Travel by Design
Homes Away From Home: 10 Charming U.S. Bed-and-Breakfasts
Looking for a more personal stay on your getaway? These homey bed-and-breakfasts roll out the welcome mat in style
Somehow an adventure stops feeling so adventurous the moment you step inside a plain-Jane, average motel room. If you're ready for a trip across the United States, consider a different type of accommodation. Today's eclectic bed-and-breakfasts are cozy, one-of-a-kind havens for travelers of all ages, styles and budgets. Take a look — a cozy tepee in Washington, a historic farmhouse in Virginia, an ecohouse in Texas or a former school in Illinois may be calling your name.
Related: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?
Related: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?
The house sits at the base of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, Virginia, within walking distance of the Veritas Winery.
Cost: $150 to $250 per night | More info
Cost: $150 to $250 per night | More info
Pendleton blankets, Southwest-inspired rugs and antlers create an authentic, rustic vibe.
The pet-friendly location also hosts trail rides and wine tours and tastings at local wineries.
Cost: $245 per night | More info
The pet-friendly location also hosts trail rides and wine tours and tastings at local wineries.
Cost: $245 per night | More info
3. Park Lane Guest House
Austin, Texas
This quirky ecohotel is located in equally quirky Austin, Texas. Set in the historic SoCo district, these cottages have been remodeled with recycled and salvaged materials for an eclectic look.
In the backyard, a natural pool is surrounded by live oak trees. The Vicky Tiny Texas cottage has a lofted king bed and an antique pedestal tub in the bathroom.
Austin, Texas
This quirky ecohotel is located in equally quirky Austin, Texas. Set in the historic SoCo district, these cottages have been remodeled with recycled and salvaged materials for an eclectic look.
In the backyard, a natural pool is surrounded by live oak trees. The Vicky Tiny Texas cottage has a lofted king bed and an antique pedestal tub in the bathroom.
The ecofriendly materials aren't the only thing that makes this hotel green. Each morning an organic breakfast is made with fresh eggs from the property's hens — their coop, built from salvaged materials, is shown here. Vegetables and herbs from the Park Lane garden often accompany the meal.
Cost: Doubles from $179 | More info
Cost: Doubles from $179 | More info
Wood-paneled walls, fireplaces, inlaid wood floors, moldings and high ceilings all reflect the home's original era. The owners have carefully decorated each en suite apartment in a traditional English-inspired Arts and Crafts style.
Although breakfast is served every morning, each apartment has its own updated kitchen, complete with cookware and utensils.
Cost: $200 to $379 per night | More info
Although breakfast is served every morning, each apartment has its own updated kitchen, complete with cookware and utensils.
Cost: $200 to $379 per night | More info
Each en-suite room has a special luxury. Some have antique fireplaces; others have ocean views; others have large soaking tubs or private terraces.
Cost: $175 to $365 per night | More info
Cost: $175 to $365 per night | More info
6. The Davie School
Anna, Illinois
Built in 1910 for the children of Anna, Illinois, The Davie School served as the local public school until it closed in 1996.
When the current owners purchased the old school in 2002, they restored and remodeled the historic building to create an 11-suite inn. While each room has all the modern necessities of a hotel, the place still feels like a 20th-century schoolhouse.
Anna, Illinois
Built in 1910 for the children of Anna, Illinois, The Davie School served as the local public school until it closed in 1996.
When the current owners purchased the old school in 2002, they restored and remodeled the historic building to create an 11-suite inn. While each room has all the modern necessities of a hotel, the place still feels like a 20th-century schoolhouse.
Although the rooms have many elements from the classroom, they also each have spa tubs and updated bathrooms.
Cost: $100 to $285 per weekend | More info
Cost: $100 to $285 per weekend | More info
Tea, olive and mulberry trees line the courtyard gardens. A communal courtyard in the center hosts guests for breakfast and afternoon treats.
Cost: $179 to $259 per night | More info
Cost: $179 to $259 per night | More info
8. Red Caboose Getaway B&B
Sequim, Washington
Even if you're not a train fanatic, it's hard not to appreciate this quirky bed-and-breakfast in Sequim, Washington. Six renovated cabooses are available for overnight rentals.
Circled around a central duck pond on the property, the Red Caboose Getaway also has a renovated Zephyr dining car, where breakfast is served each morning.
Sequim, Washington
Even if you're not a train fanatic, it's hard not to appreciate this quirky bed-and-breakfast in Sequim, Washington. Six renovated cabooses are available for overnight rentals.
Circled around a central duck pond on the property, the Red Caboose Getaway also has a renovated Zephyr dining car, where breakfast is served each morning.
Each car has a queen bed, gas fireplace, spa tub, TV and other amenities. The enthusiastic innkeepers have given the cars individual railroad-inspired themes — there's the Circus car, the Orient Express, Casey Jones and more.
Cost: $175 to $195 per night | More info
Cost: $175 to $195 per night | More info
The 1884 home spent much of its life as a bed-and-breakfast. While most of the original details have been preserved, simple but modern furniture brought it into the 21st century.
Cost: $125 to $225 per night | More info
Cost: $125 to $225 per night | More info
10. Dwell 912
St. Louis, Missouri
This establishment takes a truly modern approach to the classic bed-and-breakfast. Attached to a home in St. Louis's historic LaSalle park, a private apartment serves as a bed-and-breakfast for a single party.
On the main floor, an open lounge has original St. Louis art all over the 13-foot-high walls. A fireplace, art library, TV lounge area and dining space can easily accommodate a small group.
St. Louis, Missouri
This establishment takes a truly modern approach to the classic bed-and-breakfast. Attached to a home in St. Louis's historic LaSalle park, a private apartment serves as a bed-and-breakfast for a single party.
On the main floor, an open lounge has original St. Louis art all over the 13-foot-high walls. A fireplace, art library, TV lounge area and dining space can easily accommodate a small group.
A lush outdoor back courtyard beckons guests on warm summer days. When the apartment is booked, the hosts also offer an additional third-floor studio in the main house, with many of the same amenities.
Cost: $150 to $175 per night | More info
Have a favorite bed-and-breakfast? Please tell us about it in the Comments.
More: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?
Cost: $150 to $175 per night | More info
Have a favorite bed-and-breakfast? Please tell us about it in the Comments.
More: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?
Afton, Virginia
This 1836 farmhouse has six bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. The Derby Bedroom, shown here, has a downstairs sitting room; there's a lofted bed at the top of the spiral staircase.
Downstairs, on the house's main floor, a gathering room with a pool table and fireplace and a living room for lounging are available to all guests.