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The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington!

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You enter into this spacious living room with huge windows brightening the room
A Hsitroic feel with great updates and comfortable seating
Bedroom 1
Room
Office with a view off the MAster Bedroom

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% based on
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 41000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Wilmington, NC
  • Place, Riverwalk
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Bellamy Mansion Museum
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Wilmington Convention Center
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Airport, Wilmington, NC (ILM-Wilmington Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen

About this property

The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington!

☆ Welcome to The Historic Emerald Gem ☆

Located in Downtown Wilmington's Historic District, our home was built in 1889! Notoriously known as the "Cummings-Taylor House", it sits on a cobblestone paved-road and consists of three spacious, private/separate apartments. It has been completely (yet meticulously) renovated & decorated to preserve its rich history + aesthetic.
• 10 minute walk/4 blocks to the heart of downtown Wilmington & Riverwalk!
a quick & stunning stroll to all of the local favorite restaurants, bars, concerts, and family activities this beautiful town offers.

Come relax, explore, enjoy & make yourself at home!
____________________________________________________________________
☆THE SPACE☆

• You'll be staying in the completely private/separate, second floor apartment of the triplex.
• There are guests that may be staying in the apartments located above and below.

~ KEY FEATURES ~

☀ Private, spacious second floor of the triplex
☀ 2 Bedrooms - 2 Queen sized beds (fresh + comfy linens)
☀ 1 Full Bathroom
☀ Fully stocked kitchen, equipped with everything you need for a delicious meal (complete list is located below!)
☀ Stocked coffee & tea for your morning cup
☀ Central AC / Heat
☀ Two - 40" Smart TV (brand new) with access to streaming platforms for you to log-in and watch your favorite shows
☀ Free high-speed WiFi and two separate desks to work remotely!
☀ Washer + Dryer (full size)
☀ Back patio with furniture
☀ Free & ample on-street parking
☀ Convenient location; walk downtown Wilmington/Riverwalk, 25 min drive to Carolina Beach or Wrightsville Beach

☆ BEDROOMS ☆
- 2 Queen-size beds, fresh new linens, new pillows, room darkening shades.
- One bedroom has a non-functioning fireplace and mantle for a cozy feel.
- Both bedrooms have a dedicated workspace with a desk with a lamp, one is overlooking a window to gaze into the trees and neighborhood.

☆ BATHROOM ☆
- 1 Full Bathroom
- New bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Make-up vanity and chair.

☆ KITCHEN ☆ (Fully equipped)
- Includes french-door stainless steel refrigerator, new stainless steel range and microwave, dishwasher, toaster, drip coffee-maker, dishware, silverware, knife block, hot water kettle, drinking glasses, wine glasses, open shelving, and butcher block counter tops.

☆ LIVING ROOM ☆
- Central AC/Heat, New Samsung 40" Smart TV (cable), DVD player, video library, brand new comfortable sofa, coffee table, reading material, hardwood floors, and beautiful molding. huge windows allows for natural lighting, three original brick (non-functioning) fireplaces with lovely mantles.

☆ LAUNDRY ☆
- Full sized Washer & Dryer in the unit. (brand new)

☆ BACK OUTDOOR PORCH ☆
- A shady and private spot to enjoy a glass of wine or your morning coffee and newspaper.

☆ EXTRAS PROVIDED ☆
- Hair dryer, iron & board, toilet paper, hand soap, body soap & more to get you started upon arrival! However, if you are staying longer than a couple of nights, please plan to supplement with your own supplies based on your personal needs.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No parties, events, underage alcohol consumption, or illegal drug use. Please respect Quiet Hours from 10PM - 7AM. Addtl guest must be approved
Please do not use bleach to clean anything during your stay. Please be considerate not to block our neighbors driveways.
Kindly wear soft-soled shoes. Please do not wear high-heeled shoes inside the apartment to avoid damaging the original historic hardwood floors.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Wilmington

Located on a river, this vacation home is in Wilmington Historic District, a neighborhood in Wilmington. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College or Legion Stadium. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and motor boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and cycling.
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Map
Wilmington, NC

What's nearby

  • Riverwalk - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Bellamy Mansion Museum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cape Fear Community College - 16 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Wilmington Convention Center - 18 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • Wilmington Intl. Airport (ILM) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Burger King - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Savard Beer & Board - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Hidden Grounds Coffee - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Concorde Espresso Bar - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪The Pilot House - ‬8 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington!?

