Garnet Hall Bed & Breakfast 1007 S. 4th Effingham, IL 62401 217-342-5584 or 888-376-7209 E-mail: garnethall@effingham.net Fax: 217-342-5629

Meet . . . Newlin & Donna Martin, and . . .

Garnet Hall Bed & Breakfast was built in 1892. The building was originally the home of Calvin Austin, a prominent resident who helped bring and secure higher education to the Effingham area. In 1905, Austin's home was sold to the Illinois College of Photography under the direction of Louis H. Bissell. It became known as Garnet Hall in memory of Bissell's young son who died at the age of eleven.

During its years of operations, the Illinois College of Photography had students enrolled from every state in the United States, every province of Canada and 52 foreign countries. The College was forced to close in 1931 due to the great depression and the mansion was home to many different operations following that date.

The mansion was saved from ruin by Newlin and Donna Martin in 1997 and became known as Garnet Hall Bed & Breakfast. It's 7 bedrooms hold period-style furniture and features private bathrooms, thermostat control, telephone and cable access TV/VCR. Each of the rooms has its own theme, from the Honeymoon suite with its bright decor and ivy trim, to the Garnet Room with its "Secret Garden" room. Enjoy the surroundings of the downstairs dining area complete with a bay window overlooking the Victorian Garden. Interesting touches include original fireplaces, oak wainscot, beveled leaded glass throughout, baby grand piano, hot tub, and a conference room with kitchenette.

Enjoy . . .

• The choice of seven rooms with private bath
• Smoke-free environment
• Kennel nearby for your pet
• Handicap accommodations
• Central air-conditioning
• In-room telephone and TV/VCR
• Meeting area with a capacity of 8-10
• Business services: fax, copier, computer
• Laundry facilities available
• Other amenities: hot tub; baby grand piano; fireplaces; Victorian garden and gazebo; honeymoon suite

Things to do and see. . . . Garnet Hall is conveniently located near Lake Sara for water sports, golf, and other activities. An outlet mall and numerous eating establishments are also nearby. Effingham Transportation Celebration: September 10-11 and Corvette FunFest Sept. 17-18; Country Treasures Craft Show-Keller Convention Center: November.

Satisfy your appetite . . . wake in the morning to a full breakfast with tempting delights such as Garnet Hall B&B Mini Quiches.

Make Garnet Hall Bed & Breakfast your home away from home! Phone: 217-342-5584 or 888-376-7209 (closed most holidays) Room rates: $80 - $120 NOTE: Please tell the Innkeeper you are visitor number from Bed and Breakfast Inns of North America. Discounts available: corporate rates; business, midweek Gift Certificates: available Acceptable payment: Check, MasterCard, Visa Check-in time: after 4 PM Check-out time: 11 AM Cancellation policy: 3-day prior to arrival

*Member of the Illinois Bed & Breakfast Association.

Links to: Top of page, Along The Way Website, or to the Illinois Map or Illinois directory.