Do you love B&Bs? Me, too! There is something so homey about being in a unique room, in a house with character, in a place that has a story. Those are things a sterile hotel with beige wall paint and impersonal service cannot give you.

I was headed to Huntsville for a few days and needed a great B&B for some writing inspiration and a slower pace. The Dogwood Manor B&B was just the place. Not only that, it is Huntsville’s exclusive Bed and Breakfast. There are no others!

It’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Huntsville, but as you can see in the photo above, it’s a peaceful world away from life in town. With huge, historic trees and beautiful dogwood blooms in the large front yard, it’s a perfect setting for a romantic, solo, or girlfriend getaway. The house was built around 1900 by a Mr. Henry Chase who strategically bought 900 acres and built his home next to two primary rail lines–one north and south line; one east and west line. The house is also located on… Chase Road, of course!

The Welcome

From the moment I stepped into the Dogwood Manor, I felt at home. Valerie Jones, the owner, met me at the door and let me in. She told me to make myself at home in the common areas. The fireplace, exposed brick, and extraordinarily restored 117-year-old hardwood floors give the house the character that makes it feel like a home. Having lived in hundred-plus-year-old homes before, I was endlessly impressed with the Joneses’ restoration.

The 60-pane window above is rare. Present-day picture windows that look like this are made with one large pane and a grid to make it look like multiple panes. This is the real deal!

The Bed 

The Dogwood Manor has five accommodation options, all with private bathrooms with claw-foot tubs. The Dogwood, Rose, and Magnolia rooms are welcoming and private. The Honeymoon Suite, or Azalea room, is on the ground floor and has its own wing off the living area. I chose the Dogwood room.

There is also a beautiful guest house called Devon Cottage. Valerie’s mother was a war bride from Devon in England, and when she moved here to be close to her daughter and family her one request was to live in an English cottage. It was built just for her, to her specifications, but today you can have this true English countryside experience as well.

The Breakfast

Whether you have a big appetite or a lite one, Valerie will start your morning right. Her mother’s English charm has certainly rubbed off–she has 14 sets of English bone china! So even if you stay two full weeks, you will not see the same breakfast setting repeat.

Full breakfast for you? Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll enjoy.

Is continental breakfast your preference?

Valerie also offers afternoon tea by request!

A Little Extra Good

Owners Valerie and Patrick Jones lost their special needs daughter, Darby, to Leukemia a few years ago at just 14 years old. But her memory lives on in the pictures around the house and in her non-profit, Darby’s Dancers. Darby loved to dance (and travel!), so the non-profit organization is all about teaching the beauty of dance to children with special needs. They have 20 locations in 13 states!

For Southern hospitality, English charm, and a break from the city, I recommend Huntsville’s exclusive B&B, the Dogwood Manor! Is Huntsville on your travel list yet?