So the church (where they filmed A Walk to Remember) is not opened to public anymore is this correct? The Laurence Sprunt family sold Orton Plantation for $45 million in May 2010 to Louis Moore Bacon, a hedge fund manager and direct descendant of Roger Moore, builder of the original Orton home in 1725. A pavilion is located near the chapel. The house, which was completed with an island flair, was renamed Castle Dobbs after a small castle in Carrickfergus, Ireland, where Governor Arthur Dobbs lived for a few years. They are currently working on restoration of the pine forests, gardens, rice plantation & the actual plantation home itself. I was hoping to take my wife there. Bacon hopes to cultivate rice on Orton plantation. The est time involved will be 3-4 years, but I believe the new owner plans to reopen the plantation once everything has been completed. [2], Similar to the house, Luola's Chapel is a white brick structure with four Doric columns. 9149 Orton Rd. This sale, in addition to highlighting the importance of land preservation, demonstrates the role that private individuals and families can play in protecting our cultural resources. Orton Plantation is located at 5600 Orton Road, Southport, NC 28461. by 2014. A place with one star is worth a lookafter all, it made the list. Please inform me if you find out anything & THANK YOU for your ? Orton Plantation is no longer open to the public, It is now a private residence. So if we do farm a crop of any significance in the next several years, we will make it available in a way that reflects our broader goals at Orton.. Four years later, James Laurence Sprunt wrote a book about the history of Orton Plantation entitled The Story of Orton Plantation. The chapel on the grounds was used in the movie "A Walk to Remember" as the wedding scene. One of the world's leading conservationists, the billionaire is a descendant of the original owners of the site. Happy to respond.Daryl. (Note also that renovations are also happening in the gardens and adjoining fields; the new owner wants to restore the old plantation to its original purpose, a rice farm.") Since then, Epp has overseen an effort to improve the soil, reduce the threat of disease and find strains of rice that will thrive here. The plantation is open to the public for tours, events, and overnight stays. An occasional alligator drops by to visit. The owner stated that he may at some time in the future reopen the plantation to visitors, but he had not made a final decision about that. If so, what are the hours? Try contacting the Wilmington, N.C. Chamber of Commerce they might be able to give answers here. However, after the War, Orton Plantation was abandoned and the house sat empty for 19 years. Television series that have filmed scenes at Orton Plantation include One Tree Hill, Dawson's Creek, Hart of Dixie and Matlock.[5][15]. Restoring the historic rice fields recognizes centuries-old rice farming practices of enslaved Africans, he wrote by email. Mar-Aug daily 8am-6pm; Sept-Nov daily 10am-5pm, Take U.S. 17 across the river and turn onto N.C. 133; the gardens are 18 miles south of Wilmington and 10 miles north of Southport, Admission $9 adults, $8 seniors, $3 children 6-12, Frommer's EasyGuide to Tokyo, Kyoto and Western Honshu, View our full list of Attractions in Wilmington, NC. Louis Bacon has remained quiet in his efforts, which according to the article, go well beyond his purchase of Orton Plantation in 2010. The plantation is located in North Carolina, and the last owner died in the early 1900s. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Dr. Laurence Sprunt provided yarn to a group of Wilmslowians, many of whom had tartans in their family trees. [2][3] Although the home is privately owned and closed to the public, the Orton Plantation Gardens and family-owned chapel have become a tourist destination in Southeastern North Carolina, attracting thousands of visitors each year. See smoke? Two proud Eagles adorn each side of the gate. The old rice fields are now a wildlife sanctuary and the plantation was a haven for birdwatchers. Many years ago people would have weddings here because it is so Enchanting. Bacon wants to expand the designation to include the rice fields, 465 acres in all. Exploring The Pros And Cons, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Adding Carb Cleaner To A Gasoline-Powered Lawn Mower Fuel System. I am glad it is being re-done. Fire is necessary to maintain longleaf pine forests, which resemble a grassy savannah randomly dotted with tall pines and support several rare plants and animals, including the red-cockaded woodpecker. Orton Plantation, a former rice plantation during slavery, is no longer open for public visit. On April 11, 1973, the Orton Plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In my opinion, that's well on the way to happening. Laurentiis founded the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group which brought additional opportunities for movie and television filming at the Orton Plantation. The plantation went through several owners throughout . Very disappointed after having found this place on the map and driving a good distance out of our way to find that this place no longer exists. That's what Orton Plantation is known for, it's old Relic Beauty. Check with local authorities to determine the full extent of public access. The grounds are gorgeous, there are beautiful lakes and streams full of wildlife, the azaleas are vibrant and large, and the oak trees are so amazing. His most visible restoration work, along N.C. 133 between Leland and Southport, is the use of selective clearing and fire to restore the longleaf pine forests, which once dominated North Carolinas coastal plain. The