The grand double decker wrap around porch - ask about the ceiling color.
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Swift-Coles Historic Home

4.4
·93 reviews·Bon Secour, United States

Step back in time at the 1882 Greek Revival Swift-Coles Historic Home, offering guided tours and a picturesque event venue.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
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The grand double decker wrap around porch - ask about the ceiling color.

Swift-Coles Historic Home

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal tour

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at the 1882 Greek Revival Swift-Coles Historic Home, offering guided tours and a picturesque event venue.

4.4
(93 reviews)

"A beautiful home and grounds, with docents who couldn't be kinder!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Hours Before You Go

Confirm operating hours and tour availability, as they can change.

Book for Events

A stunning venue for weddings and events, check their calendar.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Greek Revival Architecture

The Greek Revival Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the stunning 1882 Greek Revival home, expanded by the Swift family to accommodate their large brood.

Family History & Photo Albums

Family History & Photo Albums

Throughout the house

Explore the history of the families who lived here, with photo albums showcasing their lives.

Beautifully Maintained Grounds

Beautifully Maintained Grounds

Exterior

The home is set amidst lovely grounds, offering a picturesque backdrop, especially for events.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check operating hours before you go, as they can vary. Guided tours are the primary way to experience the home, so plan your arrival accordingly to catch one. Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid larger crowds.

Event Venue Considerations

Swift-Coles Historic Home is a popular wedding and event venue. If you're planning a visit, check their events calendar to ensure the house is open for tours and not booked for a private function. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal tour
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Catch the golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Your Forever Starts Here- Swift-Coles Historic Home 251-949-5550 swiftcoleshistorichome.com #SwiftColesHistoricHome #SwiftColes #SwiftColesBrides #Forever #ElegantIDo
swiftcoleshistorichome
2 likes • 149 views

Check Hours Before You Go

Confirm operating hours and tour availability, as they can change. Reddit

Book for Events

A stunning venue for weddings and events, check their calendar. Instagram+1

☀️ When the Alabama sun’s too hot to handle, we head indoors! Here are some local faves in Orange Beach & Gulf Shores: 🎨 Foley Art Center • 🏛 Swift-Coles Historic Home 🎳 Gulf Bowl • 🎥 AMC Wharf 15 🦖 Jurassic Golf • 🔫 Arena The Next Level 🎮 Outer Limits VR • 🍺 Big Beach Brewing 💬 What’s YOUR go-to indoor spot around here? 👋 I’m Matt Creel — your real estate BFF who knows what’s hot before Zillow...
mattcreelrealestate
0 likes • 32 views
Repost from @goodieandsmith • My +1…FOREVER @angieroulainejackson 🤍 Angie & Mike Angie & Mike had a romantic ceremony at Swift-Coles Mansion in Bon Secour, Alabama! Swift-Coles Mansion is such a gorgeous historic home surrounded by moss covered trees. Mike was beaming when he saw Angie for the first time. Also, we love that they included all of their children in the ceremony!! Friends and famil...
m_jackson_45
62 likes • 3.4K views

Informative Docents

The guides are knowledgeable and add great historical context. Reddit

Explore the Grounds

The exterior and surrounding landscape are just as beautiful as the interior. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Hours Before You Go

Confirm operating hours and tour availability, as they can change. Reddit

Book for Events

A stunning venue for weddings and events, check their calendar. Instagram+1

Informative Docents

The guides are knowledgeable and add great historical context. Reddit

Explore the Grounds

The exterior and surrounding landscape are just as beautiful as the interior. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(93 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Swift-Coles Historic Home for its beautiful architecture and well-maintained grounds. The knowledgeable and kind docents enhance the tour experience, offering fascinating historical insights. While some have encountered locked gates when not on a scheduled tour or event, those who experience the interior or attend an event rave about the stunning setting and excellent event planning.

"What a beautiful home! And the docents could not have been kinder 🙂 A wonderful place to visit!
House was originally built by a Cajun fisherman and his family as a one story dog trot with four rooms. Then bought by the Swift family who were in logging. They moved in with eight children and ended up with eleven! So they added the upstairs and another wing built with the timber from their own lumber mill. There are photo albums around the house with pictures of the family through time."

Eldgeth

"My review is on the exterior appearance of the building and grounds only, not the venue service. The home and setting was beautiful from the outside but the gates were locked and no one was present. While we were there several other people stopped and reported they have also tried to view with the same result."

