The Wessington House

The Wessington House sits in historic Edenton, North Carolina. Although the town was established in 1712 and became a hotbed of Patriot activity during the Revolutionary Period, Wessington house wasn't built until around1851. The National Register of Historic Places listed it in 1973.


The 15,000 square-foot brick residence has three stories, a full English basement (additional living quarters), and a hallway running down its center. The central hall alone contains 600 square-feet and has been closed off to hold a birthday party for 150 children.The front sports a full-length, two-tiered porch with ornate iron railings and balustrade. It was constructed in a Georgian style with Italian influence.

When first inhabited, the family's living quarters stood over the English basement on the first floor. The second floor contained the family and guest bedrooms, and the third floor was where the servants lived. At this time, there were seven family members and ten to twelve staff members living there. During the right time of the year, they could see the Albemarle Sound from the second and third floors.

The home was built by Dr. Warren, who intended it as a dowry house for his daughter to ensure she secured a good marriage. Later, the Graham family bought it and lived there for 122 years. It remains a private home and was recently purchased by Richard Douglas of New York and Charlottesville, Virginia in 2008. He set about to restore it.

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