The New York Times says The Southern Mansion is "Only place to stay in Cape May".

In 1863, the Philadelphia industrialist George Allen built an American bracket, post and beam villa on the island of Cape May. Designed by the internationally acclaimed architect Samuel Sloan and constructed by Henri Phillipi, this seaside palace was used by Allen and his descendants as a country estate for the next 83 years.

In 1946, the last of Allen's direct relatives, Ester Mercur, passed away. Her husband, Ulysses, sold the estate with all its furnishings for the pittance of $8,000. Purchased as income-producing property (and before Cape May began its own renaissance), the building was converted into a boarding house, and immediately a different type of clientele began to occupy the home. The earth-tone exterior was painted white, while the interior was partitioned into many small rooms. Unfortunately, the conversion caused structural weaknesses. During the next half century, little maintenance was administered to the house or the grounds. By the 1980's, the boarding-house license was revoked, and no income allowed for no upkeep.

While vacationing in Cape May in early 1994, the Bray/Wilde's, also of Philadelphia, walked along the north side of the abandoned property in sheer disbelief. How could such a beautiful house with enormous grounds in Cape May be in such disrepair? Then they saw the for-sale sign. By August of 1994 the house had been purchased and the Bray/Wilde's began wading through 130 years of history. Having sorted all the important furnishings, artwork, family mementos and heirlooms into four tractor-trailers, they removed 25 dumpster loads of garbage! Over the next eighteen months the Mansion and grounds were restored.

The main beams were rotting with age, and new I-beams were installed to support the Mansion and straighten the rolling hallway floors. Electricity and plumbing were replaced, including the addition of a new HVAC and sprinkler system to conform with current codes. Outside, the entire house was ground down to the bare wood and repainted in the original earth-tones and all five chimneys were rebuilt using the original bricks. The slate and tin roofs, copper gutters, brackets, porches, soffits, trims, moldings and facia boards were replaced. Finally, the finial was re-gilded, the entire grounds were tamed and the Italian gardens were re-established. Inside, all of the original architectural elements, furnishings, including the gasolier fixtures, walls, ceilings, floors, stairs, doors and windows have been restored to their original splendor. The 30 inch granite basement walls were waterproofed and phase I of the project was complete.

Inspired by a Samuel Sloan lithograph of the house entitled "The Southern Mansion" (which now hangs prominently in the entrance hallway), the house was re-opened with that name in the spring of 1996, and phase II of the renovation was begun. The new South Wing houses ten additional guest suites, twelve bathrooms, a second ballroom, a commercial kitchen, three balconies, a gallery, verandah, solarium and two magnificent circular staircases, all designed and built in the same style as the original Mansion.

By the summer of 1997 the project was complete, and genuine southern hospitality had returned to Cape May.

Getaways:

A vacation in Cape May while staying at the Southern Mansion can fulfill any vacation fantasy.

Activities abound sightseeing, bicycling, quad carriages, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, whale watching, as well as surf or charter fishing. The famous Cape May wildlife preserve is unparalleled for the huge quantity and variety of birds for the bird watchers to delight in. Numerous architectural and historic tours of the Victorian Architectural Gems educate and entertain. To slow down the pace enjoy a historic horse drawn carriage tour.

Of course there are always our beautiful white beaches enjoyed by summer sun enthusiasts all over. People "in the know" are aware that the best weather and time to visit Cape May is the spring or September and October when the water is warm, the weather incredible and the town is active and open but the overcrowding is nowhere to be found! Enjoy the privacy of our gardens and walkways while the tinkle of a fountains lulls you to the ultimate state of relaxation.

The holiday seasons are meant to overwhelm your senses. From the 20th of November to the first week of January the town (and especially The Southern Mansion) are decadently over decorated. We drown in the spirit of Christmas with millions of lights, decorations, the memory inducing smells of evergreen, vanilla. Cinnamon, and bayberry. Again special tours and activities abound showcasing various decorated inns and historical sites, corralling, seasonal gourmet specialty, and of course the very best in unique shopping.

Booking early is a must for Cape May is truly the resort for all seasons with a ever-changing list of activities available. Valentines Day/Presidents weekend becomes full at the speed of light for nowhere else can even start to compare to our topnotch facilities.

Your taste buds can be massaged as well for Cape May has more four plus star restaurants than any other shore resort. From the delicious breakfast served to your gourmet meal on the town to your final sigh on your heavenly quality mattress we strive to satisfy all your senses.

Amenities:

We invite you to experience the Southern Mansion

The original Southern Mansion and it's splendid grounds, heirloom, furnishings, art work and new wing await you!

In her youth, Cape May was known as "Up North, Down South" due to her status as a favorite destination for antebellum southern gentry. During this period Cape May initiated the architectural and social trends of southern cities of the mid-1800's. In 1879 a great fire swept over Cape May, taking with it many of the grand structures built during this era of southern influence. Fortunately, one mansion survived the fire, as well as ensuing years of neglect, and today has received a complete restoration. After an absence of more than a century, genuine southern hospitality and antebellum style have returned to the island of Cape May.

• Largest, most opulent rooms/suites in Cape May
• Smoke-Free environment
• Private hand painted tile Showers
  (Some Bathtubs Available)
• Individually Controlled Heat A/C
• Full Gourmet Breakfast served in Solariums
• King Size beds available in most rooms
• Original Antique Furniture
• In-room Phones with computer Ports
• Hairdryers
• Magnified / Illuminated Makeup / Shaving Mirrors
• 1.5 Acres private grounds with gardens
• Color Cable TV With Remote
• Concierge
• Full Maid and evening turndown service
• Private On-site parking
• Centrally located in the historic district, within five minutes of the best beaches, shops and restaurants
• Afternoon refreshments served in ballroom
• Beach Chairs, towels and tags available
• In Room Massage

Weddings:

Dear Bride and Groom:

A wedding should be an unforgettable occasion with memories to last a lifetime. The Southern Mansion is the perfect backdrop to create those memories. With a host of options, our elegant ballroom, banquet room, grounds, accommodations and menus guarantee an experience customized to your every need.

Corporate Retreats:

Whether you're planning a business conference, a work seminar, or a corporate retreat at The Southern Mansion, your work will indeed be a pleasure.

Features Include:

• Meeting space available, accommodating 60 people
• Call our corporate planner for a proposal. Estimates are based on season and size of group. Unique customized itineraries are our specialty.
• We are proud of our great communication skills with group leaders insuring that all events run smoothly. Any special requirements may be arranged in advance.
• AV. equipment available
• Catering services available for groups (breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch, dinner, cocktail parties, or more formal evening meals.)
• Meeting and guest room phones are equipped with computer ports.