Explore Dunleith - 1855 Ante-Bellum Mansion

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Welcome to Dunleith, one of Natchez Mississippi's grandest ante-bellum mansions. This suburban villa is what often comes to mind when someone says "plantation", but like all the grand homes in Natchez, Dunleith was never a plantation. Plantation architecture was often plain, and utilitarian, growing erratically as the family grew. These showplace mansions were often reserved for sub-urban settings, so the families could have social life in town, while the ugly truth of the enslaved labor that paid for the lifestyle was kept well out of sight.
Dunleith was home to a number of influencial families in the city, and until 1976 remained a private home. After the American Civil War many of the formerly enslaved workers returned to Dunleith as paid labor, and many took advantage of the econimic and social changes occuring in the city during reconstruction to create new lives for themselves and their families. One such person was JR Lynch who took the opportunity to invest in property within the city, as well as plantations outside of the city. By 1867 over 100 real estate transactions for JR Lynch and his brother are recorded in Natchez records. Lynch rose to become an incredibly successful African Amercain politician, being first elected as Justice of the Peace in 1869, then to the Mississippi House of Representatives for three terms from 1870-1873, and was then nominated to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1862 for the Mississippi Legislature. IN 1873, 76, and 80 Lynch served as a Representative in the United States House of Representatives.
The architecture of Dunleith will never be seen again. Its scale, the materials used and the craftsmen neccesary to create a masterpiece such as this will never be seen again. It stands as a testiment to the skill of the craftsmen who built it, and to the lives of all those who lived and worked within its walls.
You can experience the grandeur by booking a stay at Dunleith, and while here, enjoy some of the finest dining in the city at The Castle, stroll the 40 acres of amazing grounds, take in the multitude of original outbuildings, and see all the sights Natchez has to offer.
Dunleith Website: www.dunleithhistoricinn.com/
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[@martymahem236]

A "plantation" does not necessarily mean that enforced labor (slaves) was used on the property. My grandfather grew up on his family's plantation in Georgia that had been in the family since the early 1800s and at no time in its history did it use slave labor.

[@OurRestorationNation]

It still was never a plantation, because it was never a farm

[@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.

[@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.

[@catherineengle4196]

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

[@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!

[@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.😢

[@BIGPINKMAN]

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.....👍🏻💪🏻🤍

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@wendycalkins4831]

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

[@tristazerbe8119]

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

[@ambermarieadescat2530]

Such a gorgeous property inside and out!

[@rosemarydolliver]

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

[@lindaleslie5634]

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

[@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.

[@DD-hy1nl]

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

[@vancegilmore5821]

Lovely villa. That exterior is fantastic.

[@claudiamann7111]

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

[@Randy8923]

A truly magnificent mansion. I enjoyed the tour.

[@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!

[@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!!!!!

[@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!!!

[@melbabowen4389]

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

[@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!

[@davidolien2828]

Thank you! One of your best narratives.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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…💚💜

[@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.

[@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.

[@douglasthompson9482]

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

[@justtamms]

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

[@renatavonzuben7676]

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

[@CynthiaBerry713]

Oh my, the chandeliers!! ❤

[@ednakelley814]

Those are actually gasoliers.

[@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!

[@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!

[@gnostic268]

Beautiful historic home 🤍

[@tgpopmagic923]

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

[@maggiesue4825]

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

[@chriscraver4070]

Beautiful home. Beautiful production. ❤

[@karenshaffer1265]

This is just gorgeous and very well taken care of.

[@claraguzman6842]

Gorgeous!

[@pagen5219]

Incredibly Beautiful!

[@darlenejohnson8864]

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

[@kirkshrum6222]

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

[@zanna9857]

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

[@mygardeninbloom]

Amazing tour of a beautiful home.

[@brendaprice4664]

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

[@FloridaClay]

Magnificent!

[@kensteffes6712]

Great tour 👌

[@cindynutter1902]

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

[@Kabulkid]

I love your videos!

[@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

[@amydufrene6283]

One of my favorites in Natchez!

[@sandystafford5845]

I love the wallpaper, its exquisite

[@ednakelley814]

Zuber! I have it in my bedroom!

[@ghassang2074]

Astonishing ❤

[@karenhealy-stover5725]

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

[@wincrasher2007]

spectacular!

[@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.

[@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.

[@rosechagnon1173]

Dining room wallpaper is stunning.

[@sandy89107]

Wow! My dream home 😍

[@FirstLast-dy4gt]

Gorgeous

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@1aikane]

The house is much improved since I saw it last.

[@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

[@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.)

[@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 🥰🥰🥰

[@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.

[@alaine57]

Wow, this house would look amazing with modern furnishings

[@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?

[@davidrogers8928]

Ive been there...most beautiful !

[@erinpennington9716]

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

[@user-yv9fq5ym9w]

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!!

[@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

[@jlrbhj]

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

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@Silversmoke1000]

The house itself is magnificent and I particularly love the fireplaces. The furniture and accessories are splendid and well appointed. However, the overall style of decoration of that time is a little sparse, stiff and formal for my tastes. I love the whimsy, charm and clutter of a little later time period.

[@ednakelley814]

My bedroom is Zuber! I love it

[@karenihms9413]

Love the Danse Macabre!

[@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 🙏

[@vaboone]

🤣🤣🤣the gothic chicken doors…killed me. Them chickens never had it so good!

[@foxstarline4997]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[@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?

[@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.

[@bitchitsBunnie]

These tours are so comforting.❤ I'm about to go make some hot chocolate to drink while I watch hold on I'll brb!

[@bushwickbaby]

I absolutely LOVE how you explain the difference between an antebellum mansion and a plantation home. And this property is breathtaking!👏👏

[@warriorgirl8118]

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

[@cherokeegotti4903]

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

[@infinitelightcouncil]

So pretty! Used to be our neighbor 😊

[@robertcarter3768]

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

[@karenshaffer1265]

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

[@NelsonClick]

Beautiful home. Absolutely exquisite. A fine example of what it is and it's undeniably been affectionately restored and cherished. Wallpaper and carpets are not "architectural" features.

[@OurRestorationNation]

Really? Ya had to throw that last sentence in there? We know they aren’t architectural features, just like we know quotation marks aren’t used to show emphasis. However, they are of interest to our regular viewers as we get regular questions in regard to them. So, we address them for those that we know will find them of interest. The decorative arts elements of any period are used to set off the architectural features, so like it or not, they are relevant.

[@leiacooper3296]

Trust me Laine and Kevin know all about these homes. They have restored many and they know more than most about restoring homes.