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Swift-Coles Historic Home: A Tidewater Mansion

Discover Southern charm and local history at Bon Secour's Swift-Coles Historic Home, a beautifully preserved tidewater mansion and event venue.

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Step back in time at the Swift-Coles Historic Home, a beautifully preserved house museum in Bon Secour, Alabama. Originally a simple dog-trot cabin built in 1882, it evolved into a grand 6,000-square-foot mansion, reflecting the lives of the Swift and Coles families who shaped the region's history.

A brief summary to Swift-Coles Historic Home

Local tips

  • Check the Swift-Coles Historic Home website or call ahead for the most up-to-date tour schedule, as hours may vary.
  • Consider visiting during one of the home's special events, such as Christmas Vendor days or historical reenactments, for a unique experience.
  • If you're interested in a more personalized experience, book a private tour for your group.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Swift-Coles Historic Home is located at 17424 Swift Coles Ln, Bon Secour, AL 36511. From Gulf Shores, take Gulf Shores Parkway (Highway 59) north until you reach County Road 10. Turn left onto County Road 10 West, then left onto Bon Secour Highway. Turn left again at County Road 49 South, and then left onto Swift Coles Lane to find the destination. Parking is available on-site.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Beach Buggy Taxi are available in the Gulf Shores and Bon Secour area. A taxi from Gulf Shores to Swift-Coles Historic Home will cost approximately $30-$40, depending on the distance and time of day. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before you set off.

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Discover more about Swift-Coles Historic Home

The Swift-Coles Historic Home, nestled on the banks of the Bon Secour River, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Built in 1882 as a modest four-room dog-trot cabin by Thomas Gavin, the property was purchased in 1898 by Charles Augustus Swift, a lumber baron, and his wife, Susan. The Swifts transformed the cabin into a sprawling 16-room mansion, adding wings and stories to accommodate their growing family of eleven children. The home became the heart of the Swift family's activities, hosting weddings and gatherings. The Swift family significantly contributed to the region's timber and shipping industries. After Susan's death and the passing of the last Swift family resident, Susie Nell Swift Marshall, the home was sold to Norman Nicholas Coles in 1976. Coles, an entrepreneur and antique collector, meticulously restored the home, filling it with his collection of fine antiques. Upon his death in 2007, Coles bequeathed the home to the Baldwin County Historical Development Commission, and it opened to the public in 2009. Visitors can explore the home's many rooms, each filled with period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of the families who lived there. The house is open for tours, and private tours can be arranged for groups. The home also serves as a venue for weddings and events.

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