Almost 150 years ago, one of Mississippi’s wealthiest men came to Brookhaven, Mississippi and set out to build the house of his dreams. Rumor has it that he did it all with gambling money.
Still one of the charming Mississippi town’s most iconic architectural jewels, Captain Jack Hardy’s home now welcomes overnight visitors as a breathtaking bed and breakfast. Standing on the elegant front porch, you can almost feel yourself transported to 1877, when the 300-acre estate featured its own private racetrack.
When he built his 6,000-square-foot mansion, this former ship captain and racehorse man outfitted it with the best of everything: Italianate-style architecture, red bricks made on-site, and even (the height of luxury) an indoor bathroom with built-in closets!
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Image courtesy of Brookhaven Mississippi
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Image courtesy of Brookhaven Mississippi
These trappings have been meticulously preserved by John Lynch, who purchased the home in 2017 after gazing at it for 20 years from his family’s home across the street. Lynch oversaw a meticulous historic restoration, replacing damaged flooring with new reclaimed heart of pine, repairing plaster walls and ceilings, and installing modern electricity, plumbing, and air conditioning. During the process, he and his team discovered remnants of the home’s storied past, including poker chips, a silent movie collection believed to have belonged to actress/writer Talullah Ragsdale, a 48-star United States flag, and glass vials filled with blood.
Welcoming guests since 2023, Captain Jack’s Guesthouse gives visitors to “the Most Victorian Town in Mississippi” an immersive vantage point from which to explore the town’s rich history, transporting them back in time to its earliest days (but with all the necessary modern comforts—yes, there is Wifi). Three suites include two one-bed, one-bath options for couples or single travelers; along with a larger Talullah Room with three beds and a bath—perfect for families or friend getaways.
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Image courtesy of Brookhaven Mississippi
Talullah Room at Captain Jack's
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Image courtesy of Brookhaven Mississippi
Cozy interiors at Captain Jack's
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Image courtesy of Brookhaven Mississippi
Best of all, the home’s location is in the heart of the “Olde Towne” historic district, which is rife with historic homes in Victorian, Queen Anne, Italianate, and Adams Styles, dating from as early as 1861. All this is an easy walk to Brookhaven’s bustling downtown.
Learn more about Captain Jack’s Guesthouse, and book your stay, at captainjacksguesthouse.com. Find other great options for overnight stays at visitbrookhavenms.com.
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