BY MILES LAYTON/PHOTO BY ROBERT LAYTON

Now look at that…

Wessington is for sale… again…

I remember that Wessington was for sale a few short years ago, so as I walked past this mansion the other evening, I thought maybe someone bought it to stay, perhaps for generations as Anne Rowe’s family did. 

But then I saw the Zillow listing. Been on the market for about a week, maybe longer.

Forgive me if my memory is hazy, but Rowe lived in that house on West King Street for a long time – I think the grand home was in her family for around 120+ years until it was sold several years ago, maybe 2008. Back then, Wessington, which was listed for $2.2 million by Ann Perry of Perry & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty, sold for $1.6 million after about six months on the market in 2008, according to the Virginian Pilot. 

In late 2017, the 9,100 square foot house was listed at $2.24 million by Perry of Perry & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty.  

More recently, Robert Coughlin Jr. and Heather Coughlin bought the house from Wessington Partners LLC for around $1.8 million in April of 2022, according to Chowan County land records. 

Property prices have increased during the past few years, so can someone loan me Wessington’s asking price of $2,249,000? Elon Musk, please funnel me some of those “lost” federal dollars … Based on housing prices these days, that’s probably a good price for that property.

To anyone who buys Wessington, circa 1850, you’ll live next door to Beverly Hall where Councilman Sambo Dixon lives – his ancestors have been there since 1855.

I have a file on that house that’ll have to find, but from what I can recall, Richard Douglas of New York City and Charlottesville bought the home in 2008. His last name – Douglas –  conjured up a name from some of the deepest recesses of my memory — and that’s saying something. Douglas. Sweden. World War II. Douglas’ grandfather, W. Archibald Douglas, served in Sweden’s military during the Finnish Civil War and later as a prominent Swedish officer during World War II — which was where my mind recalled his name. Warrior/diplomat. As to the Douglas family, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

I’ve been in Wessington a time or two – very nice house. From what I’m told, there have been several renovations during the past several years.

Located in the heart of the Historic District, Wessington is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Note, that’s a cistern next to the house, not a wine cellar or one of Dr. Evil’s secret underground bunker lairs.  

Built in 1850, this home is three stories plus a fully renovated basement, according to the Zillow listing that’s reprinted below.  

Distinctive exterior features include a full-length double-tier portico, 9′ French doors opening to ornate iron balconies, and four massive chimneys and a roof top ”widows walk”. The brick exterior walls are 18” thick and the foundation is solid slabs of granite. The interior is equally impressive with three 12’x50′ center halls, 15′ ceilings on the first floor, original plaster ceiling moldings and chandeliers, 10′ four panel doors, marble mantels and 15 fireplaces. Wessington has been totally renovated with up to date amenities and custom energy efficient utilities.

What was once a utilitarian English basement is now a bedroom with full bath, recreation room with kitchenette, media room, and large laundry…all with fireplaces. This level offers the option of independent living, and the ground level entry with an elevator servicing three floors makes the home handicapped accessible. 

The main level features a formal parlor, dining room, small parlor, library and the kitchen. Complete with fireplace and butler’s pantry, the kitchen complements the warm sophistication of the home yet easily accommodates the needs for entertaining on a grand scale.

Upstairs, there is a primary suite with a large dressing room and bath. There are two other bedrooms with private baths and an office. 

The third floor is accessed by the same impressive stairway, has the same wide center hall and 4 multipurpose rooms. 

The grounds include the old cistern and the old smokehouse houses the impressive utility systems  including the geothermal HVAC, elevator hydraulics and other utilities.

“Wessington is one of the most magnificent antebellum residences in North Carolina,” writes Thomas Butchko, author of Edenton An Architectural Portrait.