gaineswood

The house could really be interesting and "come to life"...has a great history. But, our guides did not seem to be very knowledgeable abut many facets concerning the history, specific furniture, events,etc. Matter of fact, they even got into an argument with each other about some details. I thought the admission was a little pricey for what was offered.

Stop by during the festival. They had a bell choir and a professional banjo player. Girls dressed in period costumes give you the low down on the family that built the place. Great antebellum architecture example. The young ladies who were selected as the Queen and her court for the COTR festival were also in attendance the night we visited.

Our guide was excellent --- very informed and detailed. The house is absolutely stunning and perfectly preserved.

Driving through town, I saw a sign pointing to Gaineswood and remembered reading about it. We parked and walked around the property and grounds. We missed the tour guide (she was gone to lunch and we didn't have time to wait). However, there is a number you can call (it's posted around grounds) and get info about the grounds via cell phone type tour. The groundskeeper was a very nice gentleman who had that friendly Southern charm, although he was unable to provide a tour. If we are back in the area, I would try to go by and tour the inside. The grounds and outdoor tour is free. It only cost if you take the inside tour.

It amazes me that this place isn't more widely known. It is amazingly preserved and has a tremendous story to tell. I have been to a lot of historic homes and this one stands out for its truly exceptional architecture, rich story, and surprisingly strong connection of its decor to its original owners. I got a personal tour from an enthusiastic and incredibly knowledgeable guide. Definitely one of the best visits to a historic house museum I have had. If you like history and are passing through west Alabama, you should stop here.

I got a personal tour and was very impressed with the guide's intimate knowledge of this house and it's residents, furnishings and history. Something to note: the home is on the national register of historic places and according to the Smithsonian, one of the 3 greatest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the country. It also has no front door, as do most Antebellum Mansions!! Most of the original furnishings have been returned to the house by descendants and what you will see there will amaze and delight!

It was a gem. A beautiful piece of history that's sits next to a busy road on one side and a school on the other. Parking is unclear but you are able to park along the fence on the house side, across the street from the school. My group was the only one when we got there (last one of the day). Our tour guide was ok. When we went upstairs, she sent us off with a teenage girl (from the school across the street) who was learning to be the tour guide. I didn't expect the tour guide to leave us completely. While I appreciate the student's eagerness and interest in learning about this home, the tour guide shouldn't have left. We felt kind of rushed not really allowing to take pictures. I am glad that I got to see it though.

Gaineswood is a true relic from a bygone era, and very interesting to see, but it seems so lost and disconnected from the part of town on which it sits.

Beautiful & Educational. Nice to visit during Christmas. Be sure to look up the ceilings are very ornate. The guide knows alot of detail about house and area history.

Very nice Greek Revival historic home from the mid 1800's. Full of antique furniture. The Unique domed ceilings are are a beautiful piece of artwork. Pictures are allowed, but no flash. Guided tour takes about an hour--$5 admission. Tour guide did a nice job. Outside property could be better taken care of.