The last antebellum mansion along the river in the Mississippi Delta, Belmont Plantation is as rich in history as it is in beauty. The massive estate, which spans thousands of square feet, was at one time in danger of being lost to neglect. Today, it's being restored to its former glory and is guaranteed to be one of the most impressive homes you’ve ever seen. Take a look:
Belmont Plantation was built between 1855 and 1861 for Dr. William W. Worthington on land he acquired from one of his three brothers.
Kentucky natives, the Worthington brothers, bought thousands of acres of land in Mississippi and Arkansas in the mid-1800s. Each brother went on to build at least one house. As of today, Belmont is the only Worthington home still standing.
The fact that Belmont is an antebellum home in the Mississippi Delta means it's not only beautiful but extremely rare.
Prior to the Civil War, most of the Delta was basically uninhabitable. With no levees, the area flooded every spring; not to mention it was riddled with other threats, like bears, alligators, and water moccasins. Many who braved the area would later find themselves suffering from malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever.
Belmont is a blend of Greek revival and Italianate architectural styles, which were extremely popular at the time of its construction.
Encompassing 9,000 square feet, the two-story home was constructed of red brick, all of which was produced by slave labor.
The massive home featured 14’ ceilings, 12 fireplaces, seven bedrooms, a library, ladies parlor, gentlemen’s parlor, music room, and 3,000 square feet of porch space.
With no expense spared, Belmont was outfitted with a variety of luxe embellishments, including some of the “finest decorative plaster in Mississippi.”
The artists behind the plaster remain a mystery to this day; however, there are two theories regarding the source. One theory is that the intricate moldings and ceiling medallions were carved by German plaster artists, who became stranded in Mississippi when the Civil War started. Others say the work was done by a group of Italian carvers, who Dr. Worthington met on a boat trip to New Orleans.
Belmont remained in the Worthington family until the 1930s; at which point, it was sold and turned into the Belmont Hunting Lodge.
During its time as a lodge, Belmont was far from the grand home it once was. The rooms were filled with bunk beds, plaster was cracking, and ceiling medallions damaged. In an effort to preserve the home and protect it from "inebriated sportsmen," a back room was eventually designated for drinking.
Decades later, Belmont was sold and converted back to a private residence; however, the home had already fallen into an extreme state of disrepair.
The new owners, Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Cuquet, worked diligently to restore the home and completed their restoration in 1993. Eventually, the elderly couple could no longer take care of Belmont and tried to sell it; however, they couldn’t find anyone to take over the massive estate. During the last decade of the Cuquet’s ownership, Belmont fell into a rapid state of decline. Aside from being filled with mold and mildew, porches were collapsing and the plumbing system wasn’t functioning properly.
After being foreclosed by the bank in 2014, Belmont’s future was uncertain, but not for long.
By the end of 2015, the home was purchased by Joshua Cain, an interior designer, builder, and historic preservationist.
As of today, Belmont is undergoing an extensive reservation; however, it’s already available for weddings, events, tours, and accommodations.
Ready to visit this impressive home from the past?
Belmont Plantation is located at 3498 Highway 1 South in Greenville. Take a guided tour of the historic mansion and experience its beauty for yourself. Tours are available by appointment only. Click here for more information.
Looking for another must-visit spot in the state? Check out "The One Enchanting Place In Mississippi That Must Go On Your Bucket List Immediately."
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