Located just off the Cape Fear River in southern North Carolina, the C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast has been under the ownership of Jeff and Jennifer Mason since February of 2022. The bed and breakfast features seven guestrooms for patrons to reserve, in addition to several common areas throughout the property. The building itself is historically significant as it dates back to the 1890s, and the owners have strived to maintain its historical character since the time they gained ownership of the establishment. Jeff describes the bed and breakfast as a "blend of modern furnishings with a touch of traditional décor." Breakfast is provided to patrons every morning from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, and coffee, tea, ice, and water are available to visitors throughout the day. Jeff and Jennifer have the goal of emulating an atmosphere that can allow guests to feel welcome and relaxed during their stay.
The C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast is located in the southern region of North Carolina in the city of Wilmington. A total of seven guestrooms are available in a three-story building. The rooms are spread throughout the second and third floors among several common areas where patrons can lounge during their stay. Such common areas include the parlor, pub room, dining room, and game room on the third floor. A pool table, board games, and TV are all provided inside the game room and are open for guest use. The on-site pub, most commonly referred to as Jay's Pub, is where a wine social hour is held each evening at 5:00, which visitors are welcome to attend. In one of the common areas, a coffee station is available throughout the day for patrons as well. Other places on the premises where guests can relax are two back deck areas, one of which can be found on the first floor and the other on the second floor. A porch is featured at the front of the house where visitors can mingle. Characterized by a garden area, the exterior of the grounds features seating areas, as well as a waterfall and two ponds that contain goldfish. Guests can also utilize the provided fire pit in the backyard. Though the location of the property is relatively residential, a fair amount of trees encompass the acreage and can create shade.
As described by Jeff, an owner of C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast, the establishment's style is a "blend [of] modern décor, while still being true to the historic tradition of the house." The house itself is also considered to be historical as it dates back to the 1890s, though the modern furnishings are intended to allow visitors to have access to various amenities that they may find necessary during their stay. Such amenities include flat-screen TVs, which can be found in every guestroom, Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, private baths, showers, and a memory foam mattress provided in each bedroom. A few of the guestrooms have additional bathtubs, and one particular unit has a whirlpool bathtub.
Breakfast is offered to all guests at the C.W. Worth House Bed and Breakfast, typically served between 9:00 and 10:00 AM. Meals rotate daily, but some of the options that visitors can expect include a fruit cocktail, berry parfait, French toast with bacon, quiches, or a ham and egg bowl for the main course. The ham and egg bowl, in particular, consists of ham that makes a bowl shape filled with an egg in the center. Dietary restrictions or food allergies can be accommodated, and the owners prefer guests to let them know of such dietary needs prior to their stay, more specifically during the booking process. Breakfast is cooked by an owner, Jennifer.
A number of attractions can be found outside the borders of the C.W. Worth House. Several beaches are located about twenty minutes away by car. A couple of the most notable beaches in close proximity to the bed and breakfast are Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. The property is also within walking distance of the riverfront of Cape Fear River, nearly three blocks away. Visitors can also have the option to participate in various tours provided in the general area. One such tour travels by horse and carriage through the downtown historic district. Battleship North Carolina also tends to draw a fair amount of tourists, as well as other river cruises and historical home tours. With regards to places to eat nearby, Jeff directs his guests to some of his local favorites, including Circa 1922, Tarantelli's, and The Pilot House on the waterfront. The owners also recommend a few breweries and cocktail bars, namely Waterline Brewing Co., New Anthem Beer Project, and The Blind Elephant.
C.W. Worth House is open year-round, with the busiest time of operation typically occurring in the summer. Jeff, an owner of the property, has the goal of providing an experience for guests that allows them to feel as though the bed and breakfast is "not just a place to sleep. Ideally, for the property to be a destination of itself." He and his wife, Jennifer, put forth effort in creating an atmosphere where visitors feel "at home and relaxed," as stated by Jeff, in an attempt to achieve his previously stated goal. They try to interact with their patrons often if guests are open to it. The owners can also give recommendations of nearby attractions or dining options. A fair amount of guests who previously stayed at the C.W. Worth House have commented on various aspects of the establishment, namely the breakfast, the wine social hour, and the hospitality of the hosts. One particular visitor said, "We were greeted by the owner who helped us with our luggage and gave a tour of the grounds. The landscaping is all very well maintained, and the backyard is a great hangout spot after a long day. There are lawn games and plenty of seating amongst the flowers and brush."
There are certain policies set out by the establishment for each guest. Firstly, smoking is allowed exclusively on the front porch area outside. Furthermore, pets are prohibited from staying at the establishment. Those who are under the age of sixteen are not permitted to stay at the bed and breakfast, as C.W. Worth House has more of a romantic setting and caters primarily to couples. The owner comments that the general demographic of those who stay at the bed and breakfast is mainly couples who range in age from 35 to 60 years old. Romance-themed packages are available on the property's website and are provided with the intent to enhance couples' stay. It should be noted that events, such as weddings or other similar celebrations, can be held on the grounds; however, due to the limited space, the number of attendants must be kept to a minimum.
Since the year 1985, C.W. Worth House has been a bed and breakfast, and according to the current owner, it is the longest-running bed and breakfast in Wilmington. It first began as a single-family home that was constructed in 1893 by Charles W. Worth, the individual which the establishment is named after. At the time, Charles was in the merchant industry and he worked down by the Cape Fear River.
Jeff and Jennifer Mason, the current owners, purchased the acreage in February of 2022. For the first six weeks of their ownership, the establishment was closed for the redecoration process. After the completion of these updates, the property officially opened to the public on April 1st. One particular factor that influenced Jennifer and Jeff to enter the lodging industry was that Jennifer had a background in historic preservation, and it had also been her dream to own a bed and breakfast in the future. Jeff further explains that she also enjoys cooking for others. They both enjoy being in the Wilmington area, and Jeff also remarks that one of their favorite parts of owning and operating the bed and breakfast so far is interacting with those who stay at the property. Currently, the couple lives on-site and they both try to be available for any questions or concerns that their patrons may have.
412 South Third Street
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Jeff and Jennifer Mason
