Travel Segment on Southern Mansion
The Southern Mansion | Cape May Bed & Breakfast Hotel
720 Washington Street | Cape May, NJ 08204
1-800-381-3888 | 1-609-884-7171 | frontdesk@southernmansion.com
The Pulse travel segment takes you to Cape May New Jersey to The Southern Mansion one of Cape May’s premiere Bed & Breakfasts. This gorgeous mansion sits on 2 acres of land and takes you back to the southern antebellum era with its impeccable charm. The mansion was built in 1863 by Philadelphia Industrialist, George Allen. It was designed by acclaimed architect Samuel Sloan and constructed by Henri Phillipi. Allen and his descendants vacationed in this seaside palace for the next 83 years.
In 1946, the last of Allen’s direct relatives, Ester Mercur, passes away and her husband Ulysses sold the estate for a mere $8000.00. Purchased as an income producing property, the building was converted into a boarding house and very little maintenance was done on the grounds or the mansion for the next half century. In the 1980’s the boarding house license was revoked and no upkeep on the propery was done.
In 1994, the Bray/Wildes of Philadelphia spotted the home and purchased it. They began restoring the property. Inside, all of the architectural elements, furnishings, including the gasolier fixtures, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors, and windows were restored to their original splendor. The “Southern Mansion” finally reopened in the spring of 1996 and phase 2 of the renovations began. The new south wing houses 10 additional guest suites, 12 bathrooms, a second ballroom, a commercial kitchen, 3 balconies, a verandah, solarium, and 2 magnificient circular staircases, all in the original style!
The property also has a 9,500 square foot winery, called Willow Creek which is just a short drive from the property and is a local favorite. You truly have to see this place to believe it. We stayed in the King Suite and take you inside, check it out!
On a side note, many say this property is haunted by Ester Mercur, the last of George Allen’s descendants and the last one to be in the house. They say she hovers around the new kitchen but is a friendly spirit and is happy with the renovations. We did hear some tapping on our window and someone kept setting off a car alarm in the parking lot……
Southern Mansion
All it’s splendor
King Room
Charming bed
This vintage couch!
Sitting area
Marble fireplace
Enjoying the gardens
View from the terrace
Loving the view
Sits on 2 acres of land
Cape May
Streets of Cape May in the fall
