Try a New Way to Stay…. a Bed & Breakfast

January 16, 2015    //    James Feist

breakfast

I can almost remember like it was yesterday, my first childhood sleepover at a friend’s house. There was plenty of excitement and giggling to drive any parent nuts. For some reason there is just something intrinsically fun about mixing up the ordinary and staying overnight somewhere. That same excitement is still alive and well for us travelers as we look for perfect accommodations to get a good night’s rest while touring, discovering and exploring new places. Ever think about trying a different KIND of lodging? If you haven’t stayed at a Bed & Breakfast before, why not try it in Alexandria!? Who knows, you might just find yourself giggling with excitement once again!
While the idea of staying at a Bed & Breakfast may be new to you, it’s nothing new at all. In fact, Bed & Breakfasts were some of the first overnight accommodation services in the United States. With very few lodging facilities available in Colonial America through the early 19th Century, travelers often depended on people to open up their homes to overnight guests. It wasn’t until the arrival of the railroad that lodging facilities and hotels began to see their boom.

Picture of the railroad being built near Alexandria.
Picture of the railroad being built near Alexandria. Photo courtesy of Douglas County Historical Society.

It was during the Great Depression when Bed & Breakfast establishments really started to form. Some homeowners at that time found much needed income in offering an overnight’s stay to travelers, and the traveler was able to utilize a cheaper alternative in those hard times. Fast forward to modern day and Bed & Breakfast accommodations are still going strong. Today they offer a unique experience to guests as many are rich in history, have exclusive amenities and, of course, a home-cooked breakfast! Alexandria has two B & B properties within the city; we’ll take a closer look at Cedar Rose Inn and Lake Le Homme Dieu Bed & Breakfast.

Very old picture of the Cedar Rose Inn..
Very old picture of the Cedar Rose Inn. Photo courtesy of Douglas County Historical Society.

Cedar Rose Inn Bed & Breakfast is teeming with lush history that is sure to enchant a wide range of guests. The house was built in 1903 in Alexandria’s “Silk Stocking District” by one of the area’s prominent businessmen at the time, Noah P. Ward. The house is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and still holds an abundance of old charm both inside and out.

The outside still retains its original structure with oversized gables and diamond paned windows.
The outside still retains its original structure with oversized gables and diamond paned windows.
You can smell the comforting aroma of the wood-burning fireplace as you approach the Inn!
You can smell the comforting aroma of the wood-burning fireplace as you approach the Inn!

The inside will take your breathe away with its original maple wood floors, oak woodwork and stained glass windows. The furniture and décor are furnished with antiques which gives the ambiance of the early 1900s.

Cedar Rose living room

Cedar Rose has 4 guest bedrooms, all of which have private bathrooms. Most are named after people who have history with the property. The Noah P. Ward room is named after the original owner and is also known as the honeymoon suite. The Alma Anderson room is named after a previous innkeeper who lived at the property for over 40 years when it was the Hostess House over 60 years before it became a Bed & Breakfast. The Hostess House served as a the site for countless weddings, anniversaries, dinners and many other special functions. The James Herriot room is named after the famous English author and veterinary surgeon. The room is appropriately stocked with many of Herriot’s books! Lastly, the Ledermann, or Green room, is named for the previous innkeepers Florian and Aggie Ledermann.

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James Herriot room with a small library of his books.
James Herriot room with a small library of his books.
The Alma Anderson room has a cozy bay window seat and features a spacious French Thermo-Masseur whirlpool in a clawfoot tub with stand-up shower!
The Alma Anderson room has a cozy bay window seat and features a spacious French Thermo-Masseur whirlpool in a clawfoot tub with stand-up shower!

On top of all the old charm the building provides, you will get a home-cooked breakfast in the morning that can accommodate all diets, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. Charlotte, the new innkeeper, is very personable, charming and definitely knows how to be a great host. Whether you want to browse the library and curl up to a crackling fire to read, watch a sunset on the porch swing or check out the nearby downtown shops and restaurants, staying at Cedar Rose Inn will prove to be a unique experience you won’t forget. Click here to read about the special they are offering for a romantic Valentine’s Day get-away with your sweetheart!

Not all B & Bs need to be full of history, as the beautiful Lake Le Homme Dieu Bed & Breakfast illustrates. This newly build home is situated on the lake and features 4 rooms, all with bathrooms, TV and DVD, CD player, bathrobes and more! Only 3 miles from the heart of Alexandria, enjoy the comfort of down blankets, a fireplace. a great view of the lake, bonfires and a nice deck to enjoy. Guests can also look forward to a full breakfast in the morning complete with homemade bread!

Lake Le Homme Dieu B & B
Lake Le Homme Dieu B & B

Lake Le Homme B&B rooms

Alexandria offers a full range of accommodations to choose from, so please visit our lodging section on our website to discover the perfect fit for you. You’ll find award winning hotels, great resorts, a luxurious vacation home and our unique B & Bs. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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James Feist

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