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Bellamy Mansion

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

When driving or strolling past the Bellamy Mansion, visitors are often transported back to a different time, when the Antebellum South was in full prestige, and Wilmington was a bustling, pre-Civil War port town. Located on Market Street, just barely on the outskirts of Wilmington's busy downtown center, the Bellamy Mansion is a famed attraction that easily lures in history buffs, garden lovers, and anyone who wants a genuine look into Wilmington's genteel southern past.

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

The home was originally built during the eve of the Civil War, with construction taking two full years from 1859 until 1861. Built by both enslaved laborers and free black carpenters, the twenty-two room home, designed by New Jersey native James F. Post and Connecticut resident Rufus Bunnel, was originally constructed as the private residence for local physician Dr. John D. Bellamy and his family. Dr. Bellamy was a bit of a Renaissance Man for his time, and dabbled in gardening and farming, local businesses, and investing, which afforded him the income to build his showpiece residence. Modeled after the palaces of ancient Greece with Italianate styling, the mansion still stands as one of North Carolina's most pristine examples of historic architecture.

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Shortly after it was completed, however, the Bellamy Mansion underwent a series of events that would give it a stormy history, and would nearly destroy its survival. Once the Civil War was in full swing, and Union Troops had descended on Wilmington, the Bellamy Mansion was transformed into a Union Headquarters, commanded by Joseph Roswell Hawley, whose wife, Harriet Foote, soon took up residence as well to serve as a nurse for the wounded.

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

After the war, Dr. Bellamy tried to regain his home, but his status as a former slave-owner did not sit well with the government officials. Eventually, he was able to retrieve his home, and by the end of 1865, returned to his residence and his medical practice. Generations of the Bellamy family would continue to live at the home until 1972, when the fourth generation set up the Bellamy Mansion, Inc. in an effort to both restore and preserve the home, one of the few surviving local antebellum mansions of the Civil War era. Sadly, just one month after this occurred, the home caught fire due to suspected arson, and extensive damage was done to a large portion of the interior. This presented an entirely new set of restoration challenges, but Bellamy Mansion, Inc. spent the better part of the next two decades restoring the home to its former glory. In 1989, Bellamy Mansion, Inc. donated the property to the Historic Preservation Foundation of North Carolina, which completed the repairs, and officially opened the home as museum to the public in 1994.

 

Now officially called the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Art, this former private residence is a fully-functioning museum complete with rotating exhibits on Civil War history and architecture, community events and fundraisers, and a special garden tour that takes place during the famed annual Azalea Festival.

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

Visitors will be able to take a tour of the intricate home and its perfectly placed antiques, from the formal parlors and dining areas to the Carriage House wherestaff greet visitors are give them an in-depth explanation of the grounds and surrounding areas. Outside the home itself, guests can view the original brick slave quarters, a rare-intact example of the living conditions for slaves at the time, or take a tour through the gardens, which are fully maintained and feature gorgeous samples of Wilmington's local flora and fauna, (including, of course, plenty of azaleas.)

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

The Bellamy Mansion is also available for weddings and special events, with many couples opting to say their vows along the picturesque garden landscape.

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

The mansion is open for visitor tours from Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Guided tours are given on the hour, with the last tour commencing at 4:00 p.m. Self-guided audio tours are also available until 4:00 p.m. Admission cost is generally around $10 for adults, $8 for group tours (or 20 or more people with an advanced reservation), and $5 for children 5-12. Visitors can expect to spend 1-2 hours on a self or professionally guided tour of the mansion and the surrounding grounds, including the slave quarters and gardens.

Steeped in local history and serving as one of North Carolina's best examples of antebellum architecture, the Bellamy Mansion is a rare antique treasure in Wilmington. With acres of exhibits to explore, visitors are invited to dive into a different time, and explore the Cape Fear region's rich cultural heritage.

