Rockwell House Inn Bed & Breakfast

ur home, built in 1809, is situated in the heart of Bristol's Historic Downtown Waterfront District, one block from the Bristol Harbor, a stones throw from the Narragansett Bay. It was built by Col. Giles Luther, the first recorded Parade Marshall of Bristol's famous Fourth of July Parade, in the traditional Federal style. Now it exhibits Federal, Georgian, Greek Revival, Italianate and Victorian features. At the turn of the 20th century, Charles Rockwell donated the building to the Bristol District Nursing Association and it became the town's medical clinic. In 1991, we lovingly restored the home, making it one of Bristol's finest residences and opened the Rockwell House Inn Bed & Breakfast.

Since opening, we have served thousands of guests from coast-to-coast and around the world. The Inn has been featured in Connecticut Magazine, Country Homes Magazine, the New York Times, Boston Globe, Newsday and Yankee Magazine. Debra has been seen in 'On the Menu' on the Food Network.

Enjoy afternoon tea in our picturesque garden and evening sherry in our romantic fireplaced 'courting corner' (the perfect place to rekindle). After a restful sleep, awaken to a hearty breakfast highlighted by one of the sumptuous hot entrees like Dutch puffed pancakes, stuffed breakfast pudding with cinnamon apples or French toast. Of course you'll want to sample the fresh fruit with yogurt topped with our homemade granola, freshly ground and brewed gourmet coffee and teas, delicious homemade muffins and cakes, and fresh bread baked daily.

Make yourself at home. Linger in our breakfast room, stroll through the garden, read in one of our parlors or catch the local flavor from the front porch. Your full-time host Debra will immediately make you feel at home, plan your daily excursions and guide you to Bristol's culinary delights. Don't be surprised if you fall in love with Misha, our often photographed, non-allergenic, family dog (Bichon-Poodle).

The four spacious guestrooms are elegantly appointed with a blend of antiques and special pieces selected for that particular room. They offer a private bath with terry cloth robes, hairdryer, lighted makeup mirror at a separate vanity area, and iron/ironing board. Daily chamber service is provided, as well as a full complement of bath amenities (never tested on animals!)

The Roger Williams Room is located on the first floor and features a king-sized bed, a gas-log fireplace, and a private bath. The Charles Rockwell Room is located on the second floor and features a king-sized bed and a private bath. The Major Babbitt Room is located on the second floor and features a queen-sized bed, a garden view, and a private bath. The Giles Luther Room is located on the second floor and features a king-sized bed, a gas-log fireplace, and a private bath.

Breakfast is served by candlelight in the dining room in the cooler months. Groups of up to eight can be comfortably served at any time of year. The warm Wedgwood blue walls provide a relaxing ambiance. The stenciling in this room was hand-cut and traced from the previous owners' Lenox china pattern. Our teapot collection is displayed above the doors; from formal china to whimsical.

The dining room opens to the back parlor through large 8-foot pocket doors and to the breakfast porch. All of these rooms have 10-foot ceilings. Gifts and cards we have received from our guests can be found displayed in our parlors and dining room, each with its own story to tell!

Settled in 1680, Bristol is a quaint New England walking village. From our front door stroll past mansions, browse in antique and gift shops and dine at a sidewalk cafe. Walk or bike along the scenic 15-mile bike path by the bay. A short walk or drive will bring you to.

Nearby attractions include: Linden Place Mansion & Gift Shop, Blithewold Mansion & Gardens, Roger Williams University, America's Cup Hall of Fame, Herreshoff Marine Museum, Colt State Park & State Beach, Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Audubon Society Educational Center, Mount Hope Farm, Coggeshall Farm Museum, Bristol Historical & Preservation Society, Bristol Cinema (twin movie theater), East Bay Newspapers, Hotpoint Restaurant.
Points Beyond: Newport Mansions: 12 miles, Providence, RI: 15 miles, Wrentham Outlet shopping: 35 miles, Boston, MA: 60 miles, Cape Cod, MA: 45 miles, Mystic, CT: 65 miles.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

• Celebrating our 10th year!
• Gourmet breakfast served
• Featured on the Food Network
• Featured in 'Beautiful Inns of New England' (TV)
• Terry cloth robes, hair blowers, irons/ironing boards, lighted makeup mirrors
• Private baths
• Fireplaces and air conditioning
• Afternoon tea available
• Romantic getaways
• First class hospitality
• Innkeeper training