The greatest number of early brick residences were built in central hall or central passage plan arrangements. In these homes the main entrance opens onto a central hallway flanked by two large rooms. Each of these rooms contains a
fireplace and often decorative Federal styls mantels. One-and one-half or two-story central hall plan residences generally have the main staircase located in the central hall. Examples of this style in the county constructed before 1830 include the William Allison House (WM-232), Newton Jordan House (WM-259), Mordecai Puryear House (WM-287) and the Douglass-Reams House (WM-540). All of these houses are noteworthy examples of this style and retain their original detailing. The Allison, Jordan and Puryear House are all of single pile or one room deep construction with rear ells or wings while the Reams House is double pile or two rooms deep and lacks a rear addition.