The Latimer House Museum and Gardens has a key role in Wilmington's historical culture. Built in the early 1850s and still preserved as one of the region's many opulent homes which have been converted to museums, this "residence" has also been the official home to the local Historical Society since 1963. Ornate and inviting, with rich touches throughout, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens is a must-stop for history buffs who are taking a strolling tour through Wilmington's most famous and best-preserved southern palaces.
The home was originally built in 1852 by local merchant Zebulon Latimer. Built in the era's very popular Italianate style, the four story house itself was designed to be perfectly symmetrical, with a central hallway and an identical layout on every floor. This symmetry can be noticed at first glance, as the ornate square building on Downtown's Third Street with an equal number of windows and pillars on all sides is incredibly unique on the Wilmington scene. It was occupied by three generations of Latimers until 1963, when it passed over into the hands of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society and became a popular Wilmington museum.
The home features a total of 14 rooms and more than 600 historical relics of its original era, all placed strategically throughout the household. The solid marble fireplaces and ornate chandeliers are all originals, (with a few modern lighting fixtures tossed in to replace the antiquated gas lighting), although the rich carpets, velvety curtains and patterned wallpapers have been updated here and there topreserve the original pristine look of the home. With a formal parlor, dining area, and opulent Victorian touches throughout, the Latimer House Museum is arguably one of the more richly appointed historic homes of Wilmington and is a spellbinding introduction for visitors on how the early wealthy merchants of the Cape Fear region lived in decadent style.
Outside, the formal gardens are protected from the rest of the world by original stucco and lace-brick walls which protect and border the property. Unlike other local residences, the gardens at the Latimer House Museum have stayed true to their roots, so to speak, with solely Victorian era plants scattered throughout the grounds. An iron water fountain stands as the centerpiece of the gardens, with a brick courtyard and several benches available for visitors to relax and enjoy the serenity. slaves' quarters are also located on the outside grounds, which can be explored by passing guests.
Trained docents are available to provide detailed guided tours throughout the homes and gardens, pointing out the specific features that makes this property wholly unique. Tickets are generally around $14.00 for adults ($12.00 with discounts for Military, seniors, college students, etc.) and $7.00 for children. Tours begin on the hour from 10:00am-2:00pm Tuesday-Saturday. With advanced reservations, visitors can also enjoy a fully interactive tour which encompasses all of historic Downtown Wilmington, and starts and ends on the Latimer House's front porch. These tours are generally 90 minutes long, and can be arranged in advance by calling (910)762-0492.
In addition to regular tours, the Latimer House Museum and Gardens are also home to a number of special seasonal events, including musical programs, art exhibitions, fundraising socials, and candlelight tours that delve deep into Wilmington's rich history.
The home is also available to visitors who want to host a special gathering, whether it's a uniquely beautiful wedding in the gardens, or a world-class tea in the formal tea room. Parties who wish to book the Latimer House Museum and Gardens for a special event are advised to contact the historical offices at (910) 762-0492 well ahead of time. Because of its splendor and location, the Latimer House often books up quickly on popular wedding and event weekends in the spring, summer and fall months.
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There’s a reason why the Carolina Beach area is historically known as “Pleasure Island.” A favorite destination for generations of vacationers, this coastal town is more than meets the eye, thanks to an array of activities and things to do that are sure to appeal to everyone in the vacationing party. Make sure your upcoming Carolina Beach vacation is the best it can be by including these top things to do on your travel agenda. From ocean waves to cool hiking trails, there’s miles of fun to be found at this wonderfully entertaining coastal destination.
Clean and uncluttered beaches and a remarkable local history combine to make the Fort Fisher State Historic Site one of coastal North Carolina's most treasured barrier island attractions. This incredible locale, just miles away from Carolina Beach, is home to gorgeous stretches of shoreline, thickets of nature trails and live oaks, and the original site of Fort Fisher itself, a relic of the 1800s and an instrumental turning point during the Civil War.
