By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Historical downtown New Bern has recently gained a beautiful new wedding venue: Magnolia Manor 1843, owned by David Durham and Leigh Fulcher.
Located at 214 S. Front Street, across from the Convention Center, the towering Federal and Greek Revival house, known in the community as the Wade-Meadows House, has been brought back to life over the past two years of meticulous, extensive renovations.
“Our story is rooted in a shared love for creating, restoring, and building something meaningful from the ground up,” says Leigh. “We are both lifelong entrepreneurs at heart—dreamers and do-ers who have never been afraid to roll up our sleeves and take on a challenge. Long before Magnolia Manor 1843, we were drawn to old homes with stories to tell, seeing not what they were, but what they could become with vision, patience, and a lot of hands-on work. DIY has always been part of who we are. We’ve spent much time learning, fixing, restoring, and problem-solving together, finding joy in the process as much as the outcome. That love for old houses naturally grew into a deeper passion for preserving history while giving this house a new life and purpose. When we first saw this home, we didn’t just see a building—we saw a dream waiting to be realized.”
On the National Historic Registry, the house has distinctive architectural features: “The high, Flemish-Bond brick façade that reaches to the second-floor wrap-around porch, an iron-crested roofline, and the long brick colonnade, all imbue the home and the area with a positive, enduring, and endearing quality. Inside, step into an Andrew Wyeth painting, as much of the original interior has remained. Rope molding reminiscent of the William Hollister House trims the doorways, oak and original pine flooring abound, fixtures, windowpanes, stair railings, and a refurbished claw-foot tub grace this historical work-of-art.”
David recalls assessing the project before they began, and says “as entrepreneurs, we were drawn to the historic home that became Magnolia Manor 1843 and embraced the challenge of restoring and reimagining it. Taking on a project of this magnitude has been both rewarding and humbling, deepening our respect for the craftsmanship and history that define this region. We often speak of the past owners and families who once called this home theirs, and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to honor what they began. It’s important to us that any additions or updates feel like a thoughtful continuation of their ideas and design, not a replacement of them. In many ways, we feel as though those who came before us are still part of the team, guiding our choices and inspiring us to care for this home in a way that would make them proud.”
Renovations of the over 5,000 square foot house have included interior updates like stripping and refinishing the original hardwood floors and woodwork, painting and replastering, renovating the bathrooms, updating fixtures, and even removing walls to transition the home back to the original layout after it had been subdivided into apartments. But a great deal of work is not seen on the surface, such as updating electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, as well as a new Second Empire Mansard roof. The grounds were also cleared and carefully redesigned with event planning dictating the layout of the hardscapes and gardens.
Leigh remembers looking out the back window of the house for the first time and imaging the outdoor space as a wedding venue, filled with couples celebrating the start of their lives together. Today, her dream is a reality.
“We opened in late 2025 and offer curated wedding experiences for couples who appreciate a timeless, historic setting. Specializing in intimate, weekend-style wedding packages, we focus on creating meaningful celebrations where couples and their guests can relax and enjoy time together. Located in the romantic downtown historic district, our venue is surrounded by lodging, dining, and local amenities, all just a short stroll away, making for an immersive and elegant wedding weekend experience,” says Leigh.
Both Leigh and David were drawn to New Bern from the first time they came to visit: “We chose to open our business in New Bern because it reflects everything we love about coastal North Carolina and the South. Both of us are from small NC waterfront towns, and we have a deep appreciation for communities where history, hospitality, and a slower pace of life are still valued. New Bern immediately felt like home, offering a rare blend of natural beauty, architectural charm, and a strong sense of place. We have been overwhelmed by the interaction and genuine support we have felt from this community of residents, business owners, and public officials. We relied on that support often and are thankful for their kind comments and encouragement.”