Monday 9 January 2012: Houses of Wilmington #2

Bridgers House (1905) - "House of the Stars"

This is one of the newer houses in Wilmington's historic downtown, and also one of the most difficult to photograph. It is surrounded by crepe myrtle and other trees. Even in the winter, without the foliage, one would need Mr. Smith's fisheye lens and stand a few feet from the front door to capture the house without the camouflage.

Mr. Bridger was a railroad man from Indiana. Wilmington was the largest city in North Carolina and the railroad (which unfortunately no longer exists), was a big part of it. The limestone for the 14,000 sq. ft. house also came from Indiana. Mr. Bridger died before the house was completed, but his widow raised four children there.

It is now the Graystone Inn and serves as a Bed and Breakfast for among others, movies stars like Anthony Hopkins, Tome Cruise, and Michele Pfeiffer. Wilmington is the 3rd largest moviemaker in the U.S.A. after Hollywood and New York City. "Iron Man 3" will begin filming here soon. The house also hosts about 50 weddings per year.

It is said the Mrs. Bridgers does not like the house serving as a B&B. Her ghost haunts the place and periodically hides the guest book.

Closer Look

What's playing inside?

• LEICA X1:
• f/11:
• 1/500":
• 24.0mm:
• ISO 1600

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