project area is adjacent to the Cape Fear River and is protected from the main Cape Fear River channel by Campbell Island, which is located to the east. It was bought by a decendent of the original builder & owner (1700's) and his vision is to restore it back to a rice plantation. Orton Plantation was purchased by Louis Moore Bacon for $45 million in 2010, and the property was sold to the public. This village was once a slave village, and researchers have discovered some of its foundations. The Luola, Sprunts yacht, brought special guests from Wilmington to Orton. Although the home is privately owned and closed to the public, the Orton Plantation Gardens and family-owned chapel have become a tourist destination in Southeastern North Carolina, attracting thousands of visitors each year. ONE OF THE VERY BEST SITES IN EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA! Orton Plantation has not produced rice since 1931. He had apparently purchased the plantation and the slaves thereon from Dr. Hill. Located beside the Cape Fear River between Wilmington and Southport, Orton Plantation is considered to be a near-perfect example of Southern antebellum architecture. The grounds and the home are well-kept; it's not too expensive, and well worth your time. Epp thinks it will take six plantings of barley over three years before he can see about growing something else. SE, Winnabow, NC, USA. They understood that the critical part of growing rice was getting water in and out of the fields.. Cole Orton Hall in Leicester, England, is where the Battle of the Mill took place during the English Civil War. Orton Plantation, located in Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a historic plantation that was once home to a large plantation owner and his family. TheStreet. The plantation was established in 1735 by Royal Governor Gabriel Johnston and was later owned by the Swann family. Despite the strong resistance of the Moore family to English rule, King George II was unable to keep them at bay. Hundreds of slaves worked the land. Built in 1735 by the co-founder of Brunswick Town, the Orton Plantation house is one of the oldest structures in Brunswick County. The Sprunts constructed a family chapel in 1915, and when his wife died the following year from scarlet fever,[7] James renamed the building to Luola's Chapel in her honor. Area residents may see or smell smoke, including those in Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Wilmington, as well as travelers on Highway 133. The gardens can be seen by special permission. The name comes from Cole Orton Hall, which is located in Leicester, England, where an English Civil War battle took place. "Those two plantations were owned by a man named Roger Moore and he had about 250 slaves on those two plantations. On April 11, 1973, the Orton Plantation was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Copyright 2012 WECT. Louis Bacon's restoration efforts at Orton Plantation are helping to conserve this historical landmark for years to come. Does anyone know when it will be available to the public again?? An alligator likely lives along the road from Orton to Brunswick Town, just as it does with a Model T, and its bills and necks are long and cylindrical like domestic turkey bills. The Russellborough monument, made of stones from the houses foundation, was dedicated in 1909. Historic house in North Carolina, United States, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places listings in North Carolina, List of the oldest buildings in North Carolina, "Orton Plantation Boundary Increase and Additional Documentation", "Closed to public, Orton Plantation is transforming on a 'grand scale', "Released 25 years ago, 'Firestarter' changed the fate of Wilmington", "Tales of an alligator relocator: As humans take over coastal swamps, an outdoorsman answers calls to remove reptiles", The North Carolina Society of the Colonial Dames of America, History of the National Register of Historic Places, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orton_Plantation&oldid=1100290045, Neoclassical architecture in North Carolina, Houses on the National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina, Museums in Brunswick County, North Carolina, National Register of Historic Places in Brunswick County, North Carolina, Articles using NRISref without a reference number, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 25 July 2022, at 04:49. The grounds are well-maintained and offer a variety of options for ceremony and reception locations. If you travel toward Fort Anderson you may see the gates, and the alligators that reside in the ponds along the way. [13][14], Since 1983, Orton Plantation has been featured in 23 films and 34 television movies and series. Bacon intends to restore as many as 363 acres of fallow rice fields in Orton, North Carolina. Roger's first home, built in 1735, was destroyed by natives. So, heart breaking. The Orton Plantation sale, for a variety of reasons, is extremely important. James Sprunt purchased both properties after Frederick Kidders death. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Charging 25 cents for an entrance fee, the family raised $1,000 in a week. Lovely grounds & "feel" here for sure ! I believe the entire ORTON PLANTATION is currently CLOSED & I haven't been able to find out when or if it will be re-opening. Glad to be of help..