Southern Mansion

The Southern Mansion is located in the heart of Cape May's historic district on two acres of private, tree-lined grounds. Conveniently situated only three blocks from the beach, this circa 1863, 40,000-foot Italianate villa-style mansion features two ballrooms, original 19th-century Italian and English antique furnishings, Gilded-Age Rococo decor, and fourth-floor cupola. The entire inn property is surrounded by an enormous, 150-year-old hedgerow which creates a foliage barrier between the hustle and bustle outside and the laid back atmosphere of the gardens within.

Location
In her youth, Cape May was known as "Up North, Down South" due to its status as a favorite destination for antebellum Southern gentry. During this period, Cape May imitated 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 at The Southern Mansion.

The central location provides enjoyable walks to the beach, shopping, or restaurants, all within a few blocks. In addition to Cape May's beautiful beaches, other nearby attractions include golf, tennis, kayaking, whale watching, and sport-fishing, as well as historic house and trolley tours, a zoo, the Cape May Lighthouse, Cold Spring Village living history museum, and private train rides. Special events such as Cape May Music Festival in September, a ten-day Victorian Week in October, Jazz Festival Weekends in April and November, and a six-week Christmas holiday season provide plenty of entertainment. And as if Cape May weren't enough, Atlantic City and its glittering casinos are only 40 miles to the north, with Philadelphia only a 90-minute drive away.

Accommodations
25 rooms and suites, each with private bath. Eight have fireplaces and some have balconies/verandas. The Southern Mansion's AAA Three Diamond-rated lodgings are second to none. The 25 guest rooms and suites, each with private bath, offer the ultimate in comfort and atmosphere with six different styles of accommodations. Some feature separate sitting rooms, private balconies, loft spaces, and clawfoot tubs. Spacious verandas surround the mansion's guest rooms, offering a respite from the bustle of town and beach.

Amenities
The 40-foot Hamilton Hall Ballroom, with two fireplaces, giant gilt mirrors, ornate moldings, and inlaid hardwood floors, makes your entrance a gracious one. The South Wing Ballroom is the ideal location for a formal sit-down style banquet, corporate presentations, or a food station party with DJ and dance floor. The South Wing Ballroom is equipped with two gas fireplaces, beautiful wood bar, and audio/visual and Internet access capabilities, along with private entrance and rest rooms.

Meals
The in-house catering facility can provide a spectrum of fine dining food service ranging from breakfast, brunch, and coffee breaks to full-course, sit-down dinners, cocktail and food station events, elegant teas, and customized specialty events. The solarium, an informal dining area for breakfast, lunch, or buffet, overlooks the rolling lawns.

Awards and Recognition
AAA 3 diamonds

Handicapped Accessible: available on first floor.

Children: welcome over 10

Smoking: outside only

Pets: no

Rates: $100-350

Payment: Major Credit Cards