Graystone Inn is a historic bed-and-breakfast occupying a 1905 neoclassical mansion at 100 South Third Street in the downtown historic district of Wilmington, North Carolina. The inn was built as a private residence for Elizabeth Bridgers, a Wilmington socialite, and later served as a private club before conversion to a boutique inn. The four-story grey granite and brick structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits on a quiet residential block flanked by other historic antebellum homes, a few steps from Wilmington's Cape Fear Riverwalk and downtown gallery corridor.
The inn offers nine guest rooms and suites, each individually decorated with period-appropriate antiques, four-poster beds, and vintage fabrics that reflect the Edwardian elegance of the original home. Room categories include Queen rooms, King rooms, and Suites with gas fireplaces. Rates range from approximately $160 to $280 per night and include a complimentary breakfast served each morning in the inn's formal dining room.
The wraparound verandas on the home's first and second floors provide shaded outdoor seating with views across the adjacent garden and the historic street. Free parking is available on the inn's grounds — an advantage in downtown Wilmington where on-street parking can be limited during weekend events. The Cape Fear River Riverwalk, one of North Carolina's most scenic urban waterfront promenades, is approximately two blocks from the inn.
The Bellamy Mansion Museum, one of the finest surviving antebellum mansions on the East Coast, is two blocks away. The Cameron Art Museum and the historic downtown shopping district along Front and Market Streets are all within walking distance. The inn is operated as a small boutique property with a higher staff-to-guest ratio than chain properties, and innkeepers maintain relationships with local restaurant owners to facilitate dining recommendations.
Room types
- Queen rooms
- King rooms
- Suites with fireplace
Amenities
- Historic mansion setting
- Complimentary breakfast
- Wraparound verandas
- Free parking
- Riverwalk walking distance
Location
100 S Third St, Wilmington, NC 28401
34.2345, -77.9437 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1905 neoclassical mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Nine individually decorated rooms with antique furnishings and period character
- Complimentary breakfast served in the formal dining room each morning
- Two blocks from the Cape Fear River Riverwalk and Wilmington's historic downtown core
- Wraparound verandas with garden views and free on-site parking
Tips for visiting
- Suites with fireplaces are ideal for cooler-season visits — Wilmington winters are mild but evenings cool noticeably
- The Cape Fear Riverwalk is two blocks away; sunset over the river is particularly atmospheric from the waterfront
- The innkeepers maintain strong local restaurant relationships — ask for dining recommendations beyond standard review sites
- Free parking on the inn's grounds is a significant convenience during downtown Wilmington event weekends
- The Bellamy Mansion Museum two blocks away is one of the finest antebellum mansions on the East Coast — combine a museum visit with a stay here
Accessibility
Graystone Inn is a historic 1905 mansion with limited accessibility features. The property has stairs at the main entrance and between floors without elevator access. Guests with mobility needs should contact the inn directly before booking, as the historic structure imposes significant constraints on accommodating wheelchair users.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Graystone Inn close to the Wilmington Riverwalk?
Yes, the Cape Fear River Riverwalk is approximately two blocks from the inn — a five-minute walk south along Third Street. The walk connects to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial ferry crossing and a series of riverfront restaurants and bars.
Is breakfast included at Graystone Inn?
Yes, a complimentary breakfast is included in the room rate and served each morning in the inn's formal dining room. Common offerings include egg dishes, fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee.
What makes Graystone Inn different from hotels in downtown Wilmington?
Graystone Inn is a nine-room historic mansion B&B with individually decorated rooms and personalized service, offering a very different experience from larger riverfront hotels. The 1905 building, period furnishings, and intimate scale attract guests seeking character and quiet over amenities volume.
Is the Graystone Inn pet-friendly?
Graystone Inn does not generally accommodate pets in order to preserve the historic interiors and furnishings. Guests with animals should inquire directly for the current policy before booking.