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Currituck commission unanimously designates Boswood Morris House a local historic landmark
Summary
The Currituck County Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously July 28 to designate the Boswood Morris House at 4379 Keratoke Highway in Barco as a local historic landmark, citing architectural integrity and continuous family ownership; staff noted owners may be eligible for a 50% annual property tax deferral if historic character is maintained.
On July 28, 2026, the Currituck County Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to designate the Boswood Morris House (HPC 26-01) at 4379 Keratoke Highway in Barco as a local historic landmark.
A county staff member told commissioners the 2.98-acre parcel qualifies under the county's local landmark criteria for its architectural and cultural significance, noting the house "possesses the requisite special local significance and integrity for local historic landmark designation." Staff described the house as an extended I-house in the Tidewater South vernacular with original 2-over-2 double-hung windows, balloon framing and a brick pier foundation. Staff also said a property owner may be eligible for an annual 50% property tax deferral so long as the historic character of the property is maintained.
Commissioners asked several clarifying questions about the nomination, including whether square footage should be added to the report and why some outbuildings were excluded from the designation area. The owner, identified in the staff presentation as Ms. Rhonda Morris, answered questions about a smokehouse (now used as a workshop), former stables and the property's broader family history. After a brief discussion, a commission member moved to accept the nomination and it was seconded; the chair announced, "The motion passes unanimously."
In marking the designation, the owner spoke about the site's family significance, saying, "I feel the blood of my ancestors in that land and I feel their presence in that house." The staff report cited continuous family ownership since the property's construction and noted local civic ties of past residents, including Chester Ralph Morris, who served as county attorney before becoming district attorney.
The commission's approval forwards the designation recommendation to the Currituck County Board of Commissioners for final action and the staff indicated the landmark report could be amended or supplemented with additional historical context if the commission requests it at a future meeting.
