Explore Dunleith - 1855 Ante-Bellum Mansion

[@rosemarydolliver]

Toured Dunleith many times. Always see something I did not notice before! Beautiful!

[@vancegilmore5821]

Lovely villa. That exterior is fantastic.

[@orijinfoundation2025]

Sincere appreciation for the back story on John R. Lynch. It is rare that a light is shined on former enslaved people, their contributions other than being enslaved. I watched the rest of the episode with a smile on my face. Thank you!

[@catherineengle4196]

This house is exquisite! It screams wonderful ballroom dances. I am loving the history as well. God bless y'all 😊

[@SergeantSlender26]

Screams forced labor practices and our country's dark past

[@philipk917]

Awesome! Beautiful! Thank you ❤🧡❤

[@charlielynne7550]

Those of us on the West Coast (Oregon) do not have such grand things, heck we do not even have basements.. I love I get to experience such grand places via you, Thank you!

[@sylviajones4907]

Those chickens lived "high on the hog!" Interesting about "cutting the rug." I did not know this but have said it often when complimenting them on how well they could dance. Thank you for this tour. Excellent video. That opening...wow!

[@ambermarieadescat2530]

Such a gorgeous property inside and out!

[@sarasmith99]

Fascinating! I can't grasp such immense wealth.

[@CynthiaBerry713]

Oh my, the chandeliers!! ❤

[@ednakelley814]

Those are actually gasoliers.

[@MediocreComedian]

Just another fabulous box to check on my wonderful Restoring Hope weekend the next time I visit beautiful Natchez. Kevin, the master videographer and Laine the worlds best tour guide…💚💜

[@lindaleslie5634]

Amazing coverage of a beautiful piece of history 💖👏🙋‍♀️🇨🇱

[@monicacall7532]

I’m in awe of the skills of the enslaved people who built and decorated this house! The story of the former dining room slave buying this and many other houses and properties of the former owners after the Civil War made my day! The French Le Zone wallpaper in the dining room was exquisite. I like the idea of the staircase being situated to the side of the entrance hall. Wide hallways and along with big porches with rocking chairs are quintessentially Southern architectural features. I wish that we had grand old houses like this that you find in the eastern half of our country. I live in the West and we don’t usually have lovely old houses like this. There tends to be an attitude out here that old=unnecessary, so many lovely older homes are torn down and replaced with parking lots, strip malls and cheap apartment buildings. It’s so unfortunate.😢

[@michaeldavidfigures9842]

@@monicacall7532 That is a tragedy.

[@beckyrogers923]

He actually didn't buy this property... Maybe listen to that part again. I do question how its admirable that he bought all these properties and made his money off the backs of tenet workers and endentured servants .... Which in essence was very much a type of enslavement. As the system made it impossible for these workers to ever get out of debt or earn a decent living. Just slavery by a different name😢

[@tinydancer867]

@@monicacall7532 Actually enslaved ppl didn’t build any of these homes! They maybe carried wood and things but they absolutely did NOT design the homes whatsoever! I’ve toured over a dozen plantation homes in Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. These homes owners would hire sought after architects to design Greek style plantation homes and those architects designed them and builders were hired most times. The slaves would be working fields instead while the home was being built or added onto. Go learn about them.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

LOL, bro. No slaves worked on this except for maybe lumping raw materials around.

[@zanna9857]

My favorite shot? Kevin chasing the boche ball w/the drone! The timing! 😮😄

[@claudiamann7111]

Fabulous tour of a stunning home. They had so many beautiful mirrors. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@leiacooper3296]

One of my very favorites in Natchez, Mississippi. So blessed that Mississippi is my home state. We have so many wonderful treasures in Mississippi. Natchez being on the top of the list. ❤❤❤ Thanks Laine and Kevin keep up all the hard work.

[@darlenejohnson8864]

Love this place. The wallpaper is absolutely beautiful unique. So many other features. Thanks for showing.

[@vernicethompson4825]

Thank you so much for this fascinating video! I have only seen a few photographs of this mansion, but they were enough to intrigue me. I love the wraparound colonnade and double balconies! The double parlor/ballroom and dining room are the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen, no matter how they are decorated! Thank you for showing the outbuildings too, as they are interesting in themselves. Just an outstanding video of this breathtaking property!

[@rustylane4234]

Beautiful mansion. I was more impressed with the furnishings in the photo then how it is now. More ght show better if you pull the furniture away from wall. Thanks for showing .....I truly enjoyed it!!!!!

[@tgpopmagic923]

I'm gonna get to Natchez and spend some quality time there, hopefully soon. Restoration Nation is a wonderful asset to Natchez.

[@janicebrowningaquino792]

I loved this tour!! My favorite features are the wrap around porch; the position of the staircase and of course the colonnade! Thank You for this tour!!!

