About

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Banker’s House is among North Carolina’s finest examples of Second Empire style architecture. Constructed in 1874-75, the home was owned consistently by prominent members of Shelby’s banking profession.
Now owned by the non-profit Banker’s House Foundation, the house’s refurbished gardens and renovated portions of the property, including a carriage house/barn, are venues for weddings, parties, concerts and other events. 

Enough History to Fill a Book

In 2018, local author and retired Charlotte Observer reporter Joe DePriest penned a narrative history of The Banker’s House titled Voices in Time: Stories of The Banker’s House. With spectacular photos by renowned photographer Hal Bryant, this beautifully written book details the story of the house and the people who lived there.
The story begins with Hattie and Jesse Jenkins, the couple who commissioned the building of the house only to be forced to sell it on the auction block four years later. The book concludes with a description of how this fine house came to be a non-profit corporation with a challenging mission statement: 

The Banker’s House seeks to engage, 

entertain and educate by providing 

extraordinary events and encounters in a 

stunning, historical setting.

Amazing Historic Architecture

The Banker’s House, which was built in 1874-75, has been named as the “state’s most outstanding example of Second Empire Style.” Second Empire Style was most popular between 1865 and 1900, having emerged out of the redevelopment of Paris under Napoleon III’s Second Empire – looking back to French Renaissance precedents. It was characterized by a mansard roof, elaborate ornamentation and a strong central tower.

"To engage, entertain and educate"

The venue’s signature event is the Kentucky Derby Party, held each year to coincide with the annual race on the first Saturday in May. Proceeds from this event are used to subsidize a summer camp for rising fifth graders at the house and barn/carriage house.
Two weeks of camps feature lessons highlighting the history of Shelby and the Banker’s House and include environmental and science activities, tours of the local area, crafts, games and photography. Campers even learn about the care of horses and go for a brief ride!

Tours of the house are offered for $10 per person the first Friday of each month March-November and upon request for parties of six or more.