“This building started out as a Gulf Service Station in 1963 and will carry on for Down East Preservation as a place where the beauty and History of Eastern NC can be celebrated and preserved.”
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation
The Station at Wynne’s Gut - Belhaven - Down East Preservation

Built in 1963, The Station at Wynne’s Gut began its life as a Gulf gas station in the heart of downtown Belhaven, NC. Designed in a classic mid-century modern style, the building featured an office on the right-hand side and three bays with glass doors on the left, where mechanics serviced cars from across eastern North Carolina. For over two decades, it fulfilled its original purpose, but in 1984, the station was decommissioned and began its journey through adaptive reuse.

Over the years, The Station housed a variety of businesses, from a hunting outfitter to, most recently, an ice cream shop. When Down East Preservation discovered the building, we knew it had the potential to become something truly unique.

Why Belhaven?

Belhaven, located in Beaufort County, is as renowned for its natural beauty as it is for its rich history. Surrounded by the Pamlico Sound and the Pungo River, the area offers stunning views and access to the gorgeous peony fields of Terra Ceia Farms. The nearby towns of Bath—North Carolina’s oldest town and home to the infamous Blackbeard—and Washington provide even more historical intrigue.

But what drew DEP to Belhaven wasn’t just its history. The town’s bohemian charm, with its artsy restaurants, brewery, and welcoming community, made it a perfect fit for our creative and craft-focused approach. Its idyllic riverside setting only added to its appeal, making Belhaven a natural choice as we expanded our presence in Beaufort County.

A New Chapter for The Station

The adaptive reuse of The Station at Wynne’s Gut has turned heads, often prompting locals and visitors alike to ask, “What is it?” Sitting on Wynne’s Gut, a natural creek that flows beside the Belhaven Marina, the building has been transformed into a hybrid office and personal dwelling for DEP.

The station’s original I-beam construction provided the perfect foundation for a highly innovative space. We designed the interior to be both open and comfortable, blending modern design with a touch of history. To achieve this, we incorporated a variety of architectural salvage materials, such as 19th-century doors repurposed as wall cladding, standing seam roofing repurposed for the ceiling, and 18th-century hand-hewn beams crafted into railings and furniture, creating a harmonious connection between the past and the present.

The result is a space that defies traditional design categories. While it retains its mid-century modern roots, The Station now embodies DEP’s philosophy of blending history with creativity.

A Showcase of DEP’s Vision

Today, The Station at Wynne’s Gut serves as both an innovative workspace and a testament to the power of adaptive reuse. Its transformation highlights DEP’s ability to reimagine historic spaces while preserving their character and charm.

Belhaven’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant community provide the perfect backdrop for DEP’s creative skills and design talents. Whether you’re drawn to its fascinating past or intrigued by its striking new design, The Station at Wynne’s Gut is a true reflection of what makes Down East Preservation unique.