Welcome to The Briars

The Briars is a historic estate nestled on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi, offering timeless Southern charm and unforgettable views. Built in 1818 by Judge John Perkins, the home is best known as the childhood residence of Varina Howell Davis and the site of her wedding to Jefferson Davis in the original front parlor.

Today, the Briars provides a romantic and elegant setting for weddings, celebrations, and private events, blending rich history with beautiful grounds, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. The estate is also proudly featured on the Living History Natchez tour each March, welcoming visitors to experience its rich history firsthand.

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Today, February 26, 2026, marks the 181st wedding anniversary of Varina Anne Banks Howell and Jefferson Finis Davis. At the time of their marriage, she was 19, and he was 36. Jefferson had been married before. At 27, he married Sarah Knox
Evenings like this. River views, garden paths, and golden light at The Briars. 📸: @alairdphoto #TheBriarsNatchez #HistoricPreservation #HistoricRestoration #HistoricHomes #Natchez
Scattered throughout the grounds are the statues placed here many years ago by Bob Canon and Newt Wilds — they are small, beautiful reminders of the estate’s long history. As we continue restoring The Briars, part of our plan is to enhanc
We had the great pleasure of hosting Scott and Emily Krogh on Saturday evening at the Briars for their 10th wedding anniversary! Scott arranged a private tour and dinner catered by Simply Spectacular for Emily, who is a huge history buff and fan of V
The three front doors of The Briars were the very first project we began—even before painting the exterior! Their panels feature a faux bois finish, a decorative technique where paint is skillfully used to imitate the look of high-quality (ofte
When we began renovating The Briars’ kitchen in 2023, we wanted more than just an update — we wanted a space that honored the home’s historic charm while meeting the needs of modern events. What was once a commercial-style kitchen
Next room!!! This space was reimagined as an office, and there are several details that make it unique from the rest of the house. First, you might notice a familiar pattern above the mantel—we didn’t quite use all the Zuber wallpaper i
Welcome to the Front Parlor—or as we call it, the Wedding Parlor! This is where Varina Howell married Jefferson Davis on February 26, 1845. The Briars was her childhood home, and her family lived there from 1827 to 1850. They actually never o
The dining room at The Briars is original to the home, and many of its original features are still in place! The fireplace mantles are a great example of the Federal style commonly seen in early Natchez homes. The millwork hints at the hand of Levi
Welcome to what we call “The Gallery!” Before the 1920s, this part of the Briars did not exist. The house was originally only one room deep, and the windows that now look into the Gallery, once looked out onto a back porch instead. It
Welcome inside! The entryway was the very first indoor project we took on at the Briars—and we knew from the start that we wanted it to be special. In classic Chip Newman fashion, he joined an online auction on February 9, 2023—just one
Did you know that this building actually predates the Briars? 👀 While the exact date is unknown, it is thought that it was built in the late 1700s, possibly as a kitchen! This would make sense for the time period as kitchens were usually built sepa
Welcome to the official Instagram of The Briars!  Whether you’re discovering us for the first time or have followed our journey on Facebook, we’re glad you’re here. Nestled on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, The Briars i