Ivey-Ellington House
A rare Gothic Revival gem in Downtown Cary, recently relocated and serving as a community hub and architectural marvel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Farmers market buzz
Ivey-Ellington House
Best Time
Farmers market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare Gothic Revival gem in Downtown Cary, recently relocated and serving as a community hub and architectural marvel.
"This historic home is a beautiful addition to the character of downtown Cary."
🚗 Easy On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking available right at the property, making access simple for visitors.
🚶♀️ Explore Downtown
Walk a short block to Ashworth's drugstore for a historic chocolate shake.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gothic Revival Architecture
Downtown Cary
Admire the rare Gothic Revival style, featuring dramatic lines and symmetrical windows. A true architectural gem.
Saturday Farmers Market
Adjacent to the house
Experience local flavors and community spirit at the bustling farmers market held on Saturdays.
Downtown Cary Exploration
Surrounding area
Combine your visit with exploring nearby shops, historic sites, and the old-school soda fountain at Ashworth's Drugstore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A House on the Move
Historic Charm & Community Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking available right at the property, making access simple for visitors.
🚶♀️ Explore Downtown
Walk a short block to Ashworth's drugstore for a historic chocolate shake.
Ivey-Ellington House in Cary, NC. Built in the early 1870s
📸 Architectural Photos
The symmetrical windows and dramatic lines make for stunning architectural photography.
🏡 A Rare Style
Appreciate this rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in Wake County.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy On-Site Parking
Plenty of parking available right at the property, making access simple for visitors.
🚶♀️ Explore Downtown
Walk a short block to Ashworth's drugstore for a historic chocolate shake.
📸 Architectural Photos
The symmetrical windows and dramatic lines make for stunning architectural photography.
🏡 A Rare Style
Appreciate this rare example of Gothic Revival architecture in Wake County.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ivey-Ellington House for its rare Gothic Revival architecture and its role as a charming addition to Downtown Cary's character. Its location makes it a great starting point for exploring local shops and eateries, and the Saturday farmers market adds a lively community feel. Some wish for interior access, but its exterior beauty and historical significance are widely appreciated.
"This historic Gothic Revival style home is going to make some building enthusiast a dedicated fan. This piece of history is actually quite rare for Wake county due to the low number of Gothic revival style homes that are in existence here. The highly ornate Victorian style was dominating in this era which was still a time period where mainly the wealthy were the only home owners. Gothic revival combined utilitarian needs with a lesser degree of ornate design and a keen sense of symmetry that ties together the dramatic lines. The windows alone on this beauty are worth a visit as they perfectly mimic the symmetrical effect.
The photos at the end of this group are of a 1929 Craftsman style bungalow in Durham, NC. This was an extensive remodel project where we applied this same style exterior look to come up with a "Modern Gothic Impressed Bungalow Revival." Ok, at the least it is a well remodeled home with a salute to the style that has inspired generations to keep building design symmetrically pleasing.
Located right downtown in Cary, NC this historic destination offers excellent on site parking and a large lot where little ones can run. This home has enjoyed a front row seat to history as it has stormed down the street in front and I would give anything to hear it's perspective. Until those impressive walls start speaking we can only imagine, but doing so from the front porch is just way easier!
This is not a park style location and the main historic interest is the building style and the structure itself. If you're looking for historic destinations interesting to people not as drawn to old houses as you and I, this spot is still a good choice and family friendly due to it's easy access to everything in downtown Cary. Come straight to the property on site parking and your guests can walk a short block to Ashworth's drugstore and acquire a historic chocolate shake at an old school soda fountain. There are plenty of things to do and a historic district surrounding the Ivey-Ellington house so I encourage you to visit and see if those walls will talk to you!"
Judson Vickery
"I love the IE house in the downtown. What beautiful addition to the character of downtown Cary."
Marilyn Griman
"Beautifully and hauntingly perfect!"
caleb couch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ivey-Ellington House is located in Downtown Cary, NC. It has excellent on-site parking available, making it easy to access by car. You can also explore the surrounding historic district on foot.
While specific bus routes are not detailed, Downtown Cary is generally accessible via local transit. Check with Cary's public transportation services for the most up-to-date route information. The house's central location makes it a walkable destination within downtown.
Downtown Cary is very walkable, especially around the Ivey-Ellington House. Many shops, restaurants, and the farmers market are just a short stroll away. Parking is available on-site at the house and in nearby public lots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to view the Ivey-Ellington House from the exterior and explore its grounds. It serves as a historic landmark and community space.
The house itself is primarily viewed from the exterior. The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours. The Saturday farmers market has specific operating hours.
There is no admission fee to visit and admire the Ivey-Ellington House. It's a free historic site to appreciate from the outside.
Currently, interior access to the Ivey-Ellington House may be limited or by special arrangement. The main attraction is its exterior architecture and its role in the community.
📸 📸 Photography
The front porch offers a great vantage point for capturing the house's facade and symmetrical windows. The surrounding grounds also provide good angles for architectural shots.
Yes, photography for personal use is generally welcomed at the Ivey-Ellington House. Capture the unique Gothic Revival details and its presence in downtown Cary.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for highlighting the architectural details. Saturday mornings during the farmers market offer a lively backdrop, though it will be more crowded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The Ivey-Ellington House is in Downtown Cary, which has numerous dining options. You can walk to Ashworth's Drugstore for a historic chocolate shake or explore other local eateries.
Downtown Cary offers a variety of cuisines, from casual cafes to more upscale dining. You'll find options to suit different tastes and budgets.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss a short walk to Ashworth's Drugstore for a historic chocolate shake – a treat kids (and adults!) will love. The easy on-site parking makes getting there with little ones a breeze.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Consider visiting on a Saturday to experience the farmers market, adding a layer of living history to your visit. The house's recent relocation also adds an interesting narrative to its preservation story.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Don't forget to visit Ashworth's Drugstore for a nostalgic soda fountain experience, or check out the Saturday farmers market for local treats and artisanal products.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ivey-Ellington House: A Relocation Story
This architectural style is quite rare for Wake County, making the Ivey-Ellington House a unique find. Unlike the more ornate Victorian homes popular in its era, Gothic Revival combined utilitarian needs with a keen sense of symmetry and dramatic lines. The distinctive windows are a prime example of this design philosophy, contributing to its striking appearance.
Architectural Significance: Gothic Revival
Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the house's specific features, such as its well-proportioned windows that exemplify the style's emphasis on symmetry and dramatic lines. The house's rarity in Wake County underscores its importance as a preserved example of this architectural movement. It offers a valuable opportunity to understand the evolution of home design and the aesthetic preferences of different historical periods.
Community Hub and Local Life
The house's location in the heart of downtown also means it's surrounded by other attractions. A short walk can lead you to historic drugstores like Ashworth's, where you can grab a classic chocolate shake, or to various shops and eateries. This makes the Ivey-Ellington House an excellent starting point for a day of exploring Cary's charming downtown district.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit