Join Preservation NC and the Bellamy Mansion fo ra progressive cocktail party with delicious hors d'oeuvres and wine!  You are invited to tour four spectacular houses (in whatever order you choose)!

The Donald MacRae House is on the grounds of St. James Episcopal Church at 28 S. Third Street.  Built in 1902, it was designed by Brite and Bacon.  Wilmington resident Henry Bacon went on to fame as the architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. A very recent restoration kept all th eoriginal fixtures, windows and beautiful mahogany paneling while polishing this gem in the heart of downtown.  Alongside the house is a church which has been given a new lease on life.  Currently used as the parish offices, it is a stunning landmark not to be missed!  

The Williams House at 10 South Fifth Avenue is an imposing three-story, six bedroom Italianate gem, built for merchant George Williams in 1868. The 8,000 square foot home underwent a multi-year restoration by owners Lucia & Tom Hughes. It was rehabilitated to a single family home with new slate roofing, two levels of enclosed porches, new exterior porches and a third floor deck. Original fireplaces, chandeliers, crown molding and paneling with encaustic tiles were part of the award-winning work. The bride's room is a sumptuous addition created for the wedding of the original owners' daughter. This room alone makes this a unique property in the city.

The David R. Murchison House at 305 South Third Street underwent an enormous restoration in the mid-2000s under the watchful eyes of owners Sherry & Ron Demas. 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 circa 1900, the owners set out to restore the house to its original grandeur, adding back the third floor, tower, bay windows and two porches. During the cleaning and repainting of the house, colorful Minton encaustic tiles - that had been painted over and long lost - were found 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 Capitol in 1856, are now found adorning the entryway and corridor.  

Complete your evening with desserts in Tuscany! This house is striking as you enter and becomes more interesting as you explore. It is the home of Kathy & Chris Wilson and was designed by Thalian Hall-City Hall and Bellamy Mansion architect and builder James F. Post. Completed in 1854 for merchant Jacob Wessell the home at 120 South Fifth Avenue has Italianate and Greek Revival detailing, especially in the handsome Tower of Winds capitals atop the fluted columns. Originally, the house featured come-and-go stairs, but they were removed mid-20th century. During an extensive renovation by the Wilsons, stunning new come-and-go stairs were recreated. Chris is the artist in residence at Barton College and his art adorns the house - including the basement studio level. 

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling 910-547-9592 or emailing info@bellamymansion.org . All houses are within easy walking distance of each other, but a trolley will loop throughout the evening.  Parking is available at the Bellamy Mansion on 5th & Market Streets, in adjacent office lots, and along surrounding streets. 

All funds raised to go support Bellamy Mansion's mission to provide educational opportunities for thousands of visitors every year.