Somehow an experience stops feeling so adventuresome the minute you step inside a plain-Jane, ordinary dinning room. If you are prepared for a trip across the USA, consider another kind of accommodation. Today’s eclectic bed-and-breakfasts are cozy, one-of-a-kind havens for travellers of all ages, budgets and styles. Have a look — a cozy tepee in Washington, a historic farmhouse in Virginia, an ecohouse in Texas or some former college in Illinois may be calling your name.
Related: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?
1. Veritas Farmhouse
Afton, Virginia
This 1836 farmhouse includes six bedrooms with en suite baths. The Derby Bedroom, shown here, includes a downstairs sitting area; there’s a lofted bed near the top of the spiral staircase.
Downstairs, on the house’s main floor, a gathering area with a pool table and fireplace and a living area for lounging are available to all guests.
A wraparound porch invites guests to lounge with a glass of wine on warm nights. Inside, the home fighter prepares breakfast and private dinners in the communal kitchen.
The home sits at the base of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton, Virginia, in walking distance of the Veritas Winery.
Price: $150 to $250 each night | More information
2. Cherrywood Bed and Breakfast
Yakima Valley, Washington
It is hard to miss the herd of tepees in the middle of rural Yakima Valley, Washington. The B and B is part of this functioning Cherrywood Farm, where apples, pears, cherries and grapes are chosen every year.
Each personal, 20-foot tepee is equipped with a small fridge, a nearby grill, a bed, and a sitting room, an outdoor shower and independent, updated water closets, which makes it an original “glamping” destination.
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.
Price: $245 per night | More information
3. Park Lane Guest House
Austin, Texas
This unique ecohotel is located in both quirky Austin, Texas. Place in the historic SoCo district, these cottages have been remodeled using recycled and salvaged materials for an eclectic look.
In the garden, a pure pool is surrounded by live oak trees. The Vicky Tiny Texas cottage includes a lofted king bed and a classic pedestal tub in the bathroom.
In the main house’s kitchen, innkeeper Shakti Khalsa sits at the counter using all the inn’s mascot, Olevia.
Khalsa made the kitchen recycled glass countertops and mesquite cabinets. The home still has its own original classic southern pine floors.
The bed-and-breakfast includes four homes — the Carriage House, shown here, using its stained concrete flooring and rock pool deck; the Main House bedroom; the Garden Cottage; along with the Vicky House.
The ecofriendly materials are not the only thing that makes this hotel green. Each morning a natural walnut is made with fresh eggs in the house’s hens — their coop, built from salvaged materials, is shown here. Vegetables and herbs in the Park Lane backyard frequently accompany the meal.
Price: Doubles from $179 | More information
4. Flemish House of Chicago Apartments
This 1892 construction, just steps from Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, was originally built as a single-family row home. Over time it was divided into many flats, although fortunately most of the home’s original features remain.
Wood-paneled walls, fireplaces, inlaid wood floors, moldings and high ceilings all reflect the home’s unique age. The owners have carefully decorated every en suite apartment in a traditional English-inspired Arts and Crafts style.
Though breakfast is served each morning, every apartment has its own remodeled kitchen, complete with utensils and cookware.
Price: $200 to $379 per night | More information
5. Cass House
Cayucos, California
The Cass House is a five-bedroom home and water tower that once belonged to the town’s founder, Captain James Cass.
Each morning breakfast is made in-house, together with locally sourced ingredients, frequently by the home’s organic garden.
Each en room has a special luxury. Some have antique fireplaces; others have sea views; others possess large soaking baths or private terraces.
Price: $175 to $365 per night | More information
6. The Davie School
Anna, Illinois
Constructed in 1910 for the kids of Anna, Illinois, The Davie School served as the local public school before it closed in 1996.
Once the current owners purchased the old school in 2002, they restored and remodeled the historic building to create an 11-suite inn. While every room has all the modern necessities of a hotel, the area still feels as a 20th-century schoolhouse.
First chalkboards and bookcases sit in each room. The hardwood flooring still reveal marks from pupil desks.
Even though the rooms have lots of components from the classroom, they also each have spa baths and upgraded baths.
Price: $100 to $285 per weekend | More information
7. Savannah B&B
Place on a row of 15 brick homes out of 1852, the Savannah B&B fits right in with all the Georgia town’s historic district.
Cottages and guest rooms unite in this bed-and-breakfast. Each room has components from the original arrangement, like the brick fireplace and walls inside this guest area.
Tea, olive and mulberry trees line the courtyard gardens. A communal courtyard in the centre hosts guests for breakfast and afternoon snacks.
Price: $179 to $259 per night | More information
8. Red Caboose Getaway B&B
Sequim, Washington
Even if you’re not a train fanatic, it’s hard not to enjoy this unique bed-and-breakfast in Sequim, Washington. Six renovated cabooses are available for overnight rentals.
Circled around a central duck pond on the home, the Red Caboose Getaway also includes a renovated Zephyr dining car, where breakfast is served every morning.
Each car has a queen bed, gas fireplace, spa tub, TV and other amenities. The enthusiastic innkeepers have contributed the cars individual railroad-inspired topics — there’s the Circus automobile, the Orient Express, Casey Jones and more.
Price: $175 to $195 per night | More information
9. Waypoint House
Berryville, Virginia
This cheerful Virginia house feels warm and joyful both inside and out. Within walking distance of historic Berryville, Virginia, the Waypoint House is surrounded by gardens on a half acre, using a large backyard and patio for guests to enjoy.
The 1884 house spent a lot of its life for a bed-and-breakfast. Even though most of the original details have been maintained, simple but contemporary furniture brought it to the 21st century.
Price: $125 to $225 per night | More information
10. Dwell 912
St. Louis, Missouri
This establishment takes a really contemporary approach to the classic bed-and-breakfast. Attached to a house in St. Louis’s historic LaSalle playground, a personal apartment serves as a bed-and-breakfast for one party.
On the main floor, an open lounge has original St. Louis artwork all around the 13-foot-high walls. A fireplace, artwork library, TV lounge area and dining room can easily accommodate a small group.
Though there’s a full kitchen for those who wish to cook, breakfast is sent to the apartment every morning.
The second-floor bedroom, balcony and bathroom can be accessed via the home’s original wooden staircase, held together with hand-forged claws.
A lush outdoor rear courtyard beckons guests on warm summer days. When the apartment is booked, the hosts also offer an extra third-floor studio in the main home, with many of the very same amenities.
Price: $150 to $175 per night | More information
Have a favorite bed-and-breakfast? Please inform us about it in the Comments.
More: Should You Open a Bed-and-Breakfast?