Location: 215 South Academy Street
Built: 1830
Designated in 2008

The Guess-White-Ogle House is the finest, most intact and best-preserved example of Queen Anne-style architecture in the Downtown Cary National Register Historic District. It is also an example of a dwelling that was expanded over time to reflect the prevailing architectural tastes of the day. 

Although known locally as the Guess House, this house has had many owners throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Railroad roadmaster Captain Harrison P. Guess and his wife, Aurelia, purchased the land on which the house sits from Allison Francis "Frank" Page, Cary's founder and local businessman, in 1880 and built the original house. It is said to have been a two-story I-house, a common vernacular house type throughout Wake County, embellished with modest Greek Revival detailing.

John White, a local Baptist minister, bought the house from the Guess’ in 1896 and substantially remodeled and expanded it. He transformed the house into a Queen Anne structure by adding a three-story tower to the façade, a front bay window and much decorative woodwork. Carroll and Sheila Ogle bought the property in 1997 and restored it.

For more information, read the Landmark Designation Report.