When we typically think of famous historic houses in North Carolina, we think Biltmore Estate. Yet, North Carolina has over 2,800 landmarks on the national historic registry. With so much antiquated beauty hiding right here in our state, there's no excuse not to explore these architectural gems this spring!

1. Orton Plantation, Brunswick County

Built in 1735 by the co-founder of Brunswick Town, Orton Plantation is one of the oldest structures in the county and an example of Southern antebellum architecture.

2. Saluda Cottage, Flat Rock

Saluda Cottage has been called "the little Charleston of the mountains." It is now privately owned but I'm sure the owners are used to photo-ops.

3. Tryon Palace, New Bern

Known as North Carolina's original capitol, Tryon Palace is a reconstruction of the historical, royal governor's "mansion." It is open daily for tours.

4. Berryhill House, Charlotte, Fourth Ward

The Berryhill House is known as the prime architectural achievement nestled in Fourth Ward. Rarely seen by the public, except during special "tours" frequently around the holidays, its quaint charm adds to the back-in-time essence of the Fourth Ward neighborhood in Charlotte.

5. Heck-Andrews House, Raleigh

As one of the first houses built in Raleigh after the Civil War, the Heck-Andrews house is a preserved piece of time. Following restoration, the Heck-Andrews house will be open to the public.

6. Richter House, Raleigh

The Richter House was designed and built by Henry Kamphoefner and NC State professor George Matsumoto. The Richter House is considered to be the NC version of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian mode of design.

7. Blandwood Mansion, Greensboro

The Blandwood Mansion, built in 1795, was originally a four room Federal style farmhouse. Retired two-term NC Governor John Motley Morehead restored and extended the mansion. Today, Blantwood Mansion is considered to be the oldest example of Italian Villa style architecture in the United States. It opened in 1976 as a historic house museum.

8. Reynolda House, Winston-Salem

Once the home for tobacco tycoon RJ Reynolds, the Reynolda House is now a museum dedicated to displaying American art work from the colonial period to the present. Reynolda house makes for a great day trip, the gardens are beautiful, the wildlife is abundant, and there is plenty to explore.

9. Capehart House, Raleigh

Built in 1888 for Lucy Catherine Capehart by Charles P. Snuggs, the Capehart House is considered to be one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Architecture in North Carolina.

10. William E. Breese House, Asheville

This adorable pink Queen Anne style house is a quaint but bold example of antiquated architechture. The house became Sherwood Sanatorium from 1927-1932 and after 1939 became a tourist home called Cedar Crest.

What are some of your favorite historic houses in North Carolina?