As of Mar 30, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington! on May 4, 2026 start from $178, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Historic Emerald Gem ~ Walk to Downtown Wilmington! located?

Located in Wilmington Historic District, this vacation home is within a 10-minute walk of Latimer House and Riverwalk. Hannah Block Historic USO Arts Center and Children's Museum of Wilmington are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

jeff a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location and Great Host - will stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Travis F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place will surprise you! Extremely spacious and homely at the same time. Perfect location for experiencing downtown Wilmington. Quiet neighborhood. The hosts could not be anymore accommodating or responsive! Wonderful people! Thank you for a great getaway weekend! Would absolutely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liana S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Close to everything. Great walks. Great food. Property managers are wonderful, efficient.
Stayed 41 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The apartment was lovely, clean, and just as pictured. The kitchen was well appointed and appeared to have all the supplies needed for cooking. We had plenty of space and loved the architecture of the home. Thank you for a great stay near downtown!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything we needed was provided. We did little in the kitchen but it was well supplied and clean.There were plenty of shops and things to do.Even though it was in the down town area it was very quiet. The parking was not a problem.Would definitely stay again. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

AC G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful week in Apartment B. It’s spacious, an easy walk to town, and so clean and bright.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kayce W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot!

Easy access to all shops and attractions. Clean and well-appointed. Thank you for a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kathy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Short weekend

Good locationCleanEverything we needed
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyable stay

Great property...clean and quiet
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

My daughter and I really enjoyed the place. Great location. Very. Very clean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

pam g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Downtown Wilmington

Great location, plenty of room to spread out, comfortable beds. I would definitely stay here again. Great place to take walks and enjoy historic Wilmington.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

DeAnne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mother's Day Trip

My sister and I brought our mom for a Mother's Day get away! It was very clean and in a great location. I'd definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ashley H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The perfect spot!

We spent a lovely weekend exploring downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville beach and UNCW. This beautiful apartment was the perfect spot. The pictures don’t due it justice. Bill was easy to work with and made our stay enjoyable. We only wish we could have stayed longer. Next time!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, wonderful hosts

We loved staying in this charming historical home. The location was perfect for walking to the Riverwalk. The hosts were so helpful and checked in with us periodically during our stay. I would 100% recommend to others.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful girls getaway

Loved this place! Met my best friend in Wilmington for a quick girls getaway, and this was perfect for us. My friend lives to cook so she prepared dinner both nights and we had almost everything we needed in the kitchen. Owner is very responsive and eager to help in any way. Will definitely go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Olga K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property, best hosts!

Our stay at the emerald gem was literally perfect. Bill was able to provide recommendations for things to do, accommodated our every request, came to meet us and ensure we had everything we needed and in general, was one of the nicest people I ever met. I highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay!

Great location to walk to the Riverwalk & through historic downtown! Very clean, comfortable home! Bill was a great host, very kind & attentive, with so many great recommendations for places to eat & things to do. We will definitely come back & stay here again! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pat M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Church street charmer

Comfortable well appointed apartment in historic Wilmington with convenient access to beaches and attractions. Super kind and accommodating hosts.
Stayed 40 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

vonda f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

CLOSE GETAWAY

we loved the the property. neighborhood was great we were able to walk to everything we wanted to see. it was a nice little break and a short drive.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girlfriend getaway

Lovely home in the heart of historic district. Beautifully furnished and decorated. Short walk to the downtown shops and restaurants. Host Bill was friendly and welcoming. We had a wonderful stay and I’m looking forward to visiting again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Gem in Wilmington

House was exactly as pictured. We stayed in 2nd floor unit. The unit was spacious & beautifully decorated. Location was perfect. Nice neighborhood close to many excellent restaurants. Close enough to walk to Riverwalk. Communication with owner was excellent Very receptive to our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Celeste N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved it!