 

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

Bellamy Mansion in Wilmington NC

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Wilmington
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Tuesday
10:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday
10:00am-5:00pm
Thursday
10:00am-5:00pm
Friday
10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday
10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday
1:00pm-5:00pm
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Cape Fear area Surfing Guide

Surfing is big in the Cape Fear area, and it’s a sport that has been enjoyed by decades of locals and vacationers alike. With gentle summertime waves that are perfect for beginners, and larger and more challenging swells that can make an appearance with a passing storm or hurricane, the surfing scene in the Cape Fear area can be as wild or as laid-back as a surfer wants. Visitors who want to get their toes wet in this popular beach activity will find ample destinations – and ample learning opportunities – to hit the waves. From cool camps that are perfect for young surfers just learning the ropes, to popular tournaments where East Coast’s best surfers shine, there’s something for everyone when it comes to the Cape Fear surfing scene.

Wrightsville Beach Park

The sunny Wrightsville Beach Park, conveniently located in the heart of town, is a fantastic destination for an outdoor adventure that doesn't necessarily entail a trip to the beach. Adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation's main facilities, the Wrightsville Beach Arboretum, and plenty of wide open green spaces, this park is a perfect spot for enjoying a little free fun in the sun, without the risk of getting sand in the shoes.

Cozy Wilmington Vacation Rental: 10 Mi t...
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Start your next coastal adventure at this striking 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom vacation rental in Wilmington! The home is located in a peaceful neighborhood and offers amenities such as a entirely equipped kitchen, a washer and dryer, Intelligent TV, and a enormous yard backed up to a pond! Spend your days discovering area attractions like the Airlie Gardens and Riverwalk, calming at Carolina Beach, practicing your swing at Pine Valley Country Club, or going for thrills at the North Carolina Aquarium!-- THE PROPERTY --Single-Story Home | Pet Friendly w/ Fee | Free WiFi | Playstation Bedroom 1: Queen Bed | Bedroom 2: Queen Bed | Bedroom 3: Full Bed OUTDOOR SPACE: Furnished patio, outdoor dining, gas grille, wood-burning fire pitINDOOR LIVING: Intelligent TV, laptop-friendly workspace, dining tableKITCHEN: Stainless steel appliances, stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator w/ ice maker, toaster oven, dishware/flatware, kitchen island w/ breakfast barGENERAL: Washer/dryer, linens/towels, complimentary toiletries, central air conditioning/heating, hair dryer, laundry detergent, 2-person inflatable kayak, life vestsFAQ: Stairs required to enter, 1 exterior security camera (facing out), pet fee (paid pre-stay)PARKING: Driveway (3 cars), RV/Trailer parking allowed on-site-- THE LOCATION --THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Trails End Park - public boat ramp (2 miles), Masonboro Island Reserve (3 miles), Myrtle Grove Sound (5 miles), Airlie Gardens & Riverwalk (8 miles), Trinity Disc Golf (9 miles), Carolina Beach State Park (9 miles), Wilmington Riverwalk - cycling, paddleboarding, fishing, boating, hiking (9 miles), Wrightsville Beach (10 miles), Freeman Park (11 miles), Ocean Front Park and Pavilion (13 miles)THINGS TO DO: Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park (6 miles), iEscape Rooms (9 miles), Carolina Beach Boardwalk (9 miles), Battleship North Carolina (10 miles), Fort Fisher State Historic Site (14 miles), North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (15 miles)ON THE GREEN: Pine Valley Country Club (3 miles), Beau Rivage Golf & Resort (4 miles), Club Golf Indoor (5 miles)AIRPORT: Wilmington International Airport (11 miles)-- REST EASY WITH US --Evolve makes it painless to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.-- POLICIES --- No smoking- Pet friendly w/ $75 fee (+ costs & taxes, max 2)- No events, events, or sizable gatherings- Must be at least 25 years old to book- Additional costs and taxes may apply- Photo ID may be required upon check-in- NOTE: The property requires stairs to enter- NOTE: Your safety matters. This property features 1 exterior security camera located on the front porch, facing outward toward the driveway. It does not look into any interior spaces. The camera records video and sound when activated by motion- NOTE: Wildlife can often be spotted on-site from the pond like turtles, geese, and ducks

  • Wilmington
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • Sleeps 6
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