Built in 1855, Dunleith Historic Inn is a National Historic Landmark that remains Mississippi’s sole example of a pre-civil-war mansion.
Dunleith stands on the site originally occupied by “Routhland”, a house built by Job Routh and his wife during the late 18th century. Their daughter, Mary, a widow at only fifteen years old, took Charles Dahlgren as her second husband and inherited the house. In 1855, lightning struck Routhland’s chimney and the home burned to the ground. Dahlgren built a new house in its place in 1856, where Mary died shortly after. In order to settle the estate, Dahlgren sold the new house to Alfred Vidal Davis for $30,000. Davis gave the house the Scottish name of Dunleith. In 1976, William F. Heins purchases the property and starts operation as a Bed & Breakfast.
Dunleith sits on a 40 acre estate which include an original 1790’s carriage house, dairy barn, poultry house, greenhouse, and a three-story brick dependency. The main mansion has a Greek revival design and includes 26 Tuscan columns built of brick and stucco. Porches surround the entire building on the first and second floor. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974.
Use the left & right arrows to scroll and learn about Dunleith’s storied past.
Dunleith stands on the site originally occupied by “Routhland”, a house built by Job Routh and his wife during the late 18th century. Job’s daughter Mary Routh inherited the house with her husband, Charles Dahlgren.
In 1855, lightning struck Routhland’s chimney and the home burned to the ground.
Charles Dahlgren built a new house in its place in 1856, where his wife Mary died shortly after.
In order to settle the estate, Dahlgren sold the new house to a wealthy planter, Alfred Vidal Davis, for $30,000. Once in Daviss possession, he renamed the house “Dunleith” and enclosed the property in the same wrought-iron fence still standing today.
After the Civil war, Alfred Vidal Davis sold Dunleith in 1866. The local bank, Britton and Koontz, eventually assumed the estate.
In 1886, a successful business man named John Neibert Carpenter bought the property for $22,000. While living at Dunleith, John served as president of the Natchez Oil Company, the Natchez and Vidalia Packet Company, and the Natchez Cotton Exchange while living at Dunleith.
After John’s passing, Dunleith was left to his wife, followed by their son, Nathaniel Leslie. In 1935, Nathaniel applied to have Dunleith placed on National Register of Historic Places. Nathaniel’s sister Agnes (namesake: Agnes Carpenter Library in Natchez and Carpenter Hall at Jefferson College, Washington, Mississippi) eventually inherited Dunleith, followed by her nephew and the latter’s son.
Dunleith remained in the Carpenter Family for five generations.
William F. Heins purchased Dunleith in 1976 and began restoration of the home and grounds. Shortly after, Dunleith embarked on a new journey as a bed & breakfast.
In 1999, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Worley and their son, Michael Worley, purchased the house. The Worleys completed an extensive renovation including the addition of 10 guestrooms, refurbished office space, and a remodel of the greenhouse. The Worleys also reconstructed the 0riginal Carriage House building into Dunleith’s first eatery, The Castle Restaurant & Pub.
Dunleith sits on a 40-acre estate which include the original 1790’s carriage house, dairy barn, poultry house, greenhouse, and a three-story brick dependency.
Unique to the original property, you’ll find a magnolia tree that is estimated to be over 250 years old along with Routhland’s original brick stairs that are still intact despite the fire that took place in 1855.
In 2019, the J Collection purchased Dunleith and has since begun renovations. The property is expected to reopen sometime in spring of 2021.
Routhland
Dunleith
The Carpenter Family
Bed & Breakfast
Dunleith Today
Known as the jewel of the Mississippi River, Natchez is a charming city rich in history and southern hospitality. During your stay, we encourage you to explore our remarkable city and experience true Southern hospitality.
Explore