Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

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Our top choices for Cumberland Island bed & breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

St. Marys

Kathleen

₩323,499 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 22 - Jan 23, 2026

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Fernandina Beach

Henry

₩391,654 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 24 - Dec 25

Florida House Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Sona

₩223,397 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 24 - Dec 25

Blue Heron Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Lynn

₩440,513 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 28 - Dec 29

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

St. Marys

Susan

₩322,935 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

The Addison on Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach Historic District

richard

₩499,494 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 8 - Jan 9, 2026

Amelia Island Williams House

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Selma

₩645,533 total

includes taxes & fees

Jan 12 - Jan 13, 2026

Hoyt House Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Sandra

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Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

The Villas of Amelia Island

10/10 Excellent

"Great as always"

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

10/10 Excellent

"It was really inviting, cozy and from the moment I step in..it had a pleasant scent. I truly enjoyed staying there. It was a little apartment away from home with refrigerator, stovetop and microwave all included. Very nice and I would definitely return to that location verhome "

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Number of reviews	2,375
Accommodation	10 B&B
Lowest Price	₩223,397
Highest Price	₩645,533

Frequently asked questions

Searching for B&Bs in Cumberland Island?

Whether you're on a romantic trip and want to stay somewhere quiet and intimate, or you're traveling solo and hoping to make some connections, a B&B might be the right choice for your trip. When you want to explore some attractions in town, Plum Orchard Mansion and First African Baptist Church are worth a stop.

Why would you choose a B&B over a traditional hotel room?

With attentive service, opportunities to interact with the owner, and tasty breakfasts, B&Bs all have a truly one-of-a-kind environment.

What are the best bed and breakfasts in Cumberland Island?

Below are some well-liked B&Bs in the area: Florida House Inn: 17 rooms. 12.7 mi (20.5 km) from the heart of Cumberland Island. Enjoy the unique décor and patio area. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge: 25 rooms. 12.9 mi (20.8 km) from the downtown core. Enjoy the in-room dining and library. Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast: 14 rooms. Situated 11.2 mi (17.9 km) from the heart of Cumberland Island. Enjoy the free full breakfast and library. Hoyt House Amelia Island: 10 rooms. 12.7 mi (20.4 km) from the heart of downtown. Enjoy the free full breakfast and library.

When should I book my B&B in Cumberland Island?

When you're dreaming of a stay in Cumberland Island, be sure to take into account the year-round temperatures. The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 59°F. Average annual precipitation for Cumberland Island is 48 inches.

What is there to do in Cumberland Island?

When you want to check out some attractions in town, you might consider a visit to Plum Orchard Mansion and First African Baptist Church. Cumberland Island National Seashore and Crooked River State Park are also some sites to visit if you want to see more of the area.

How can I get to and around Cumberland Island?

Mapping out your trip in and around Cumberland Island is easy with these transportation options. Fly into Brunswick, GA (BQK-Golden Isles), which is located 27.8 mi (44.7 km) from the heart of the city. Otherwise, look for flights into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is 28.9 mi (46.5 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, you may want to rent a car for your trip.

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Search B&B in Cumberland Island

Change your mind

Treat yourself

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Check prices for these dates

Our top choices for Cumberland Island bed & breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Florida House Inn

Blue Heron Inn

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

The Addison on Amelia Island

Amelia Island Williams House

Hoyt House Amelia Island

The Grey Owl Inn

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

The Villas of Amelia Island

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Frequently asked questions

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