Some homes are simply on the market. This one is on the market and part of the city’s living history. Tucked into downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, 113 Nun Street is one of the city’s most iconic historic residences — a Neoclassical showpiece built in 1900, and now available for the first time in years at $1,492,000.
The Quick Facts
- Price: $1,492,000 ($364/sqft)
- Address: 113 Nun Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
- Bedrooms / Bathrooms: 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms
- Square Footage: 4,103 sqft
- Lot Size: 0.31 acres
- Year Built: 1900
- Architectural Style: Historic Neoclassical
- Annual Property Tax: $7,217
- HOA Fees: None
- Time on Market: 77 days, with a recent $107,000 price reduction from its original $1,599,000 listing
That price cut is worth noting for buyers watching the market closely — a six-figure reduction on a home this rare suggests real room for negotiation on a property that doesn’t come up for sale often.
A Grand Entrance Fit for a Landmark
Step through the front door and you’re greeted by a formal receiving room anchored by a prominent staircase and a built-in fireplace nook — the kind of architectural statement that immediately signals this home was built to impress. It’s the same soaring wood staircase and brick hearth that make this property instantly recognizable as one of downtown Wilmington’s defining historic residences.
From there, the home unfolds into a sequence of formal spaces: a parlor, a dining room, a butler’s pantry, and a private library — a layout straight out of the early 1900s, when homes of this stature were designed for gracious, structured entertaining.
Five Fireplaces and Original Character Throughout
If you’re drawn to homes with real architectural soul, the details here are hard to beat. The home features five decorative fireplaces spread throughout its formal rooms, paired with a mix of original wood and ceramic tile flooring and high ceilings that amplify the sense of scale. A kitchen island and wet bar bring in modern functionality without disrupting the historic character, and an enclosed sunroom offers a bright, comfortable space to unwind — a nice contrast to the home’s more formal rooms.
At 4,103 square feet, there’s real room to breathe here, with only 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms carved out of that footprint — a layout that prioritizes grand, purposeful living spaces over maximizing bedroom count, very much in keeping with homes of this era and pedigree.
An English-Style Garden and Three Private Patios
The outdoor spaces are just as considered as the interior. The property includes an English-style garden complete with a fountain, along with three separate patios, a deck, and a balcony — an unusually generous amount of private outdoor living space for a downtown historic lot.
Adding real practical value: the property includes an adjoining buildable lot fronting S. 2nd Street, currently used for parking. In a dense, walkable downtown historic district, a private buildable lot like this is a meaningful asset — whether it stays as convenient off-street parking or becomes a future development opportunity for the right owner.
Why This Property Stands Out in Wilmington’s Market
Downtown Wilmington’s historic district is known for exactly this kind of architecture — but homes of this scale, with this level of preserved detail, in this good a condition, don’t come to market often. A Neoclassical residence with five fireplaces, a formal receiving hall, a private garden, and an adjoining buildable lot represents a rare combination that’s difficult to find anywhere else in the local market, let alone at a single address.
With no HOA restricting use or renovations, owners have real flexibility in how they maintain, update, or restore the property going forward — an important consideration for historic home buyers who often want the freedom to make preservation and improvement decisions on their own terms.
Who This Home Is Perfect For
Given its scale, history, and downtown location, this property tends to appeal to a specific type of buyer:
- Historic preservation enthusiasts looking for a rare, well-documented architectural landmark
- Downtown Wilmington buyers wanting walkability combined with true historic character
- Hospitality-minded owners who could see the formal layout and outdoor spaces suited to elegant entertaining or event hosting
- Long-term investors drawn to the added value of an adjoining buildable lot in a dense historic district
What to Know Before You Buy
A home built in 1900 comes with considerations beyond the listing photos:
- Maintenance of historic features — five original fireplaces, period flooring, and detailed millwork typically require specialized (and sometimes costly) upkeep and restoration expertise.
- Historic district guidelines — exterior renovations in Wilmington’s historic downtown are often subject to local preservation review, which is worth researching before planning major changes.
- Property taxes — at $7,217 annually, taxes here reflect the home’s substantial assessed value of $1,226,400.
- The adjoining lot’s zoning — buyers interested in the buildable S. 2nd Street parcel should confirm current zoning and any development restrictions directly with the city.
The Bottom Line
At $1,492,000 for 4,103 square feet of preserved Neoclassical architecture — complete with five fireplaces, a formal historic layout, an English garden, and a private buildable lot — 113 Nun Street offers a rare shot at owning one of downtown Wilmington’s true architectural landmarks. With a recent price reduction already reflected in the listing, it’s a property worth serious consideration for anyone drawn to history, craftsmanship, and a genuinely one-of-a-kind downtown address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is this home? The property was built in 1900 and is recognized as one of downtown Wilmington’s most iconic historic residences, built in the Neoclassical architectural style.
Has the price changed recently? Yes. The home was originally listed at $1,599,000 and has since been reduced by $107,000 to its current price of $1,492,000.
Does the property include additional land? Yes. In addition to the main 0.31-acre lot, the property includes an adjoining buildable lot fronting S. 2nd Street, currently used for parking.
Are there HOA fees? No. This property has no HOA fees or associated restrictions.
What outdoor features does the property have? The home includes an English-style garden with a fountain, three separate patios, a deck, and a balcony.
How many fireplaces does the home have? The property features five decorative fireplaces throughout its formal living spaces.
Listing details sourced from Zillow (MLS #100578840). Prices, taxes, and availability are subject to change — always verify current details directly with the listing agent before making any decisions.
Listed from ZILLOW
