Sitting on 36+ acres makes it easy! Choose a cottage for super distancing or stay in the mansion with plenty of space

ASKING PRICE: 2,475 MILLION USD

Our Mansion has consistently been the Bed and Breakfast of the state of Missouri providing the ultimate luxury and friendliness most have come to appreciate and love.

What We Offer

Let us know before your arrival and we are quite often able to acquire tours of several mansions in Hannibal and Quincy, Illinois.

Accommodation

You may choose a room in the cottage with all the amenities you desire or opt for a cottage for the ultimate privacy and access mansion whenever you like!

View 8 Rooms and 3 Cottages in our Historic Mansion!

Browse our stately-appointed rooms and cottages decorated with late 19th century antiques and decor. 

Sitting on over 36 acres there is plenty of private areas and nice areas to visit with others as well. Each room is double-checked for excellence prior to your arrival, and the attention to detail continues throughout your stay.

John Garth Room

This stately Master Bedroom suite hosts the original furniture that John Garth brought in for his own use. A grand-sized queen bed with a hand-carved headboard over 10 feet tall.

The original Carrera Marble fireplace now burns gas instead of the original coal-burning furnace (remote controlled). Often referred to as a honeymoon or anniversary suite, this bedroom features a beautiful custom-made two-person whirlpool jetted tub.

You will notice the design emulates the 2nd story veranda to keep in touch with the motif. Yes, there is a separate shower, too.

Original furniture made for the mansion 160 years ago.

Samuel Clemens Room

An often requested room is the guest room in which Mark Twain stayed. Anytime Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) came to visit Hannibal since he had moved out at 18, he would stay at our Mansion in this very room.

There are three ten-foot windows, one with a front view, and two on the garden side. View the front lawn and gardens while looking out your room’s windows, with the original panes of glass.

This room has a private bath with a shower. An exquisite queen-size, half-tester bed wraps you in luxurious comfort.

There is also the original Carrera marble (remote-controlled, gas-burning) fireplace.

Rosewood Room

A unique experience is yours as you focus on this signed half-tester queen-size bed made by renowned fine furniture makers of the 1800s, Mitchell & Rammelsburg.

Your surroundings will nestle you to a peaceful sleep. Queen-size bed, private bath with original to the mansion claw-foot tub/shower. This was Helen Garth’s room originally, as it had the largest closet and did originally have a door to his room (now Avie’s Room).

Mrs. Garth put in the claw foot tub and original marble sink in 1900 after John died in 1899. Please note you do need to step into the claw foot tub to take a shower.

Known as the most expensive bed in Missouri that you can sleep on, you will be surrounded by many beautiful period pieces.

Avie's Room

Named after John’s Great Aunt Avie, this large room is the brightest bedroom in the mansion. This room sets the stage for romance with its pastel blue and white. The morning sun filters through the lace curtains.

A laced full canopy floats over your queen-sized feather bed hung from the 12-foot high ceiling. The room has a private bath with a shower. The remote-controlled fireplace features the original Carrera marble.

This room was originally John Garth’s room; it adjoined the Rosewood Room years ago. It is originally part of the master suite.

Woodside Room

A quiet retreat is easy in this honeymoon suite. A queen-sized bed, a private bath with a shower and also a two-person whirlpool tub.

The hypoallergenic featherbed and a toasty warm gas-burning fireplace are assurances your desires will be fulfilled. High thread count sheets and an oversized whirlpool.

Now you know why this is one of our honeymoon suites. But all the more reason to stay for your anniversary.

Country Fair Room

A warm room done in mauve with a ribbon border surrounds this wonderful room. A queen-sized canopy bed and lots of charm will be yours. Alone together, turn your back on the outside world.

There are two windows in this large open room facing the east and the wooded side to the south. Even on the third floor, not another house can be seen.

This room also has a private bath with a shower en suite.

Oden Rogers Room

A rich teal and mauve floral wallpaper, lace canopy over a Queen-sized feather bed, and a remote-controlled gas fireplace set the mood for the perfect private get-away.

This room has a private bath with a shower.

Hillside Room

The focal point of the spacious Hillside Room is a newly restored queen-sized bed. The four-poster antique bed is now a queen size, but the room is still very open and warm. Views of the hillside and llamas will surely please.

