Gaineswood — Attraction in Demopolis

I debated between visiting Gaineswood and Magnolia Grove...I am more than happy with my decision. Gaineswood has been (and is) restored to it original beauty. While the grounds are not as large as they once were, you still feel the immense beauty of the place. What is perhaps the most impressive fact is that Whitfield designed the house from a dog run cabin to its current state with no formal training. Both the director and the volunteers were knowledgeable and welcoming, they truly knew how to treat guests with an experience they would not forget. You are taken through the house as it was built by Whitfield and each room simply drips with history of a long-gone era. There are many original elements and pieces throughout the house which only adds to the experience. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to properly see the house and ask questions as the come to you. Gaineswood is just a wonderfully hidden gem in Demopolis, AL. I made the 2-hour drive from Montgomery to see the house and I do not regret my decision at all. Admission is $7 for Adults, $5 for Military, $3 for Students (6-18), they are cash only, so keep that in mind however, if you forget there are two ATMs (one at Regions Bank)...

Gaineswood was designed and built by General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, beginning in 1843 as a dog-trot cabin and after much renovation and additions, was completed in its current Greek Revival form in 1861. It is considered to be one of the most unusual neoclassical mansions in the US. We were the only visitors during the time we spent there. Our tour given by Lynda was excellent, she knew so many details and answered all our questions. She spent almost 2hrs with us and we enjoyed every minute! The house is amazing, so many unique features like pocket doors in many rooms, columns everywhere, domed skylights in two great rooms, wood painted to look like marble, and 90% original furnishings. There are signs of deterioration like peeling paint, cracks in the walls, fading wall paper, but this is to be expected as upkeep on historic mansions such as this in a smaller town can be hard to maintain. We visited the gift shop, walked around the grounds and took many photos. If you like history and love historic homes, don’t...

Ms. Sue was our guide on the tour. She is a real lady. She commands the facts and history of the house and museum..

It was awesome. A lot of history. The gift shop has many various books, postcards, and misc.

I hope to visit again in the future.

I bought 3 books that our family will read and enjoy I am certain.

It's 5 acres now, out of the original 2,000 acres.@ this location...of the whole whole 4,000 combined...but not attached

This place is amazing and a must see if you are a fan of history, or a fan of the Civil War and the settlements in early Alabama.

Go see this place.

It's air conditioned very clean, well preserved. Outstanding staff on...