[@Randy8923]

A truly magnificent mansion. I enjoyed the tour.

[@melbabowen4389]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! I’m ecstatic it was saved !!

[@danoart8988]

The house is magnificent! What a beauty! Love the 360° column porch. But very disappointed with the insignificant staircase. A grand mansion like this needs a grand staircase.

[@DD-hy1nl]

The architecture is so amazing in these old mansions. I love seeing each and everyone of them that comes my way!

[@SpanishEclectic]

A very, very grand home, and definitely not Victorian. I love how you point out the architectural features as they changed over the years of the 19th (and early 10th Centuries). Those fantastic scenic wall papers were popular for dining rooms, and they elevate a room like nothing else. I can imagine the conversations about the exotic birds and animals. Very much in keeping with Audubon paintings. I was a confused about when the extant wallpaper was installed when I saw it in that old photo. Was put up after WWII for the first time, or did it replace original scenic wallpaper of the same pattern from the 1850s? I appreciate knowing the story of the gentleman who went from fan rope puller to land owner and military hero. A handsome fellow; the intelligence just radiates from his eyes.

[@sandystafford5845]

I love the wallpaper, its exquisite

[@ednakelley814]

Zuber! I have it in my bedroom!

[@kristindacus8642]

Oh my, I'm going to have to get down to Natchez. These videos just keep getting better and better. Thank you for sharing the story of the wall paper. It is so sad that so much beautiful art was lost in the war. The story reminded me of The Monuments Men and how they rescued art and antiquities.

[@MeCaveManStrong]

I absolutely love these old plantation houses They are beautiful and stunning indeed and not just houses but hopefully you guys can fix many different things from the old days a little TLC and it would look so gorgeous.....👍🏻💪🏻🤍

[@edwardniessen]

I always enjoy your tidbits of historical information. Is there ever a concern about carpet wear from the tours?

[@maggiesue4825]

Interesting about the staircase. The staircase in the prop "Tara" home was on the side as well. I wonder . . .

[@kanielagifford293]

I've seen your videos of such beautiful homes in Natchez, MS and this is another one that is for lesser words ... WOW! There are videos showing homes in NYC of the wealthy that are no longer there, and this home seems like it would be one of those homes. I've never been to Natchez, MS but with all this history, I might have to schedule a trip to see what it was all about way back when. It's not like there weren't other cities on the river, so just what made this city, Natchez, MS be the hub for so many beautiful elaborate homes? I've got my history to start looking up on Natchez! Thanks for another AMAZING Video!!!

[@wendycalkins4831]

Fabulous production on the video! Great music that just adds to the narration and tour of this breathtaking property!👏👏🥰

[@cindynutter1902]

I am so glad I read about this in Faulkner Magazine! Love, love your channel.

[@justtamms]

This home is absolutely gorgeous!!! Next time I visit family in MS I would love to book a stay here!

[@DrLindaFWilliams]

Kevin, Kevin, KEVIN! *_Masterful_* editing on this episode, my friend. Right out the gate (between 00:00:23 and 00:00:24) - that transition with the music and video - SUPERB! The rest of the episode did _not_ disappoint! I watched this 2 weeks ago, thought to post this comment, got busy, but could not rest until I did so. Masterclass on this one, Kevin. That hard work paid off!

[@OurRestorationNation]

I’m so glad you noticed. I was very proud of this edit. Thank you for your thoughtful comment!!!

[@DrLindaFWilliams]

@@OurRestorationNation Dude! I wish I had an EMMY to send you!

[@DrLindaFWilliams]

​ @OurRestorationNation Not to be a pest but, Keeeviinnnn! That one at 00:01:06 and 00:01:07 and beyond! Yaaaaaaaassssss. How much time did you spend on this? Daaaaannng. Look. I'm not going to post every single award-worthy edit because then it would look like I was _stalking_ you! LOL! But, MAN! This is a tour de force, my friend!

[@douglasthompson9482]

Thank you for a wonderful tour….you are as beautiful as the gorgeous architecture you present.

[@alicevaughn7990]

Laine you have such a passion for history love watching your videos this mansion is Phenomenal. Thank you for sharing

[@blahmooblah789]

I love this channel so much!

[@jeridonaldsonsellers267]

We took our first trip to Natchez this past week. So wish we had been able to meet you and Kevin. I’m in love with that city. I honestly didn’t know where to look next. Dunleith is a beautiful property and we loved the pub and castle restaurant. Right there on the property ! Wish y’all had shot this while we were there! Maybe we need another trip.

[@Pwagleybrads]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I think i remember receiving here in the 90s.

[@loribragg2947]

Gorgeous house! It needed some potted plants in brass planters, IMO, but the paintings and wallpaper were awesome. The house servant rising out of poverty to own multiple homes and plantations is an amazing bit of history-that was one smart man.