There’s only one window in the room. This room features a private bath with a shower.

And yes, the WiFi reaches all the rooms; this has a great desk for business folks.

The perfect room to get away to and spend quality time together in.

Cottages

Dowager House

Also known as ‘The Cottage at the Garth’, The Dowager House provides the most romantic accommodations our Mansion in Hannibal, Missouri, has to offer. We wanted to build a secluded cottage that would offer the ultimate accommodations for romance and privacy for guests of our Mansion desiring a romantic Missouri vacation.

Breakfast is set up for you in your private dining room.  Once it is set the “ready” light is turned on to let you know it is time to enjoy a special breakfast just for you.

What resulted was the spectacular, two-story stone Dowager House, now offering the perfect refuge for romance.

This is most definitely the most luxurious and romantic accommodation our Mansion has to offer.

This Cottage was created for two guests only and features a King-sized bed.

Woodside Trail Cottage

The Woodside Trail Cottage is nestled a little farther into our woods. This two-room, one-bath cottage features a queen-sized hypoallergenic feather bed. The kitchenette includes a mini sink, microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, ice machine, and a mini-fridge stocked with soda and water on your arrival.

The living room consists of a comfortable couch and two heavenly gliding chairs just waiting for you to settle yourself in to watch movies on the big screen TV. A duel window fireplace lets you watch the fire from either the living room or the bedroom.

The bedroom also has a TV and back door leading to a private deck with a wonderful Hot Springs Tub. The water is always hot and ready for you to slide in and enjoy the awaiting water therapy. On the outside wall, speakers connected to the amp player inside allow you to relax in the hot tub while listening to the music of your choice.

Woodside View Cottage

The Woodside View’s interior is decorated in shades of red and settled a little closer to the mansion. This two-room, one-bath cottage features a queen-sized hypoallergenic feather bed. The kitchenette includes a mini sink, microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, and a mini-fridge stocked with soda and water on your arrival.

The living room consists of a comfortable couch and two heavenly gliding chairs just waiting for you to settle yourself in to watch cable or movies on the big screen TV. A duel window fireplace lets you watch the fire from either the living room or the bedroom.

The bedroom also has a TV and back door leading to a private deck with a wonderful Hot Springs Tub. The water is always hot and ready for you to slide in and enjoy the awaiting water therapy. On the outside wall, speakers connected to the compact disc player inside allow you to relax in the hot tub while listening to the music of your choice.

The bathroom has an extra-large floor space and a shower. Your towels will also be toasty warm when you get out of the shower after hanging on our heated towel rack. The bathroom features two doors one leading to the living room and one to the bedroom so if you stay with another couple no one has to walk by someone sleeping. Are you coming with another couple? The living room has a Queen-sized Murphy feather bed that pulls down from the wall, not one you might put a relative on. Nothing like a sleeper sofa.

Our Breakfast

Enjoy a delicious breakfast, the most important meal of the day, at our Missouri bed and breakfast. Some of our very best country inn recipes and secrets are served for breakfast. Come see why presentation is not the only thing our B&B guests rave about.

What is to be served for breakfast varies. Always the freshest of fruits warm breads. Hot entrees, either sweet or savoury are on the menu each morning. We are happy to accommodate our guests’ special dietary needs. So make sure when you make your reservation you mention them. We aim to please, and breakfast is one more way we get to do just that. Enjoy!

Vegetarian/Vegan?

Time magazine at one point listed 12 different types of Vegetarians/Vegans. I think there are really either 6 or 7. Meat, no meat, with or without faces, some only eat berries, and some eat absolutely everything when is no one is looking! One of our favourite guests tells me she is vegan unless we are serving bacon or filet mignon. And she is serious, we love her! She’s trying! So when making your reservation, let me know just how much of a vegan you are.

Gluten, Dairy, Meat and Eggs?

We can make a great breakfast with each of them out of the picture. Just let us know before you sit down for breakfast and we can whip something up just for you! I even have a great recipe for muffins without eggs, wheat, or animal by-products like gelatin. If you are gluten-free please mention if it is a way of life versus a true medical condition so we can watch any gluten cross-contamination.

Business Traveller?

