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Some years ago, we
had a dream about our future home. We wanted
it to be near the ocean as well as located in
a historical district. In our search, we
discovered Wilmington and its exceptionally
rich and active historical interests where we
could combine our vision for our retirement
home and a Bed & Breakfast for local residents
and guests from all over the world to enjoy.
Also, we wanted to live in a community with
access to a local Greek Orthodox Church and we
found that Wilmington offered all of this and
more!
Refurbishing the house began in 1997.
Originally constructed in the Second Empire
style in 1878 by James Walker, a local
contractor, its third floor mansard roof and
tower had been removed and the architecture
changed by 1910. Using photographs from
approximately 1900, we set out to restore the
house to its original grandeur, adding back
the third floor, tower, bay windows and two
porches. Inside, the first floor kitchen,
living areas, five large guest rooms and
utilities were brought up to present day
standards. Outside, during the cleaning and
repainting of the house, we discovered
colorful Minton tiles that had been painted
over, embedded in the brick exterior and
encircling the second floor near the roofline.
These same Minton tiles, manufactured in
England and also installed in the US Capital
in 1856, are also found adorning the entryway
and corridor – be sure not to miss them!
Other features you’ll enjoy - the grounds have
been landscaped by award winning Lloyd’s of
Landscape, Ltd. and include a Koi pond with
three waterfalls, two ornate fountains and a
brick and cobblestone courtyard. Overhead,
ornamental ironworks surround the perimeter of
the bell tower and third floor, adding a
distinctively elegant neoclassical detail.
In previous years, we have proudly opened our
home for the Azalea Festival Tour of Homes,
the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society
Candlelight Tour, and the 2003 Designer
Showcase. Several movies and television series
were filmed in our house during the mid 1900’s
including Young Indiana Jones, An American
Gothic, The Wedding, and The Dangerous Lives
of Altar Boys, once again adding to the rich
history and nostalgia of the house.
We have lovingly restored the house to its
original state once so prized by David and
Lucy Murchison and now have opened it as a Bed
& Breakfast. We look forward to meeting you
and sharing our home with you. We offer you a
special setting, both for exploring historic
Wilmington and enjoying the charm of the
Murchison House, where you will – Experience
Exquisite Southern Hospitality.
Sincerely.
Ron and Sherry Demas
Hosts
Bed & Breakfast
910-762-6626
305 S. Third Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
Experience Exquisite Southern Hospitality
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Murchison House Bed & Breakfast. All Rights Reserved.
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