Land's End
Also known as: Leigh House
Why it's listed
Land's End is a massive two-story brick plantation house rising almost alone on the flat expanse of Durant's Neck in Perquimans County. Built between 1830 and 1837 for Colonel James Leigh, a planter and merchant who held about 5,000 acres, it is the largest antebellum mansion in the county. The brickwork is laid in Flemish bond, and double porches with colossal Doric columns run across the front and rear. Steep gable ends, granite steps and delicate iron balustrades add to its character. Several doorways and mantels were taken from Asher Benjamin's Practical House Carpenter. Inside, a center hall two rooms deep holds an unusual carved stair with a handrail end resembling a shell. The house is the only known brick member of a related group of coastal houses and is regarded as one of the state's most important early Greek Revival plantation houses. It remains little altered, with original woodwork and hardware intact.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is perhaps the most impressive member of an important regional group of coastal plantation houses and one of the most important early Greek Revival plantation houses in North Carolina. Its grand scale, dramatic setting, bold Greek Revival details drawn from Asher Benjamin's designs, distinctive stair and fine craftsmanship all contribute. It is also the only known brick house in its related group.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 73001365, listed September 20, 1973. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | SE of Hertford near jct. of SR 1300 and 1324, Hertford |
|---|---|
| County | Perquimans County |
| Listed | September 20, 1973 |
| Reference number | 73001365 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1830-1837 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in good condition, little changed, retaining original woodwork and hardware; used as a private residence and occupied. |
| Acreage | 40 |
| Coordinates | 36.11127, -76.22091 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 73001365.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q19817686
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.