THE HISTORY OF
Mattock’s House
The Mattock’s house
Perched along the White Oak River in downtown Swansboro, the William Edward Mattocks House is a rare example of early 20th-century coastal architecture. Built between 1901 and the 1910s by ship captain William Edward Mattocks and carpenter Robert Lee Smith, the home blends Colonial Revival design with the vernacular “coastal plain cottage” style. Its steeply pitched gable roof, board-and-batten siding, and two-tiered porch reflect a deep respect for regional craftsmanship. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, the Mattocks House offers guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort in the heart of Swansboro.
About the hosts
Randy, Nancy, and Ryan Swanson are longtime, active members of the Swansboro community. Known for their deep-rooted commitment to local heritage and preservation, the Swansons have played a hands-on role in protecting and celebrating the town’s history. Randy currently serves as Chair of the Swansboro Tourism Development Authority and has been instrumental in community initiatives that honor the area’s maritime past.
Together, the family owns and operates several of Swansboro’s most beloved restaurants each one rooted in a shared commitment to quality, hospitality, and place.
The Mattocks House is a continuation of that legacy, restored with care and opened with the intention of welcoming others into the story of Swansboro.
History Highlight
The Mattocks House is more than just a beautiful home; it’s a testament to Swansboro’s maritime heritage and architectural legacy. Captain William Edward Mattocks, a seasoned mariner, returned to Swansboro in the late 19th century to build this residence, drawing inspiration from earlier family homes and the prevalent coastal plain cottage style. The house’s construction, completed in the 1910s, showcases meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Its location, once just 50 feet from the water, speaks to the town’s deep connection to the sea.
- Architectural Significance: A blend of Colonial Revival and coastal plain cottage styles, featuring board-and-batten siding and a steeply pitched gable roof.
- Historic Recognition: Individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, distinct from the broader Swansboro Historic District.
- Maritime Legacy: Built by Captain William Edward Mattocks, reflecting Swansboro’s rich shipbuilding and seafaring traditions.
Neighborhood Context
Swansboro traces its origins to 1730 and was formally incorporated as Swannsborough in 1783, honoring North Carolina legislator Samuel Swann.
In 1818, privateer‑turned‑shipbuilder Otway Burns built the Prometheus, the first steamboat in North Carolina, on the river near where Mattocks House now stands.
Today the town thrives on its historic downtown core, recognized as the Swansboro Historic District in 1990, where architectural treasures like the Mattocks House, Hawkins House, and historic ferry routes remind visitors of a vibrant coastal seaport past.