Our business travellers usually need breakfast early. Depending on how early we can always offer a fresh fruit cup (which is generally at least a dozen different fruits) and a great muffin and/or yogurt. This is served any hour, just let us know how early you need to be at the plant, hospital, office or whenever your travels take you that day.

Weddings

Of all the wedding venues in Missouri, our Mansion is certainly one of the best! We offer newly engaged couples a fabulous wedding venue in Hannibal, Missouri, with personalized planning services all in one easy package. Our beautiful historical mansion and bed and breakfast is an experience all its own, add in our manicured property, additional cottage space and attentive owners and you won’t find a better place to host your special celebration.

Whether you envisioned a simple backyard wedding, a small intimate wedding or the eloquence of a grand mansion venue, our facilities offer an array of options and appeal to a large number of styles and tastes.

The Perfect Mansion Wedding

Start planning your perfect outdoor wedding in Hannibal, Missouri! The gardens and property features of our Mansion accentuate every aspect of the outdoor beauty one would want for their special day! Whether you want something small like a backyard wedding or something much larger we can help!

The idea of getting married in a mansion is extremely appealing to many, and if you are one of those couples who love the idea of fine things, with beautiful details and grand scenery, you should consider how our Mansion can complete that dream for you.

The Victorian eloquence of our beautiful bed and breakfast offers couples a unique historical wedding venue to use in all or some of their wedding planning details. we are a one-stop-shop for your beautiful estate wedding.

Enjoy Our All-Inclusive Missouri Wedding Packages

At our Mansion, we know you have a wide array of wedding venues to choose from when you begin your journey toward the perfect wedding. Our selection of Missouri wedding packages are designed to offer all-inclusive planning with customized services. Enjoy the beauty of a private wedding site with multiple features and facility options as well as a professional staff dedicated to every detail of your wedding dream.

Your wedding is a day all about you and your future spouse beginning your lives together. We want to keep the comfort and subtle joy of married life, present in both your ceremony and reception while allowing your guests to feel as if you have opened up your heart to them for one perfect day.

Wedding Package Inclusions

Once we are given your colours and flower preference or cake flavour and ideas we begin the process of developing your perfect wedding. We love viewing your Pinterest page to help us understand your ideas and personal style. Our wedding packages are designed to include all the basics and to be completely worry-free. Additional all-inclusive package options are also available. The only thing you really need to worry about is showing up on time. We do the rest!

The pricing includes but is not limited to:

• Wedding venue of choice
• Ceremony
• Officiant
• Rehearsal
• Chivari Black Wedding Chairs for Reception
• Basic wedding cake/cupcakes
• Reception with entree choices
• White china for your dinner along with stainless steel silverware
• Tablescape complete with linens, table decorations, chair bows
• Fresh flowers for your reception

We use our own pastry chef for our cakes, and all catering is done on-site in the Garth kitchen. Flowers by a local florist are assembled onsite just prior to the wedding, not days before.

Call to make your appointment for a personal tour of our Missouri wedding venue and to discuss our various wedding package options.

Attractions Nearby

Mark Twain Cave

The cave was made famous by the author Mark Twain. Mark Twain grew up in Hannibal and had spent much of his childhood playing in the cave near his home. His memory of the cave stayed with him into adulthood and eventually became immortalized in his writings.

Mark Twain Museum

The frame house known as the Mark Twain Boyhood Home was constructed around 1843 or 1844. The John Marshall Clemens family lived here until leaving town in 1853. Following their departure, this became a rental property.

Karlock's Kars and Pop Culture

Classic Cars & Pop Culture Memorabilia!

A collection of vintage cars and memorabilia of pop culture over the decades.

Hannibal River Cruises

Join us aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat and experience the magic of the Mighty Mississippi! Take in the beautiful sights on our Sightseeing Cruise, or enjoy a night of dinner and dancing on the Dinner Cruise.

Hannibal Arts Council

The Hannibal Arts Council is a 501©3 organization founded in 1976 to enhance the quality of life in Hannibal. What started out as a group of community leaders with an idea has grown into a multi-discipline community arts agency.

Native American Trading Company

Authentic Native American crafts, clothing and more in Downtown Hannibal, Missouri.

History of our Mansion

The mansion is an historic bed and breakfast that has played an important role in the history of Hannibal, Missouri and in the life of the town’s most famous resident, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain).

