Ayr Mount, a handsome Federal-era plantation in Hillsborough, North Carolina, is celebrating its bicentennial this year. William Kirkland built the house in 1815 and named it for his birthplace of Ayr, Scotland. Part of the Classical American Homes Preservation Trust, today Ayr Mount is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes gardens, manicured grounds, and scenic trails spread over nearly 300 acres. The house has 14-foot ceilings—unusually high for a Federal home—and elaborate wood- and plasterwork. At a time when most houses in the area were being built in wood, Ayr Mount was one of the first to be built of brick.
The home has been furnished with period antiques and the collection contains pieces by Duncan Phyfe and Charles-Honoré Lannuier. Many of the decorative arts on display are original to the Kirkland family, who lived at Ayr Mount for four generations. Upcoming festivities marking the momentous anniversary include the unveiling of a time capsule telling the story of the Kirkland family and a ball complete with period costumes and Highland dress.
For more information visit classicalamericanhomerg .
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