Historic Southport Waterfront Home on the Market for $2.25M

The Cape Fear House, a 150-year-old landmark in North Carolina, offers unmatched views and direct beach access.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:36am

The Cape Fear House, a stately 1868 residence in Southport, North Carolina, is on the market for $2.25 million. The 4,020-square-foot home features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and sits on 30,056 square feet of land with direct beachfront access. Owned by the same family since 1972, the historic home has been thoughtfully updated while retaining its original charm, including a widow's walk and cupola offering panoramic views of the Cape Fear River, Fort Caswell, and Bald Head Island.

Why it matters

The Cape Fear House is one of Southport's most storied waterfront landmarks, embodying the town's rich maritime history. As a rare opportunity to own a piece of North Carolina history with unparalleled water access, the property's sale is significant for preserving the state's coastal heritage.

The details

Built in 1868 by Thomas Mann Thompson Jr., a successful river pilot and Civil War blockade runner, the home features original heart pine floors, double front porches, and is the only residence in Southport to have both a widow's walk and cupola. The property spans three parcels and is deeded to the waterline, providing direct beachfront access. Lovingly cared for by the same family since 1972, the home was thoughtfully updated in 2015 to embrace today's lifestyle while retaining its historic charm.

  • The Cape Fear House was built in 1868.
  • The current owners have owned the property since 1972.
  • The home was last updated in 2015.

The players

Thomas Mann Thompson Jr.

The original builder of The Cape Fear House in 1868, a successful river pilot and Civil War blockade runner.

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What’s next

The current owners are seeking a new steward to continue the story of this historic Southport landmark.

The takeaway

The sale of The Cape Fear House represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of North Carolina's coastal heritage, with unmatched water access and panoramic views in one of the state's most picturesque waterfront towns.