Beautiful and clean property. The hosts were so attentive and kind. If we lived in Wilmington we’d want to be their friends! :). We are looking forward to our next trip to NC (from Colorado) and will definitely plan to stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wilmington Getaway

My husband and I stayed for two nights to jump start our Carolina Beach vacation. We cannot say enough good things about our host (Bill) who was so very gracious, genuine and eager to help. From the home's exterior to the inviting hall/entryway, this home is stunning. Our elegant "apartment" was super clean, with the perfect blend of the periods' architecture and modern conveniences. We were in awe of the blocks and blocks of spectacular homes and lush greenery. We walked to town for breakfast (recommend Jester's Cafe).
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelli G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls trip.

Can't give enough stars. We booked this historic home apartment not realizing there was an incredibly large event happening in the area that weekend. Bill was phenomenal in helping to educate us on how navigate the territory, the event, and the surrounding areas. The home is gorgeous and well maintained. I loved sunrises and morning coffee on the front port as the brick street faces east and evening cocktails on the back deck. Excellent communication and quite welcoming hosts. I hope to be back again some day and would love to stay in Bill and Sandy's historic home again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Lela Faye Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Walkable neighborhood.

We enjoyed walking to nearby shops and restaurants in this historic neighborhood. Very close proximity to drive to the waterfront area. Apartment decor has a lovely french theme. Well stocked kitchen. Spacious bath.The apartment is second floor with normal conversation, footsteps, and other sounds traveling easily from the level above. Night time was quiet until people outside arrived home loudly. So your stay might depend upon whoever else shares the house.I gave 4 out of 5 for listing accuracy for a couple of things different in case it is important to someone. Photos of bedrooms are both of the same room. The other bedroom is very similar, but does not have a desk. No DVD player, although some movies are provided. Appliances are within the last 10 years, but not brand new as the listing might imply. TV worked well with Netflix, and the sofa is very comfortable. Mattress of the bedroom across from the bathroom was uncomfortable by night two, showing signs of need for updating. Note: Most current wifi name and password is in the VRBO listing site, not what is in the info binder. Most current info for check-in process will be in an email, not what is listed at the VRBO listing check-in description. We got hung up on that at first, thinking we needed to use the lock box, and a different code, but the owners soon replied. Same for check out process. Be sure to check an email before you leave which gives detailed instructions for everything. Listing needs several updates.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

About the host

Hosted by Bill Riesner

Host profile image
Hi, we are Bill & Sandy and we are excited to host you! We recently helped renovate a house down at the beach with my son Michael and totally fell in love with the area. So we decided to leave Florida and come to the nicest and friendliest town we have ever been to. I am here with my wife Sandy and our happy little Goldendoodle Jaxx. It has been our passion to have places that people can come and stay, to create lasting memories and experiences. I hope you enjoy our home and we can't wait to have you!

Why they chose this property

There is no place like the stunning Historic District of Downtown Wilmington. We found the perfect house, located on the perfect cobblestone paved-road & neighborhood. We immediately felt that we wanted to share it with others. It is quiet and close enough to walk to downtown. Our home has the look and feel of a charming historic home, yet has all the contemporary amenities you would like to have when looking for a home away from home!

What makes this property unique

☆ Conveniently located near the riverfront and heart of downtown Wilmington.
☆ Situated in a friendly and quiet neighborhood with just a short drive to two of the best beaches on the Southeastern Coast of NC: Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
☆Ample, free on-street parking.

Languages:

English

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