Louis and Elaine

"I cannot say enough about the stunning wedding my daughter experienced in May 2022 at the Swift-Coles Historic Home. The backdrop of the beautiful trees, landscape and of course the historic home in the pictures is amazing. Katherine Graham provides the event planning at Swift-Coles. Katherine took the time to understand the vision my daughter had for her wedding and transformed it into "real life".. The most beautiful wedding she could have ever imagined. Thanks Katherine.. if there were more stars I would give them."

Lynda Wallace

What People Like

Beautiful historic home
Knowledgeable guides
Stunning event venue

What People Dislike

Inconsistent access
Limited tour times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Swift-Coles Historic Home is located in Bon Secour, Alabama. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to reach it. Many visitors combine a trip here with other attractions in the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores area. Instagram

Yes, typically there is parking available for visitors. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead for any specific parking instructions, especially if you are attending an event.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally reasonable for the guided tours. It's best to check the official Swift-Coles Historic Home website for the most current pricing information, as it can change.

For regular guided tours, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or if you have a specific time in mind. This helps ensure you can join a tour group. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally and are subject to change, especially if the home is booked for private events. Always verify the current hours on their official website before your visit. Reddit

Guided tours are the primary way to experience the interior of Swift-Coles Historic Home and learn about its history. While you can admire the exterior and grounds, access inside is typically through a scheduled tour. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A guided tour usually lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the home's history, architecture, and the families who resided there. Reddit

Restroom facilities are generally available for visitors, especially during tours and events. Inquire upon arrival if you need assistance locating them.

Due to its historic nature, some areas of the home may present accessibility challenges. It's recommended to contact Swift-Coles Historic Home directly to discuss specific accessibility needs and options.

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the historic interiors. Always check for signage or ask your guide.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Swift-Coles Historic Home itself does not typically offer dining services for regular visitors. However, the surrounding Orange Beach and Gulf Shores areas have numerous restaurants and cafes to explore. Instagram

For regular tours, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the historic home to preserve the interiors. If attending an event, catering arrangements will usually be provided.

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the home, with its charming architecture and moss-draped trees, is incredibly photogenic. The grounds also offer beautiful backdrops, especially for events. Instagram

Absolutely! Many couples choose Swift-Coles Historic Home for its stunning historic setting, beautiful trees, and elegant ambiance, making for unforgettable wedding photos. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Swift-Coles Historic Home offers a glimpse into history, it's primarily geared towards adult appreciation of architecture and historical narratives. The guided tours might hold the attention of older children interested in stories and old houses. However, younger children may find the tour format less engaging. It's a good idea to manage expectations and perhaps focus on the beautiful grounds and exterior for younger visitors. Consider it a more educational outing rather than a typical kid-centric attraction. Reddit

💍 Couples & Event Planners

Swift-Coles Historic Home is an exceptional choice for romantic weddings and elegant events. The historic mansion and its lush surroundings provide a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies and receptions. Instagram+1 Couples can expect a charming and timeless setting that photographs beautifully. Event planners often highlight the venue's ability to create a magical and unforgettable experience, making it a top contender for those planning a special occasion in the Gulf Coast area. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Swift-Coles Historic Home, built in 1882, is a magnificent example of Greek Revival architecture. Originally a modest one-story dog-trot home built by a Cajun fisherman, it was later purchased by the Swift family. The Swifts, involved in the logging industry, expanded the home significantly to accommodate their growing family of eleven children. This expansion included adding a second story and a new wing, utilizing timber from their own lumber mill. The home beautifully preserves the history of these families, with photo albums offering a tangible connection to their lives. Reddit

Visitors can expect an informative guided tour that delves into the architectural evolution of the house and the stories of its inhabitants. The docents are praised for their knowledge and ability to bring the past to life, making the tour a worthwhile experience for history enthusiasts. Reddit The restoration and maintenance of this 6,000-square-foot home are commendable, ensuring its beauty and historical integrity are preserved for future generations. Reddit

Weddings and Events at Swift-Coles

Swift-Coles Historic Home is a highly sought-after venue for weddings and special events. Its picturesque setting, surrounded by beautiful trees and featuring the elegant historic home as a backdrop, creates a truly magical atmosphere for celebrations. Instagram+1 The venue is known for its ability to provide a stunning and memorable experience for couples and their guests.

Event planning services are often available, with professionals like Katherine Graham noted for transforming couples' visions into reality. Instagram The combination of the historic charm, natural beauty of the grounds, and dedicated event coordination makes Swift-Coles Historic Home a premier choice for those seeking an unforgettable event. It's important for potential visitors to check the events calendar, as the home may be unavailable for tours on days it's hosting private functions. Instagram

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