Charnley–Norwood House

The home was built as a vacation residence for James Charnley, a wealthy Chicago lumber baron, and its style represents an important change in American residential architecture known as Prairie School.

"[3] Sullivan and Charnley purchased adjoining gulf-side properties in Ocean Springs, MS to construct their two vacation residences.

The T-shape bungalow style incorporates horizontal design, rooms that flow from one into the next, natural materials and large glass windows throughout.

[4] To accommodate residents during the muggy and hot Mississippi summers, the home's design efficiently utilizes large roof overhangs and covered porches at the south, west, and east sides of the house provide protection from the harsh, southern sun, while offering opportunities to enjoy the serene setting of the home.

Numerous doors and operable windows are arranged along the exterior of the house to efficiently distribute both onshore and offshore breezes to cool the residence.

Fireplaces located in each of the bedrooms, entry hall, and dining room supply warmth for the cooler winter temperatures.

The blush-pink ruffled petals of these roses added to the charm of the property and provided the name the Norwoods used to refer to the estate, “Bon Silene.”[1] Upon their construction, the Charnley–Norwood House and Sullivan Bungalow were two of only a few homes near the Eastern Beach of Biloxi Bay.

Sadly, due to the enormous cost required to restore the house to its previous state, two years passed before any significant progress could be made.

Collins completed the home restoration under the supervision of Albert and Associates Architects and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Gulf Coast Field Office staff.

The Heritage Area is a program designation though the United States National Park Service that recognizes conservation and preservation of historic properties, one of which being the Charnley–Norwood House.