About the Murchison House Bed and Breakfast in Wilmington, North Carolina

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