A brief history of the Chimneys. You may also be interested in some reviews of the restaurant.

The Chimneys Restaurant served patrons in Long Beach, Mississippi from 1985 until moving to this historical structure in March of 2000.

The property was initially part of 13.5 acres purchased in 1830 by James McLaren from the United States Government. In 1837, as part of the original Mississippi City Company, the land changed hands from Mr. McLaren to Dr. W. H. Tegarden who, in 1876, deeded the property to his granddaughter, Margaret Soria. This lot and the surrounding neighborhoods became known as Soria City.

The home was built in the early 1900's by Mr. and Mrs. T. G. B. Kellier. Several families, including the George Pooles, the Randolph Batsons and the J. Pat Fowlers owned the home from 1916 until 1952 when the Edward Sternbergs purchased the property.

The Sternberg family developed the yard into a lovely greenbelt with exotic herbs, rare fruit trees and magnificent camellias. Mary Jo Sternberg was well known in the community for her unique gift shop, The Purple Lantern. Additionally, her love for and cultivation of specialty herbs was a local tradition. The southeast upstairs room is named in her honor.

In March, 1999, Edward Sternberg and Jane Sternberg Idzi sold the property to Dix and Peter Nord, the owners of The Chimneys Restaurant. Extensive restoration of the house was completed through the efforts of many talented and dedicated people. Every effort was taken to maintain the original integrity of the home with special attention to the columnar structure and crown molding, typical of the Queen Anne style home. The floors were carefully refinished to reflect the beauty of the original wood. A new commercial kitchen has been added to provide the finest coastal food.

Every camellia tree on the property was carefully and professionally relocated and many azaleas and other native foliage were transplanted. The stately oaks are being carefully protected.