Swift-Coles Historic Home, Mobile Bay Travel Guide

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Discover Southern charm and coastal history at the Swift-Coles Historic Home, a beautifully preserved mansion on the Bon Secour River.

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Swift-Coles Historic Home

Step back in time at the Swift-Coles Historic Home, a beautifully preserved 1882 mansion on the Bon Secour River. Explore the legacy of the Swift and Coles families, who shaped the region's timber and shipping industries, and experience Southern charm in this 'living museum'.

A brief summary to Swift-Coles Historic Home

17424 Swift Coles Ln, Bon Secour, Alabama, 36511, US
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Thursday 10 am-2 pm
Friday 10 am-2 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Swift-Coles Historic Home.

Check the Swift-Coles Historic Home website or call ahead for the most up-to-date tour schedule and special event information.
Consider visiting during one of the home's themed events, such as the haunted tours in October or the Christmas vendor days, for a unique experience.
Take your time strolling the grounds to admire the old barns and chicken coops, remnants of the Swift family's lumber business.

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Explore Swift-Coles Historic Home on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Swift-Coles Historic Home, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Gulf Shores, take the Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) north until you reach County Road 10. Turn left (west) onto County Road 10, then left again onto Bon Secour Highway. Turn left onto County Road 49 South, and finally, turn left onto Swift Coles Lane. The Swift-Coles Historic Home will be on your left. Parking is available on-site. There is no fee to park.

Discover more about Swift-Coles Historic Home

The Swift-Coles Historic Home, nestled on the banks of the Bon Secour River in Bon Secour, Alabama, offers a glimpse into the lives of two prominent families and the history of the Gulf Coast. Built in 1882 as a modest four-room dog-trot cabin by Thomas Gavin, the home was purchased in 1898 by Charles and Susan Swift, who expanded it into a 6,000-square-foot mansion.The Swifts, who owned a successful lumber business, added a west wing in 1902 and a second story in 1908, transforming the house into a 16-room home with expansive porches. The home remained in the Swift family until 1976, when it was sold to Norman Nicholas Coles, who restored it to its original grandeur. Today, the Swift-Coles Historic Home is owned and operated by the Baldwin County Historic Development Commission and serves as a house museum and event venue.Visitors can explore the home's rich history through guided tours, which showcase the original cabin, additions, photographs, and antique furniture. The home also hosts themed events, such as Christmas vendor days, haunted tours, and historical days, offering a varied glimpse into the area's past. The grounds feature old barns and a chicken coop, adding to the property's rustic charm. The Swift-Coles Historic Home is a testament to resilience, legacy, and the enduring charm of Southern architecture.