[@deb7518]

Yes, I noticed the burning intelligence in his eyes in the portrait, even before she told that story! I want to find some more history on him. Should be fascinating.

[@loribragg2947]

@@deb7518 Pulling oneself out of poverty is extremely difficult, even without the added stress of dealing with the added hostility of racism. He obviously knew when to hold his cards, exercise patience, and when to leap forward and take risks. There’s genius in that.

[@mygardeninbloom]

Amazing tour of a beautiful home.

[@tomcatjunior9730]

We had a fabulous visit there. Rusty Jenkins (who’s family owns another estate back up the road) and his mother ate with us at the Castle and invited us for a more personal tour of Dunleith and then to his family home. We were able to take our time and listen to his stories and actually sit inside and have a long conversation about life. Then we had drinks on the rear portico as the wedding party from the night before was packing up. It was an awesome experience

[@OurRestorationNation]

Isn’t Rusty the absolute Best!?!? His stories are legendary!

[@tomcatjunior9730]

Yea he is. His mother is a hoot also

[@mariedrotar3215]

Thank you for this video, you helped me plan my birthday. I will be staying at this beautiful place. Cannot wait for the experience!

[@TerryMobley-ys6yg]

It would be nice if you could show a drawing of the floor plan of the homes you show. Sometimes I get confused on the layout as I'm watching the videos. Sometimes I'm like wait...where is this room located in the house??? Just a suggestion.

[@fightingbear8537]

Beautiful home.

[@pagen5219]

Incredibly Beautiful!

[@laurielaurie8280]

What a treat! Beautiful place. Thankyou for sharing it with us :)) I couldn't take my eyes off the screen so I wouldn't miss anything lol

[@gailwhitten1360]

In Louisiana, many large homes were originally built with the stairs to the side of the center hall. As the family grew, new stairs were built in the center hall, and the original space was converted into new rooms on each floor. At least that's the story they tell at Oak Alley. Ashland-Belle Helene had a wonderful curving staircase that went up all the way to the attic, before Shell Oil bought it and restored it into their private conference center, and banned public tours. I hope they restored that staircase!

[@rosechagnon1173]

Dining room wallpaper is stunning.

[@JessicaMathias3]

“Taupe walls” Laine throwing some soft shade! LOL it’s almost as bad as millennial gray. Beautiful regardless!

[@StormyMonday0896]

What colors should be used?

[@JessicaMathias3]

Interior paint colors of the 19th century were bright- pinks, blues, yellows. They also used LOTS of wallpaper.

[@danoart8988]

I prefer walls painted with calming colors. That allows your art to make a statement. I don't like the jewel colors from the that age. It makes the rooms dark. I prefer soft contemporary. Just because it is a very old traditional home doesn't mean that a more contemporary interior won't work. The right contemporary furniture looks good in any home. Also you can insert some fine traditional furniture in a few places.

[@karenshaffer1265]

This is just gorgeous and very well taken care of.

[@AuntieBrennie]

LOVE THIS VIDEO! Especially the chronicling of the amazing John Lynch! And The Chicken Palace! B~} Thank You!

[@davidolien2828]

Thank you! One of your best narratives.

[@gnostic268]

Beautiful historic home 🤍

[@angiejohnson6666]

Thank you for posting this informative and educational video. I enjoyed watching the video. The home in the video is beautiful and breathtaking...thank you for sharing!

[@chriscraver4070]

Beautiful home. Beautiful production. ❤

[@maritzacardona3074]

So beautiful

[@dave1956]

Natchez remains one of the coolest places that I have ever visited. If health allowed I would be going back for my third visit.

[@erinpennington9716]

The dining room is amazing! I thought the wallpaper was a handpainted mural.

[@claraguzman6842]

Gorgeous!

[@kenethacabiness4045]

I hope to live in houses like this someday

[@califdad4]

I thought that was in natchez as soon as I saw the beginning, i have the book "Natchez by the Mississippi" by harnet Kane

[@1aikane]

The house is much improved since I saw it last.

[@Captain-KTS]

Cool house Laine! Ya, those taupe walls tho🥸 Not what I’d expect from a home of this era. Thx sharing, cheers Kirk

[@renatavonzuben7676]

Linda casa! Muito bem decorada...❤ Excelente vídeo de casas antigas e restauradas...

[@amydufrene6283]

One of my favorites in Natchez!

[@robbinbruno2320]

Oh my goodness how magnificent!!!!!! I am a lover of wallpaper murals!!! Love it !!!!!!! And the shot of the original mural was incredible too!!! Thanks so much!! I’d love to stay there!!!

