A historic property that predates the Civil War will soon be for sale.

The Verandas, located at 202 Nun St. on the corner of Second and Nun streets, will officially go into the Wilmington Regional Association of Realtors (WRAR) Multiple Listings Service (MLS) on May 8 for $2.7 million, according to a news release.

Lois and Thom Potratz, Realtors with Wilmington-based Intracoastal Realty, will serve as the listing agents on the property – overseeing the marketing and sale of the historic property, the news release said.

Lois Potratz said Friday the property will be marketed as a turn-key bed and breakfast operation, or as a potential residential home.   

Originally, it was the home of Benjamin Beery – a famed Wilmingtonian who owned a shipyard on Eagles Island where the Confederate ironclad CSS North Carolina was built in in 1862, said Lois Potratz. She said during the Civil War, the home also served as a military hospital, and served as housing for nuns that would eventually help establish St. Mary Catholic Church.

The four-story, 8,500-square-foot structure was completed in 1860 by the same architect who designed the Bellamy Mansion and Thalian Hall, said Lois Potratz. She said the property has changed hands multiple times, until Chuck Pennington purchased the structure in the late 1990s to open The Verandas Bed and Breakfast.

Since opening The Verandas, the bed and breakfast has garnered many awards for its customer service and design, including a Four-Diamond rating from 2003 to 2009 by the AAA.

Lois Potratz said after 17 years of business, the owners have decided to sell the property to pursue other ventures. She said

“They just really feel it’s time for someone else to take the reins,” Potratz said. “The owners feel the property would benefits form new energy and new owners.”

Other property highlights include eight designed and furnished guest suites, a two-bedroom, ground-level apartment, and several gathering and dining areas. Lois Potratz added a spiral staircase on the third floor will take patrons a glass enclosed cupola with 160-degree views of Wilmington.

“It’s located at the highest point in downtown Wilmington,” Lois Potratz said. “It’s a stunning property and has been very well kept.”   

With its location and access to a number of downtown amenities, Lois Potratz said the historic structure is gaining interest from potential buyers.

“We’ve already received interest from three people that do not live in the area,” she said. “So there is interest in the site.”