Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

America's oldest working plantation.  Boone Hall was founded in 1670. The original wooden house was constructed in 1790. The house that stands now was built by Thomas Stone, a Canadian who purchased the land in the early 20th century. He wanted a "grander style" home than what was there, so he built the Colonial Revival-style house that stands there today.

On the grounds today, besides the house, sit nine of the original slave cabins which date back to 1790-1810, Each cabin has a fireplace in the middle of the building, one side of it used for sleeping the other side for living. 

a smoke house dating back to 1750,   Eric is thinking of building a goat tower/smokehouse!!

the Cotton Gin house (1853), they need to repair and restore it back to original shape.  another victim of Hugo.

and the grand Avenue of Oaks that was created in 1743 and completed in 1843. The live oak trees run 3/4 of a mile long from the entrance to the front house gates.

this plantation did grow cotton at one time.. Eric is wanting to be a farm hand...

The tour of the house was very informative, they did not allow pictures but it was decorated very nice for Christmas.  the house and plantation has been used in movies, TV shows and in print. The gardens were not in bloom but I assume they are beautiful when they are in full bloom.  Everything was in good order and well kept. The owner still lives on the grounds but not in the big house. Now they grow vegetables and fruits.