St. Marys Vacation Homes

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 St. Marys holiday homes

Holiday Home in Saint Mary's

Anthony C.

HK$2,543 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Feb - 2 Feb

Holiday Home in Saint Mary's

HK$2,559 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Feb - 6 Feb

Holiday Home in St. Marys

Brittany L.

HK$2,657 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Feb - 3 Feb

Holiday Home in St Marys

Mary R.

HK$2,291 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Feb - 3 Feb

1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Holiday Home in St Marys

Catherine

HK$1,916 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Jan - 1 Feb

Holiday Home in St. Marys

Brian B.

HK$3,248 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Feb - 3 Feb

Holiday Home in Saint Marys

Anthony s.

HK$3,160 total

includes taxes & fees

2 Feb - 3 Feb

Indoor pool, 2 outdoor pools, open 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool umbrellas

Holiday Home in Fernandina Beach

TRACIE

HK$1,827 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Jan - 25 Jan

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was great, its a brand new hotel. Just wished it offered a better breakfast, but for the price, it was excellent. We will stay again if we come back to Florida."

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Checking in was quick and easy, I do have to brag about the gentleman working the night of my stay. He needs a raise! When I think of hospitality that worker is the perfect example of it. Excellent customer service! The room was clean and comfortable. The beds were comfortable as always as we always try and stay at holiday inns. Breakfast was good as usual with various options from hot to pastry options. Would definitely stay here again when in the area."

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

10/10 Excellent

"I came here a few years ago with my mother and had to come back with my girlfriend. Absolutely beautiful hotel for a fair price. Breakfast was excellent (if a bit pricy), staff was kind and helpful. It’s also very close to the beach, so we could take a 3 minute walk over there whenever we wanted. Highly recommend this hotel! Would love to return someday."

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