Video: Columbus Antebellum Home Sells

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI)–The Columbus Pilgrimage kicks off its 75th year Monday. And for 46 of those years, Dixie Butler and Temple Heights have been a mainstay. It may be Butler’s last Pilgrimage. She has the glorious home under contract to sell.

Since being built in 1837, the Greek Revival and Federal style antebellum home has had many owners. Dixie and Carl Butler of Columbus was the fifth to own the historical piece of the past.

“And we started living here for good in the Summer of 69. And then the first time we were on the Pilgrimage was the Spring of 1970,” said Dixie Butler/Columbus Antebellum Home Owner.

“Friend, mentor, and historic preservationist, so we are fortunate that Dixie Butler has enjoyed 46 wonderful years on Pilgrimage,” said Nancy Carpenter/Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau.

A home on the National Register of Historic Places, the home boasts of having it’s original kitchen considered modern in it’s day, with slave quarters out back which has since been turned into a guest house. Upgraded in 1850, ten columns were added. Butler who has had three offers, stopped short of mentioning the name of the buyer. For Butler this is her last Pilgrimage she’ll invite guests into her home.

“It’s time for me to move to a place that doesn’t have four floors and a big yard. I need to downsize,” said Dixie Butler.

In the last four decades foot traffic in the home and gardens atop a hill overlooking 6th avenue and 9th streets has attracted visitors from around the world.

“I remember one night during the Pilgrimage many states were represented, but also five different countries, just one night,” said Dixie Butler.

All that’s left is the signing of official papers. Although there is a transition of ownership, the home will still be opened to the public.

“See so I’m very glad that I’ve tried to be a good stewart of the house. And this new family will be very good stewards also,” said Dixie Butler.

“It’s an exceptional home and we are thrilled that for more years we are going to enjoy Temple Heights as a home and garden tour,” said Nancy Carpenter.

The 75th Columbus Spring Pilgrimage begins April 6th.