Bed and Breakfast: The Victorian Guest House

Nov 10th, 2009 | By Jessica Nunemaker | Category: Nappanee, Stay

From the instant I saw The Victorian Guest House in Nappanee, Indiana, I was giddy with excitement and couldn’t wait to get inside! Gabled and turreted, we somehow managed to drive right by the very large Nappanee, Indiana bed and breakfast. Oops. My navigating skills may leave something to be desired.

Anyway, from the outside, The Victorian Guest House was absolutely beautiful…and pink. Very, very pink. We had arrived after the usual check-in time, but made arrangements with the manager beforehand, so we simply typed in our entry code and were soon amazed.

Lovely etched glass doors led into an entryway with fantastically gorgeous woodwork along an impressive staircase. Our room was at the top of the stairs, The Coppes Suite. Why did we choose to stay in this room? I think the picture easily explains it.

Yes. The tub was that huge. Original to the house and in excellent condition, it is capable of holding 65 gallons of water with plenty of room for two. I totally felt like a Princess.

After gaping in awe at the bathroom — which was really huge and really cool — (it even had a stained glass window) we made our way downstairs to check out what was offered in the dining room. What a room that was!

There was an insane amount of woodwork here as well as an incredible carved table and chairs. My photos just do NOT do it justice! I picked through numerous teas while hubs ponied up for a cold beverage from the mini-fridge. Yes: hot = free, cold = pay.

Breakfast in the morning was okay. It started with a pear comfit, an egg casserole that I’m pretty sure I have made myself at home, and a generous slice of chocolate bundt cake. Good, but not knock-your-socks off good. I have to admit I was expecting a little more from such a fancy schmancy place.

The Victorian Guest House is in a terrific location. Right in downtown Nappanee, hubs and I could easily ditch the car, walk around, even have a drink at the downtown bar together, and stumble make our way back without getting lost and confused about how to get back. We are a gifted people, us Nunemakers.

Bottom-line: it is a wonderful home and definitely worth checking out. They just don’t make them like they used to!

What is your “must-have” feature when you are looking to stay at a bed and breakfast? Is it a gourmet meal, easy access, or surprise feature (like a really great bathtub)?

Tags: Amish, architecture, bed and breakfast, downtown, indiana, Nappanee, victorian

6 Responses to “Bed and Breakfast: The Victorian Guest House”

Live.Love.Eat Says:
November 10th, 2009 at 8:09 am
I LOVE B&B’s. They are a passion of mine. I used to peruse the web just looking at them all across the country. This one looks super! One of my favorite features is a clawfoot tub. Right in the room!!!! It’s hard to find but they exist.

I just don’t like it when B&B’s are too Grandma like and wicker everywhere or when it seems like someone just took their house and called it a B&B with no charm.

Thanks for sharing in my SITS day on 10/29. I am STILL playing catch up!
Jennifer Says:
November 14th, 2009 at 8:45 am
This sounds like a wonderful B&B. I have only stayed in two B&Bs and it is about time I stay in a third. Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!
Emma Says:
November 15th, 2009 at 2:53 am
I love B&Bs! Surprised to hear it was entirely pink! I do love the bathtub. Actually lately whenever we travel, I look for a big tub for two (we used to have a tiny tub in our apt. and now just have a shower stall, that’s why I guess).
Jessica Nunemaker Says:
November 15th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Oh, it was definitely big enough for two — and with room to spare! 65 gallons is a LOT of water.

I would hate having just a shower and no bath tub! I feel for you!
karen@fitnessjourney Says:
November 21st, 2009 at 8:42 am
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

I’ve only stayed in one B&B, but it was fabulous. It was in Kennebunkport and the decor and food were amazing. I have heard mixed reviews about B&B’s from a lot of people. I guess a good thing to do is check online at places like Trip Advisor or just Google the B&B to see if there are reviews. It does look like a pretty place that you stayed.
Jessica Nunemaker Says:
November 21st, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Be careful where you read! I once took on a client (I do social media) who wanted me to write a BUNCH of fake reviews for Trip Advisor and Yelp as to how wonderful his wedding venue was…of course I said no and I found a new client. No, it wasn’t in Indiana.

If anyone writes something that sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

That is part of the reason I began little Indiana. I wanted people to have a place they can turn to for honest reviews.