Two of Samuel Clemens’ childhood friends remained close to him all his life: John and Helen Kercheval Garth. They entertained Clemens on visits to Hannibal and corresponded with him many times. Samuel Clemens, John Garth, and Helen Kercheval were all students at Mrs. Elizabeth Horr’s school and later at that of J. D. Dawson. John is probably one of the boys who provided Clemens with inspiration for the character Tom Sawyer.

John H. Garth was born to John and Emily Houston Garth in Rockbridge County, Virginia, on March 10, 1837. His family moved to Hannibal in 1844. Mr. Garth operated a tobacco business and cigar manufacturing concern. Mark Twain in his Autobiography recalled his early experience with Garth’s cigars: “In those days the native cigar was so cheap that a person who could afford anything could afford cigars. Mr. Garth had a great tobacco factory and he also had a small shop in the village for the retail sale of his products. He had one brand of cigars which even poverty itself was able to buy. He had these in stock a good many years and although they looked well enough on the outside, their insides had decayed to dust and would fly out like a puff of vapor when they were broken in two. This brand was very popular on account of its extreme cheapness. Mr. Garth had other brands which were cheap and some that were bad, but the supremacy over them enjoyed by this brand was indicated by its name. It was called ‘Garth’s damndest’. We used to trade old newspapers for that brand.”

Following the death of Mr. Garth, John’s older brother David ran the tobacco business under the name of D. T. Garth & Company. Of David, a recollection remains. “Mark Twain’s Letter to Will Brown” contains this passage: “We used to be in Dave Garth’s class in Sunday school and on weekdays stole his leaf tobacco to run our miniature tobacco presses with.”

John Garth left Hannibal to attend the University of Missouri, from which he graduated. He then returned to Hannibal as a junior partner in the tobacco business with his brother.

Helen Kercheval was born in Hannibal on July 18, 1838. She was the daughter of William Kercheval, a local tailor. Clemens wrote, “one of the prettiest of the schoolgirls was Helen Kercheval.”

John Garth and Helen Kercheval were married on October 18, 1860. They had two children, John David and Annie. Sometime after the Civil War broke out, in 1862 or 1863, Garth moved his family to New York City. There he was engaged in banking, brokerage, and manufacturing. They returned to Hannibal in 1871, and Garth started a successful business career. Garth purchased a farm southwest of Hannibal and constructed a large summer home, which he named “Woodside”. On the farm he raised and bred shorthorn and Jersey cattle. As a businessman, Garth entered many ventures. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and served as its first vice-president. He became president in 1880, a position he held until near his death in 1899. He was also president of the Hannibal Lime Company, president of the Missouri Guarantee Savings and Building Association, and president of the Garth Lumber Company in Delta, Michigan.

In his notebook, Clemens jotted down his experience with Garth’s coachman. “Garth’s coachman called for me at 10 instead of 7:30 — excused himself by saying “De time is mos’ an hour and a half slower in de country en what it is in de town, you’ll be in plenty time, boss. Sometimes we shoves out early for church, Sunday mornins, and fetches up dah right plum in de middle er de sermon, diffunce in de time, a body can’t make no calculations ’bout it.”

Several letters followed the 1882 visit. John Garth wrote to Clemens in September and received a reply noting that the Clemens children were ill. When Life on the Mississippi was released, Clemens sent the Garths a copy. John Garth replied, “Thanks for the book. Each and everyone at Woodside have enjoyed it greatly.” A note from Clemens to his manager requested a copy of Huckleberry Finn to be sent to the Garths upon its release. John Garth died in 1899. His wife and daughter funded several memorials to him, including the Garth Memorial Library Building, dedicated in 1902, and a tower and set of bells at the Trinity Episcopal Church.

When Samuel Clemens visited Hannibal in 1902, he again visited Helen Garth and her daughter. They took him by carriage to Mt. Olivet Cemetery to visit his family’s graves and that of John Garth. Later they hosted a dinner at the Fifth Street house, which included another childhood friend, Laura Hawkins Frazer, the model for Becky Thatcher. Following the death of her husband, Helen Garth remained active in Hannibal business. In 1910 she was elected to the board of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, the first woman bank director in Hannibal. Mrs. Helen Kercheval Garth died in 1923.