C.W. Worth House Bed & Breakfast

The C. W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of the historic area, within easy walking distance of all downtown restaurants, shops and museums, the Cape Fear River and riverwalk. 

An 1893 Queen Anne-style home with bay windows, turrets and porches, the C. W. Worth House balances Victorian charm with owners, Margi & Doug, concern for guests' comfort and convenience.  Guests enjoy relaxing in the garden, on the veranda or in any of several sitting areas.  The seven guestrooms are light and airy with a private bath and sitting area. 

Wilmington, NC is one of the most beautiful cities on the North Carolina coast. Founded over 250 years ago on the shores of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington has a rich past. Actually, the historic district is the largest district listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a must see. Many fascinating buildings and historic sites are open to the visitor, so you can easily spend a few days exploring. During your visit you can browse the many quaint shops in the Historic District or just take a "southern style stroll" down brick streets rich in architecture.

When the evening is about to fall, sit down in the Riverfront Park and enjoy the view or the sunset over the Battleship North Carolina. At night there are many things going on as well and you may even find yourself in the middle of a scene from the hit TV show One Tree Hill which takes place in Tree Hill, a fictional town. Enjoy fine dining-from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Jazz, blues and varied entertainment complete the night scene.

The foyer of this North Carolina vacation spot resounds with memories of lyrical melodies playing on the antique gramophone while your hosts, Margi and Doug Erickson, greet you warmly and prepare you for your stay. The atmosphere here at the inn is casual and relaxed. The formal Victorian parlor invites conversation with a beau or a friend amid period furnishings and decorations, including an antique Weaver pump organ.

Sit in the comfortable library to read a book, watch television or a good movie on DVD. Also be sure to notice the collection of old cameras in the secretary. At the heart of every bed & breakfast is the dining room, where guests gather around the large table in an atmosphere that lends itself to sharing the day's events, the numerous area attractions or a chat with a newfound friend.

And, of course, the breakfast! The C.W. Worth House breakfast offers hearty fare to start off your busy day. Standards include tea or Organic Fair Trade Guatemala coffee, fresh fruit, juice, homemade muffins, as well as a chef's choice entrée such as savory rosemary and goat cheese bread pudding, artichoke/mushroom quiche or banana/pecan upside-down pancake. For early risers, coffee is available in the kitchen at 7:30 and the daily paper is in the library.

Whether you stroll in the garden, sit on the patio or lounge in the hammock for two, the landscaped gardens will fill your senses with southern fragrances. The soothing sound of a waterfall gurgling gently into the fishpond is sure to relax you. The second floor veranda provides an intimate setting to overlook the gardens.

For your additional comfort and relaxation, all guestrooms include:

Private Bath
Writing desk with lamp
Sitting area with reading lamp
Telephone with data-port
Free wireless internet
Ceiling fan
Full-length mirror

Iron and ironing board
Comfortable waffle weave robes
Hair dryer
Clock radio with CD player
Sound machine
Chocolates at bedside
Extra pillows and blanket

The entire house is centrally heated and air conditioned for year-round comfort. Complimentary refreshments and snacks are available in the guest refrigerators. A common sitting area with game table and TV/VCR/DVD is available for all guests to enjoy on the third floor. Books, magazines, puzzles and games are located in this area. A computer for guest use is also provided in this area.

Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access is provided throughout the inn. Whether you come for a weekend getaway, a mid-week trip, or business, we want you to make yourself at home and enjoy beautiful Wilmington, NC.

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The history of the C.W. Worth House, a North Carolina bed and breakfast, began with Charles W. Worth who was a wholesale grocery merchant, as well as a commission merchant in cotton and naval stores at the turn of the 20th century. These areas of commerce that were the mainstays of the Wilmington economy before and shortly after the War Between the States. He diversified the family business after Reconstruction by acquiring the Cape Fear Machine Works. His father, David Gaston Worth, was the only son of North Carolina Governor Jonathan Worth of Asheboro. Among notable Worth ancestors, the family tree includes Daniel Webster and Benjamin Franklin.

Charles W. Worth purchased the property at 412 South Third Street in 1889. He had an existing home on the property demolished and began construction of the Queen Anne-style home in 1889. It was completed in 1893, and the Worth family resided in the home until 1930.

The C.W. Worth House became a bed and breakfast in 1985 and remains the longest operating inn in historic Wilmington.

After your lodging needs are taken care of, remember we are located in Wilmington, NC only 20 minutes from Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. The Wilmington, NC International Airport is 10 minutes away. Airlines serving this area include U.S. Airways , Delta (ASA), as well as Allegiant Air with direct flights to and from Orlando, FL on Mondays and Fridays. We are also conveniently located near highways 17, 74, 421 and I-40. Wilmington, NC is the County Seat for New Hanover County and world headquarters for PPD and home to GE and Corning as well.

Driving from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and points North: Follow Interstate 40 East toward Wilmington. I-40 turns into NC State Highway 132 South. At the second traffic light turn right onto Highway 74 WEST (Downtown Wilmington and Airport) Stay in left two lanes. (NOTE: You will pass the airport which is about the half way point to downtown.) After 4.6 miles the road becomes North 3rd Street, then after 9/10 of a mile, you will cross Market Street and the road becomes South 3rd Street. The CW Worth House is four and a half blocks down on the right hand side, 412 South 3rd St.

Driving from Charlotte and points West: Follow State Highway 74 East towards Wilmington (will join Hwy 17 & 76) Follow signs for Hwy 17 BUSINESS over the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge (over Cape Fear River). At the first traffic light turn left onto South 3rd Street. Go five blocks to Nun Street and make a U-turn, The CW Worth House is 412 South 3rd St.