>Daryl, Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Historic Sites Points of Interest & Landmarks, Orton Plantation, Wilmington: Address, Orton Plantation Reviews: 4/5. This ensures the protection of the historic boundary of the plantation by including woodlands, agricul- The cemetery is one of the few remaining reminders of the plantations history. They were given decent food and clothing, and were allowed to have families. Four years ago, workers planted about 200 acres of rice on these fields along the Cape Fear River, the first time someone has tried to grow rice here since 1931. I visited Orton Plantation twice in the early 2000's. [2][4][5], The first home Roger built in 1725 was destroyed by local Native Americans. If you are in the area, plan to visit Fort Anderson and Old Brunswick Town. In a newpaper and TV interview, the owner stated that his intent is to restore the plantation's splendor, though it was already splendid when we visited it on the last day it was open to visitors. I had so looked forward to visiting this beautiful plantation! The water moved by gravity through narrow canals controlled with a system of wooden gates. Its so incredible and would love to go there, to take my kids therejust for me to go again and again. What to know about daylight saving time in NC, Goofy dog had no adoption inquiries for months. The Orton House, dating from 1725, was built by Roger Moore, known as "The King" in this area because of his imperious manner. The plantation was built in 1735 and was in operation until 1865. Plantations the size of Orton were rare in the old South. Slightly off the beaten path, but so well worth it. With the 2010 sale of Orton Plantation to Louis Moore Bacon, a hedge fund manager and direct descendent of Roger Moore, builder of the original Orton plantation house in 1725, the situation regarding public access may have changed. This is one you won't forget. The barley, meanwhile, will be tested to see if can be fed to horses. To preserve the plantation and its forests, he intends to restore the rice fields and conduct historical research on it. The old rice plantation's owner is restoring the plantation to look like it did 300 years ago. You should e able to visit this real plantation restored by a new owner to reflect what things were like. How To Add Oil To Your Murray Lawn Mower For Optimal Performance, The Benefits Of Using Liquid Fertilizer After Mowing Your Lawn, Troubleshooting Your Riding Lawn Mower: Identifying And Resolving Common Issues, How To Determine The Correct Amount Of Oil To Fill Your Toro Lawn Mower After A Change, How To Troubleshoot And Repair Your Cub Cadet Riding Lawn Mower, How To Minimize The Risk Of Blowback When Using A Riding Lawn Mower. Following the Confederate defeat at Fort Fisher, Union soldiers confiscated Orton Plantation and used the home as a military hospital, thus sparing it from destruction. Orton was owned by Roger's brother, Colonel Maurice Moore, father of General James Moore and Maurice Moore, Jr., author of a famous essay denouncing the Stamp Act of 1765. The plantation was once an exclusive event space rented out for movies and weddings until 2010 when billionaire Louis Moore Bacon, an NC local, bought the mansion and its surrounding 8,500+ acres . They were genius in how they moved water in and out, Epp said. 98% of travellers recommend this experience. But the house is off-limits. Its so incredible and would love to go there, to take my kids therejust for me to go again and again. Exploring The Pros And Cons, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Adding Carb Cleaner To A Gasoline-Powered Lawn Mower Fuel System. They are currently working on restoration of the pine forests, gardens, rice plantation & the actual plantation home itself. Many years ago people would have weddings here because it is so Enchanting. This is one you won't forget. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Orton Plantation is a historic plantation house in the Smithville Township of Brunswick County, North Carolina, United States. The cemetery contains the graves of enslaved Africans who worked on the plantation, as well as the graves of free blacks who lived in the area. The Moores were Royalists, and, most likely . After the Civil War, the plantation was no longer able to function as a plantation and was eventually sold. Orton Plantation, a former rice plantation during slavery, is no longer open for public visit. In 1884, Orton Plantation was purchased by a former Confederate military officer, Kenneth MacKenzie Murchison. In one 30-acre field that was flooded by the storm, Epp is growing barley that tolerates salt and draws it out of the soil into the plants flowers. Orton often serves as a backdrop for movie and television productions. In a newpaper and TV interview, the owner stated that his intent is to restore the plantation's splendor, though it was already splendid when we visited it on the last day it was open to visitors. The plantation house, built in 1735, is set among live oaks and Spanish moss and overlooks the Cape Fear River. The first home at Orton was built in 1725, but it was destroyed a few years later by local American Indians. This story was originally published July 7, 2017, 11:12 AM. 90% of travellers recommend this experience. Were focused on restoring the fields.. We probably made a 10 percent yield, Epp said. I believe the entire ORTON PLANTATION is currently CLOSED & I haven't been able to find out when or if it will be re-opening. After the death of Laurence Sprunt in 1973 and Annie Gray Sprunt in 1978, the ownership was shared by their four sons: James Laurence Sprunt Jr., Kenneth Murchison, Samuel Nash, and Laurence Gray Sprunt. My rating is only due to its private status. BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Orton will continue its controlled burn season on Wednesday. Since the new ownership of Orton Plantation it has been closed to the public. In 1954, the Sprunt family donated 114.5 acres (46.3ha) of the Orton Plantation to establish the Brunswick Town State Historic Site.