Originally built as a four-room Federal style farmhouse in 1795, it was home to two-term North Carolina governor John Motley Morehead (1841-1844) under whose ownership it was transformed into its present appearance.

It is believed to be the oldest extant example of the Italian Villa Style of architecture in the United States, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1988.

As a political leader, Morehead hosted numerous intellectuals of the day including social activist Dorothea Dix and architect Alexander Jackson Davis.

The property use as alcoholic treatment facility continued until it closed in 1961 at which time historians were beginning to understand the importance of nineteenth century architecture and the significance of works by Alexander Jackson Davis.

The house, located adjacent to the village of Greensborough during the antebellum period, took advantage of the convenience of nearby commercial merchants for supplies.

As a town house, census data suggests a limited enslaved population living at Blandwood that was related to the operation of a large and affluent residence.

Scholars continue to research archaeological resources and seek primary historical references in order to build a better understanding of the period.

Additional insights include John Motley Morehead's complex personal relationship to slavery, ranging from early political initiatives in support of Freedmen to his service to the Confederacy.

Architect A. J. Davis designed the building to resemble villas of Tuscany (though he never visited Italy) using wide overhanging eaves, low rooflines, casement windows, stucco-on-brick veneer, and most notably the tall prospect tower which dominated the facade.

Davis adaptively reused the existing free-standing kitchen by expanding its size and matching it with a nearly identical building on the other side of the house, creating freestanding hyphen wings with arcades.