From The Archives

Stately Antebellum Mansion

This stately home sits magestically on a large corner lot surrounded by a high brick wall & wrought iron fence in the heart of Historic Downtown. Beautifully preserved & in immaculate condition, the elegance of the Hasell-Parsley House is astounding.
Points of Interest to Note:
-The rare walk-in basement
-The plaster of paris cornice work in the front parlor is the handiwork of George W. Price, a black senator from the area in the late 1800's
-Five fireplaces with original mantles
-Grand foyer with spiral staircase and original stained glass window
-Large butlers pantry
-Original 1930's Art Deco tile Master Bath
-Large corner lot, over 1/4 of an acre
-Short walk to great shopping, restaurants & theater
-3-Block stroll to the CapeFear RiverWalk

History:
William Hasell was the great grandson of Chief Justice, and sometimes
Governor James Hasell of North Carolina. He built this house in 1811. The three
story brick house became known as "Williams Castle." He was an attorney, and
owner & editor of The Wilmington Gazette. The house became the city's first
library & reading room.
The house fell into disrepair after his death. The existing structure was built in 1860. The present house was erected on the basement rooms of the original house with very little change
by Oscar Parsley. Brick walls and an original fireplace remain and can be viewed in the basement. A long list of distinguished Wilmingtonians have lived in the house. Oscar Parsley was one of the most outstanding
business men in the area, and his obituary read "loved by all the people." The French Family owned much property & were highly respected. Cornelia W. Worth was a descendant of Governor Worth. The Bridgers family were a highly respected family since R.R. Bridgers came to Wilmington as president of the Atlantic
Coastline Railroad. These past owners all left a record of service and popularity in the growth of Wilmington.