Bed Types: 3K,3Q,6T,3DOUBLE The top two levels, "A Sunrise Celebration" and the bottom level, "Bali Hai" may be rented together as a 3 level 9 bedroom, 6 (full) bath oceanfront beach house!! Move about the property with ease and convenience by elevator or the interior and exterior spiral staircase. A private oceanfront pool just for you to enjoy. Three oceanfront decks on every level that span the width of the home with ample outdoor seating for everyone to celebrate the sun rising and setting and anything in-between. The expansive private decks are directly accessible by both living areas and most of the bedrooms. The 1st level consists of living, dining & kitchen, king(br1) master oceanfront bedroom with private bath & deck, queen(br2) bedroom, also bedroom with a Queen & Twin sleep chair(br3) with shared bath. The 2nd level is decorated in bright "beach-y" colors is where you'll find the open updated kitchen/dining/living area and oceanfront king(br4) sized master suite with separate whirlpool tub and shower. One bedroom is equipped with a full(br5) pyramid bunk bed with trundle and the other bedroom is furnished with a full(br6) and a twin bed with trundle both sharing access to a full bathroom with a combination tub and shower. The stackable washer and dryer is also located on this floor. The top level of this house has a king(br7) master suite with separate whirlpool tub and shower. The additional two bedrooms located on this top floor each is furnished with queen beds(brs8&9) and share access to a full bathroom with a tub/shower combo and oceanfront deck access. Five of the nine bedrooms and the family rooms have direct access to the large private oceanfront decks. Three of the bedrooms are spacious master bedroom suites with king size beds(one on each floor), large private baths with whirlpool style tub and deck access, separate shower, and large closet areas. Located at the northern end of beautiful Carolina Beach, featuring a wide sandy beach, and is within walking distance to the north end fishing pier. The walkway to the beach with built-in benches excellent for enjoying your 1st cup of coffee while viewing the beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic. Seize this opportunity to book your stay!!! Property May NEVER Exceed Occupancy Limit Set by Owner - Sleeps up to 25, with a maximum of 19 adults. Absolutely NO Events(Reunions, Weddings, Parties, etc) are allowed at this Property Bed Types 1st Floor: BR 1: King, BR 2: Queen, BR 3: Queen & Single Sleep Chair, LR: Queen Sleep Sofa - Bed Types 2nd & 3rd Floors: BR 4: King, BR 5: Full Pyramid Bunk w/trundle, BR 6: Full & Twin Bed w/trundle, BR 7: King, BR 8: Queen, BR 9: Queen *Linens and Towels: To help keep the cost down for our guests, this property gives you the option to either bring your own linens and towels or rent them. If you would like to rent the linens, you can select linen sets, a la carte, for $34 plus tax per bed, at check out or when booking with a reservationist. Each linen set includes a fitted sheet, flat sheet, 2 pillowcases, bath towels and with every order a kitchen pack. This way you can choose which beds you want linens for and are not paying for linens you do not need. Pleasure Island Pet Ordinances: Leashed Dogs are allowed from October 1st- March 31st at any time of the day. April 1st- September 30th dogs are allowed from 5pm- 9am only. Dogs are not allowed on the beach 9am- 5pm. Dogs are not allowed on furniture & must be crated if left alone- see AREA GUIDE>DOG FRIENDLY INFO on this site for more info. Free wireless internet access ... Gas Grill ... TV's in each bedroom and family rooms equipped with the Select TV Plan through Spectrum TV, DVD's. Elevator. Keurig type coffee maker in kitchen (lower level), Washer/Dryer, FirePlace is Decorative Only, Non-smoking, Comforters & Pillows included... Linens, Towels, Paper, Plastic & Soap Products not provided... security deposit applies, dog friendly (certain restrictions apply with paid non-refundable charge), elevator service is reliable but not guaranteed, departure cleaning included.
- Carolina Beach
- 9 Bedrooms
- 6 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 23
