Explore Ayr Mount and Poet’s Walk

Discover some of the area’s rich history and heritage at Ayr Mount this Fall, a Federal-style estate in Hillsborough full of period antiques and fine art. Built in 1815, the plantation house is one of many historic homes of the era that can be found in the Research Triangle area (more of those to come). Sometimes called the crown jewel of Hillsborough’s historic buildings, Ayr Mount can be found on the National Register of Historic Places. When its construction finished following the War of 1812, Ayr Mount was considered the finest residence in Piedmont, North Carolina.

Deceptively simple, even small, the estate was the first major residence in the area built of brick; and it’s truly the interior of the house that makes it so grand. Elaborate, detailed woodwork and plasterwork is found throughout the house and a 14-foot ceiling, an unusual characteristic for this period, is nothing but impressive. Walk the halls admiring antique furniture, featuring elements of classical Greek and Roman styles, and transport yourself to the peak of artisanal hand-carved furniture and woodworking before human hands were replaced by machinery.

Besides its breathtaking interior and beautiful, public-access grounds, the 200-year-old Ayr Mount estate also offers the scenic one-mile-long Poet’s Walk loop hike. The trail meanders alongside the Eno River, giving you many scenic lookouts of the tranquil river, dense forest, and features like the Kirkland family cemetery. Pack a picnic for a lunch beneath the colorful Fall canopy of Poet’s Walk or on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the estate. The walk is perfect for any history buff or nature enthusiast and the house museum is open for a guided tour for after your lunch. Admission to the grounds is open from 9AM-6PM in October and 9AM-5PM November and December. For more information visit their Facebook page.

Ayr Mount

376 St. Mary’s Rd.

Hillsborough, NC 27278

919.732.6886