time to John Henry Newbold in 1903. The Perquimans County Restoration Association was able to purchase and restore it in the early 1970’s.

While you’re here, take a tour of the seasonal garden that features herbs and flowering plants used by early settlers for medicinal purposes, dyeing, and cooking.

There’s the Museum Shop, too— you’ll want to check out their locally sourced crafts, handmade pottery, and jewelry. While you’re there, pick up a bottle of their Private Label Cider and a good history book to enjoy on your next relaxing afternoon by the water.

Some of our favorite times to visit and enjoy the Newbold White House:

• Colonial Christmas Open House
• The Spring Garden Party, a ticketed event where ladies and gentlemen, dressed in their spring finery enjoy the traditional charm of a southern garden.
• Muscadine Grape Picking, in season: 27 varieties of grapes available to pick every Saturday usually starting in late August or early September

Find out more about this amazing local treasure at the Newbold-White House website, www.perquimansrestoration.org

The Newbold-White House is maintained by the Perquimans County Restoration Association, who has informed us that they look forward to returning to their normal operating hours when the current restrictions allow them to do so.

Normal Hours*:
10am – 4pm Thursday – Saturday
April 2 – October 31, 2020
Phone: 252.426.7567

www.perquimansrestoration.org

151 Newbold-White Road
Hertford, NC

*Hours and schedule will be evolving. Please contact them for details.