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.

Search Cumberland Island Bed & Breakfast

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

Featured B&B in Cumberland Island

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

St. Marys

Kathleen

includes taxes & fees

31 Dec - 1 Jan 2026

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Fernandina Beach

Tony

includes taxes & fees

3 Dec - 4 Dec

Blue Heron Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Lynn

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

St. Marys

Susan

includes taxes & fees

1 Jan - 2 Jan 2026

Amelia Island Williams House

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Kevin

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Hoyt House Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Sandra

The Grey Owl Inn

St. Simons Island

Maribel

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"Na"

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

10/10 Excellent

"The check in was quick and friendly. I liked that Michelle had fresh baked cookies at six o'clock. That was a nice touch. The room was clean and right near the elevator. The bed was very comfortable and I liked the choice of pillows. I could have used a little bigger freezer since I travel with a cooler. Breakfast was nice and there were good choices from hot to cold items. The hotel was right off the highway, easy to get to in the dark which is important to me. "

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Number of reviews	1,418
Accommodation	11 B&B
Lowest Price	AU$317
Highest Price	AU$626

Frequently asked questions

Searching for B&Bs in Cumberland Island?

Whether you're travelling with your family and want a friendly place to stay, or you're travelling solo and looking to chat with locals, a B&B can be a good choice for many different types of travellers. When you want to explore some attractions in town, Plum Orchard Mansion and First African Baptist Church are worth a stop.

Why consider a B&B versus a traditional hotel?

With attentive service, opportunities to socialise with other guests and delectable breakfasts, B&Bs offer a unique 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 decor and patio area. Elizabeth Pointe Lodge: 25 rooms. 12.9 mi (20.8 km) from the city centre. 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. Located 12.7 mi (20.4 km) from the core of Cumberland Island. 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, make sure that you take the year-round temperatures into account. The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 15°C. Average annual precipitation for Cumberland Island is 1224 mm.

What is there to do in Cumberland Island?

When you want to see 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?

Planning your excursions in and around Cumberland Island is easier with these transportation options. Fly into Brunswick, GA (BQK-Golden Isles), which is located 27.8 mi (44.7 km) away from the city centre. You can also search 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, consider renting a car to explore more sights.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Activities in Brunswick

Book B&B in Cumberland Island on Expedia.com

Search Cumberland Island Bed & Breakfast

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Featured B&B in Cumberland Island

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Elizabeth Pointe Lodge

Blue Heron Inn

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Amelia Island Williams House

Hoyt House Amelia Island

The Grey Owl Inn

Black Friday Sale

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

Tru By Hilton Brunswick

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Hampton Inn St. Simons Island

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Find out more about Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island B&B information

Frequently asked questions

Explore a world of travel with Expedia