Wilson-Lee House Bed & Breakfast - Details

Incorporated in 1886, Cape Charles at the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, was a town with Northern roots "planned" bu and for the railroads and the commerce they brought. The other, natural, attraction of Cape Charles was its harbor, the largest on the Eastern Shore between Norfolk and Maryland. Railroads coming from the NOrth ended at the harbor which became the terminus for ferries bearing freight and passengers to connecting points. As a result, Capea Charles became the largest and most prosperous town on the Eastern Shore. It catered to the"come heres" from the urban North who mingled with Eastern Shore natives in a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Cape Charles prospered until the ferry relocated its terminal out of town in 1950. Shortly after the trains stopped running the town eventually slowed down to an almost complete stop.

Today, Cape Charles retains most of its original architectural integrity and charm. The "downtown" and harbor are undergoing rejuvenation in anticipation of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course and the nation's first Sustainable Technologies Industrial Park. There is a growing interest in home ownership by those who wish t live here year-round or to have a second home.There is a quiet but increasing renewal of interest in Cape Charles as a getaway destination. In addition, its designation as an Historic District positions it for a cultural and architectural renaissance. Once again interest in visiting Cape Charles is building among those who seek it out as a hideaway with a sophisticated consciousness.

When the project of establishing Cape Charles as a premier city was initially undertaken,the best talent was vigorously recruited to achieve this goal. James W. Lee, a highly distinguished and sought-after architect from Norfolk came to Cape Charles to design the house now at 403 Tazewell Avenue for James W. Wilson owner of the Eastern Shore's largest department store - "Wilson's". James lived with his wife Alyce, two daughters, Virginia and Georgie and the housekeeper Anna Jackson in this house and it served as their home until James and Alyce died in 1957 and 1958 respectively.

Wilson-Lee House is a turn of the century Colonial Revival home (constructed in 1906) conceived and designed as a residence that would allow for leisure and entertainment, an integral part of life in Cape Charles at the time. While later owners have left their imprint on Wilson-Lee House, the building remains structurally the same as the day it was completed.

“We named the bed and breakfast Wilson-Lee House to honor its builder and architect.”
Resident Innkeeper Leon Parham is an architect specializing in historic restoration and adaptive reuse. He has restored the original integrity of the Wilson-Lee House while providing the maximum comforts required by a bed and breakfast. The house you visit today contains all the social energy that infused the nineteenth century original, without the stuffiness usually associated with historical projects. Leon and owner David Phillips have stylishly restored Wilson-Lee House to its original purpose — fun and entertainment.

Each of the six guest rooms in Wilson-Lee House has a private bath, and is decorated in a unique, eclectic style with authentic period heirlooms from David’s and Leon’s families, contemporary classics, and a mix of classic and contemporary art. These rooms are a successful synthesis of modern-day amenities with a respect for tradition. They vary in historic allusion from Classical, Victorian, Art Deco through Post Modern.
“We want every guest to feel special.” To achieve this goal, upon arrival in one’s room, each guest is greeted with fresh cut flowers as well as a tasty pillow ornament.
David and Leon, both superb cooks, have created breakfast menus to satisfy the most discriminating of tastes. Leon is particularly proud of his broiled grapefruit and Huevos Rancheros. David has perfected the Oven-baked Pancake with Apple and Creme Brulee French Toast.. Guests continually ask for the recipes. Each morning breakfast includes a choice of juices, fresh fruit, hot bread, a tantalizing main course and a choice of specially blended coffees (decaf or regular) and tea. Vegetarian and vegan breakfasts can be prepared with no problem, however advance notice is appreciated. During fair weather, breakfast is served on the screened-in portion of the wrap-around porch.
While the focus of Wilson-Lee House is relaxation, business and outside world amenities are available upon request. These include television, VCR, a fax machine and a computer.

A number of area restaurants await the hungry guest.
The town beach is just steps away.
Spring of 2001 will welcome the opening of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course - Bay Creek at Cape Charles.

Smoking is permitted only on the open portions of the porch. In consideration of our guests, we cannot accept pets or children under 12.

For Reservations - 757.331.1954 - WLHBnB