[@kenethacabiness4045]

Stunning 🤩

[@h.j.hatcher6265]

Absolutely gorgeous just enough decadence not too much but what is shown is the absolute best of the best and it’s just stunning , and justifiably marvelous 🥰🥰🥰

[@karenhealy-stover5725]

Love your tours. Kevin, please play the more relaxing music. I love to relax while Lainey educates us.

[@tristazerbe8119]

We stayed at Dunleith on our honeymoon…12 years ago!

[@dsalvador12]

Thank you for a very nice tour. In architectural terms, what do you call the "swoops" on the sides of the dormers and do they serve some function beyond ornament?

[@bryanspindle4455]

I have noticed when watching videos of historic homes that there is often a large gap at the bottom of the exterior doors that can be seen by the light coming through. It just seems that insects and other creatures could enter through these gaps as well as warm or cold air.

[@OurRestorationNation]

Seems like it

[@deb7518]

Actually, those thinks were put into the outer doors so that the chimneys would draw correctly. (A quirky little fact I ran across when preparing some talks I gave at my old high school.)

[@cherokeegotti4903]

I was so glad to know it wasn’t a plantation. Because this estate is beautiful

[@karenshaffer1265]

People back then had beautiful taste.i bet they went or imported from overseas.they didn't have a lots of stores back then.

[@marybeth17]

Another stunning home! You always know so much information about each property. Do you do all of the research yourself or do you talk with an historian? Thanks again I loved watching every minute of this video. God bless & take care. God is watch over you & your husband keep your head up. There is nothing that a troll can say which would ever change the mind of any of your loyal subscribers.🙏🤗💞👍

[@OurRestorationNation]

Laine is amazing with how quickly she can learn something and eloquently share it. Most of her research is done on the way to the house or with the realtor/homeowner when we get there.

[@sandy89107]

Wow! My dream home 😍

[@nyacoustics8373]

wow! how many square feet and how tall are those ceilings?

[@JustinJohn-j4r]

Thank you!!!! I've been looking for the word' punkah" fan for years. When trying to describe these fans people loomed at ne dumbfounded. Now I have a word for it!!

[@nanasewdear]

I would love to see a video of you and Kevin explaining old house terms. What is the difference between a veranda and a promenade? Tower or turret? Bay, box bay or clipped corner bay? Today's home is truly beautiful and matches our fantasies of what a house like "Twelve Oaks" in Gone With the Wind may have looked like. Thank you for taking the time to show us.

[@FloridaClay]

Magnificent!

[@kensteffes6712]

Great tour 👌

[@karenstanislaw8912]

*Beautiful - still softly *vibrant - place. Love the light quality and glow within. ( If one would **electrify that enormous fan-like object above the dining room table, the motion and presence of something like that would be uber elegant, fascinating. Would be creative to bring something like that back). Great vibes here.

[@robinbirdj743]

Thank you KEVIN for the great look at the light fixtures. Please also sconces and door hardware❤ Try LAINE for such great info. Any ideas about the age of the lights?

[@Kabulkid]

I love your videos!

[@alaine57]

Wow, this house would look amazing with modern furnishings

[@lisaharrod8386]

How did they clean the carpets? Did they have to cut them and clean them in strips? Did they use rug beaters?

[@FirstLast-dy4gt]

Gorgeous

[@pennykivett1341]

Laine showed us how the chickens lived in such luxury but what I wish Laine would tell us is how "the servants" lived I bet it didn't have the same grandeur.

[@OurRestorationNation]

Actually Laine did show you where they lived. This is a city estate, so the enslaved workers who were here were body servants or household staff, and lived in the main house. The ell off the back was quarters for the enslaved who would have handled any livestock or livery needs, but it was attached to the main house, and was what had been the main house built in the 18th century. Any other questions Penny?

[@pennykivett1341]

@@OurRestorationNation No thank you for answering my questions.

[@ednakelley814]

My bedroom is Zuber! I love it

[@ghassang2074]

Astonishing ❤

[@warriorgirl8118]

I mso glad this video came on my phone because I haven’t see anything

[@jlrbhj]

Those porches!! And you look SO pretty in that dress. Love it. Edit: My chickens are looking for architect lol.

[@jelsner5077]

They really knew how to do millwork back then. It's kind of a shame so much of it is covered with yards and yards of fussy drapery. I agree, too, about all the boring but "safe" beige paint, though the Zuber wallpaper is brilliant.

[@judypierce7028]

This looks like the plantation home by Justin in "The North and South" miniTV series on Civil War.

[@karenshaffer1265]

I would of loved them just to see how they built. It

[@robertcarter3768]

This is my dream style home, Greek revival temple style homes.

[@traceyhellsten649]

That's a fascinating story, thank you. I would like to know how Mr. Lynch acquired the means to buy properties?, Having been a slave? I mean no offense, I am simply fascinated by these stories, and wish I could figure out how to improve my own place in life, 😉. God bless 🙏