Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

Search Bed and Breakfast in Cumberland Island

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

Our top choices for Cumberland Island bed & breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

St. Marys

Kathleen

includes taxes & fees

9 Feb - 10 Feb

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Fernandina Beach

Henry

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan

Florida House Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Stefanie

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan

Blue Heron Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Amy

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

St. Marys

Susan

includes taxes & fees

12 Jan - 13 Jan

The Addison on Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach Historic District

richard

includes taxes & fees

13 Jan - 14 Jan

Amelia Island Williams House

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Selma

includes taxes & fees

30 Jan - 31 Jan

Hoyt House Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Richard

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

10/10 Excellent

"Our stay here was awesome! The staff were helpful and kind, the room was just what we needed. "

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

10/10 Excellent

"Everything about our stay was wonderful. Mace, at the front desk was super friendly and helpful - made our 4y old granddaughter's birthday party a success. The facility was clean and bright, the breakfast was the best we've ever had in a hotel, and the sweet woman who kept up with the breakfast crowd couldn't have been nicer. Can't wait to visit here again soon"

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Number of reviews	2,386
Accommodation	10 B&B
Lowest Price	S$208
Highest Price	S$434

Frequently asked questions

Searching for B&Bs in Cumberland Island?

Whether you're travelling with your family and want a friendly place to stay, or you're travelling solo and looking to chat with locals, a B&B can be a good choice for many different types of travellers. When you want to explore some attractions in town, Plum Orchard Mansion and First African Baptist Church are worth a stop.

Why consider a B&B versus a traditional hotel?

With attentive service, opportunities to socialise with other guests and delectable breakfasts, B&Bs offer a unique environment.

What are the best bed and breakfasts in Cumberland Island?

Below are some well-liked B&Bs in the area: Florida House Inn: 17 rooms. 12.7 mi (20.5 km) from the heart of Cumberland Island. Enjoy the unique decor and patio area. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge: 25 rooms. 12.9 mi (20.8 km) from the city centre. Enjoy the in-room dining and library. Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast: 14 rooms. Situated 11.2 mi (17.9 km) from the heart of Cumberland Island. Enjoy the free full breakfast and library. Hoyt House Amelia Island: 10 rooms. 12.7 mi (20.4 km) from the city centre. Enjoy the free full breakfast and library.

When should I book my B&B in Cumberland Island?

When you're dreaming of a stay in Cumberland Island, make sure that you take the year-round temperatures into account. The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 15°C. Average annual precipitation for Cumberland Island is 1224 mm.

What is there to do in Cumberland Island?

When you want to see some attractions in town, you might consider a visit to Plum Orchard Mansion and First African Baptist Church. Cumberland Island National Seashore and Crooked River State Park are also some sites to visit if you want to see more of the area.

How can I get to and around Cumberland Island?

Planning your excursions in and around Cumberland Island is easier with these transportation options. Fly into Brunswick, GA (BQK-Golden Isles), which is located 27.8 mi (44.7 km) away from the city centre. You can also search for flights into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is 28.9 mi (46.5 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.

Search Bed and Breakfast in Cumberland Island

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for Cumberland Island bed & breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Florida House Inn

Blue Heron Inn

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

The Addison on Amelia Island

Amelia Island Williams House

Hoyt House Amelia Island

The Grey Owl Inn

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island

Hampton Inn St. Simons Island

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia