Come relax in the grandeur of our historic 1881 mansion turned bed and breakfast in picturesque Burlington, VT: for sale

Key features

Blending the historic craftsmanship of the home with modern amenities results in a comfortable, understated sophistication without all the hype. Of course, each room offers a private bath, seasonal air conditioning, and cosy bed with plush bedding, but it is in the details that you find the charm that bed and breakfasts are known for, and ours is full of historic charm.

King or queen bed, bathtub, or shower? Maybe, perhaps, sounds great. These are typical responses given when you are trying to choose your room. What can you live without, what can’t you, and what falls into the category of “oh, that would be so nice.” With 14 different guest rooms, each with their own details, your accommodation choice can be a tailor-made experience. Be sure to explore each and find out which room’s touches and textures welcome you to kick back, relax, and simply enjoy.

The Story of Your Innkeepers & The Inn

Through the years

The Inn was built in 1881 for Charles Woodhouse, a prominent businessman and Vermont State Senator. The design of the house incorporates elements of Queen Anne and the Colonial-Georgian Revival styles, both of which were just gaining popularity at that time.

Through the ensuing years, the home had numerous owners. In 1996, Gordon and Beverly Watson transformed the residence into the Inn as it is today. With painstaking detail, the house has been renovated and restored to its original splendour. Today, the brick structure retains its marble detail, slate roof, and a striking exterior marble staircase that descends to the elaborate gardens below. Inside, high ceilings, intricate mouldings and wood floors hearken back to another era. Upon entering the spacious cherry-panelled foyer, one can almost imagine the grand turn-of-the-century parties which Mr. Woodhouse might have hosted.

Present day         

The current Innkeepers had stayed at the Inn during their very first visit to Vermont while visiting colleges with their daughter.

She ultimately chose Champlain College for their excellent hospitality program and was subsequently hired at the Inn – a perfect fit for gaining real experience during her studies. After graduation, she worked elsewhere for a few years but the charm of Vermont, Burlington, and the Inn lured her back and she graciously accepted the position as the Inn's general manager under the former innkeepers.

Shortly after she returned to Burlington, the former innkeepers announced their decision to ease into retirement and inquired as to whether she knew anyone who would be interested in buying the Inn. Well, it was that question that set the Family on its current course. In 2005, the current Owners relocated from their home in East Aurora, New York to become the Innkeepers at the Inn. A few years later their son, who was working as a geologist in Atlanta, GA, was lured like the rest of the family by Burlington's charm and he too became an Innkeeper.  As they say, "the rest is history," and ever since the Family has proudly welcomed guests to one of Burlington's premier inns in the heart of the city's picturesque Hill District, the Willard Street Inn.

Accommodation

Guest Room No.1: The Conservatory

Turn-of-the-century details of pressed leather ceiling, wood floor and "egg and dart" brick design gas fireplace maintain the original character of this comfortable room. The soft yellow and floral print wallpaper, king-size carved four-poster bed, mirrored armoire, and fireside sitting area add to its charm. The first-floor location is ideal for those who wish to minimize the need to climb stairs. This guest room's private bathroom offers a shower only.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• King Size, Four Poster Bed
• Gas Fireplace
• En-suite Bath with Shower only
• Original Pressed Leather Ceiling
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• First Floor (East side of Inn)

Guest Room No.2: Victorian Cabernet

Deep hues of blue and burgundy complement the bowed brass queen-size bed. This corner room features seasonal views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Antique light sconces, armoire, and sitting area make the atmosphere in this room a cozy blend of elegance and comfort. This guest room's private, en-suite bathroom offers an antique console sink and tub/shower.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Brass Queen Bed
• Corner Room
• En-suite Bath with Shower/Tub
• Seasonal Views of Lake Champlain
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Second Floor (Northwest)

Guest Room No.3: Martha's Memoirs

From the mahogany four-poster, queen size canopy bed to the soft comforter, wood floors, and marble bedside tables, this corner room features wonderful contrasts in texture and color. Antique armoire and matching armchairs add to the charm of this cozy room. The en-suite bathroom offers a pedestal sink and tub/shower.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Size, Mahogany Canopy Bed
• Corner Room
• En-suite Bath with Shower/Tub
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Second Floor (Northeast)

Guest Room No.4: Champlain Lookout

Relax in a cosy wingback chair with a cup of tea in our most popular room, the Champlain Lookout. From the charming bay window sitting area enjoy views of the Inn's gardens and in the distance Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The beautiful queen size, four-poster, canopy bed and rich burgundy wallpaper are delightful accents to this warm and spacious room. The large, en-suite bathroom offers a marble sink and tub/shower. 

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

Queen size, Canopy Bed

Bay Window with Two Wingback Chairs

Views of Inn's Gardens and Seasonal Views of Lake Champlain

En-Suite Bath with Showers/Tub

Seasonal Air-Conditioning

Second Floor (West side of Inn)

Guest Room No.5: Nantucket

One of the Inn's largest rooms, the Nantucket room features a gas fireplace with antique mosaic tile, original wood floors, a king-size, carved, four-poster bed, and a twin daybed for an extra person. Antique light sconces, stuffed armchairs, plus three large windows give this spacious room its finishing touches. The large original subway tiled bathroom features both an antique bathtub and a separate tiled shower.

If intending to use a daybed for sleeping during your stay, please indicate so when booking this room.

(Maximum Occupancy 3 people)

• King Size, Four Poster Bed
• Twin Day Bed
• Gas Fireplace
• Antique Bathtub
• Separate Shower
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Second Floor (East side of Inn)

Guest Room No.6: Cobblestone

The rich leather headboard on the queen size bed is accented with a plush comforter of green, cranberry and gold making this cozy room warm and inviting. Two large windows provide views of the Inn's gardens, Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. This guest room's private bathroom with tub/shower is not en-suite but located directly across the hall.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Bed, Leather Headboard
• Large Windows
• Views of the Inn's Gardens
• Private Bath: Directly across the Hall with Shower/Tub 
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Second Floor (West side of Inn)

Guest Room No.8: Woodhouse Suite

This large suite is perfect for a romantic getaway. It has a dramatic, queen size iron canopy bed and a cosy loveseat in front of a gas fireplace. The in-room private bathroom boasts a large two-person tiled shower. The charm of the Woodhouse Suite is completed with views of the Inn's gardens, and seasonal views of Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains creating a perfect backdrop to relax and slip away from the world.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Size, Iron Four Poster Bed
• Gas Fireplace
• Two-Person Shower
• Lots of Natural Light
• Views of Inn's Gardens and Lake Champlain
• Seasonal Air Conditioning
• Second Floor (South end of Inn)

Guest Room No.9: Periwinkle Room

This colourful room is decorated in hues of lavenders and deep purples. It features a large pine armoire, sitting area, white draped curtains, and soft plush comforter on its queen-size bed. The private, en-suite bathroom offers a tiled, walk-in shower.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Size Bed
• Sitting Area
• Tiled, Walk-in Shower
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (East side of the Inn)

Guest Room No.10: Suite Larkin

The Suite Larkin features a large bedroom with a king-size bed and views of the Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains through the angled window. A cozy adjoining sitting room has a twin daybed and antique marble-topped cabinet. The private, en-suite bathroom offers both a deep slipper soaking bathtub and a separate shower.

If intending to use a daybed for sleeping during your stay, please indicate so when booking this room.

(Maximum Occupancy 3 people)

• King Size Bed
• Twin Day Bed in Adjoining Sitting Room
• Slipper Soaking Bathtub
• Separate Shower
• Angled Window with Views of Lake Champlain
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (Northwest corner of Inn)

Guest Room No.11: Rose Garden

Climbing rose trellis wallpaper in this charming room accents the architectural details of the vaulted ceiling with ceiling fan. The room is centered around a king-size bed with a quilted coverlet and soft duvet comforter. An antique chest of drawers and marble-topped side tables complete the decor. Smaller yet private, en-suite bathroom features a large, tiled shower with a rainfall showerhead.

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• King Size Bed
• Vaulted Ceiling
• Rainfall, Tiled Shower with Bench
• SEASONAL AIR CONDITIONING
• Third Floor HIRD FLOOR (East side of Inn)

Guest Room No.12: The Tower Room

Located on the third floor in the Inn's tower, this guest room offers the most impressive views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Inn's gardens. Relax in the Tower Room while reading a good book from white wicker chairs or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset over Lake Champlain. A queen-size bed with rich burgundy comforter and white wicker desk round out the appointments to this unique accommodation. This room's private bathroom with tub/shower is not en-suite, but it is directly across the hall. Don't worry we provide plush bathrobes, for the very short "journey." 

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Size Bed
• The Inn's Best Views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains
• Private Bath: Across the Hall with Shower/Tub
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (West side of Inn)

Guest Room No.14: Adirondacks

This guest room is named for the picturesque views of the Adirondack Mountains and Lake Champlain enjoyed through two large windows. Two double beds with matching duvet comforters make this guest room perfect for families or friends traveling together. The en-suite, private bathroom offers a granite sink and tub/shower.

(Maximum Occupancy 3 people)

• Two Double Beds
• Two Large Windows
• Views of the Inn's Gardens, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains
• En-suite Bath with Shower/Tub
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (West side of the Inn)

Guest Room No. 15: Lindsey's Loft

Lindsey's Loft is a smaller and inviting guest room appointed with an antique walnut headboard on a double bed, stuffed armchair, and angled ceiling providing loads of charm. Enjoy lots of natural light streaming in through two large east-facing windows. The smaller, cozy en-suite bathroom offers a shower only. 

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Doubled Bed
• Two Large Windows
• En-suite Bath with Shower Only
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (East side of Inn)

Guest Room No.16: Alexandra's Alcove

The sloping eaves add to the historic, architectural charm of this corner room adorned in sage green and burgundy floral. It features a beautiful antique armoire with a mirror, a queen bed with a soft duvet, and a delightful view of the Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains through the angled window. The private, en-suite bathroom offers a shower only. 

(Maximum Occupancy 2 people)

• Queen Sized Bed
• Angled Window with Views of Lake Champlain
• En-suite Bath with Shower only
• Seasonal Air-conditioning
• Third Floor (Southwest corner)

Included Comforts of Our Bed And Breakfast

There is no way around it. People have preconceived notions about bed and breakfasts and inns. As a family-owned business, it is safe to assume that at least one of the Innkeepers has heard each and every joke about B&Bs, but therein lies the answer. As a team of three innkeepers, each of the Family (and the all of the Inn’s staff) provide creative ideas to polish the experience offered to our guests and let the charm of the experience speak for itself.

Built-in 1881, the floors do have a few squeaks, however, this only adds to the home’s earned and authentic character. Embracing the style and craftsmanship of the Inn is how we approach everything, with a dash of the clever and classy. It is all in the details. From chef-prepared breakfasts to each room's unique layout, to the flower varieties bursting with colour in our gardens, each detail has been carefully selected to enhance your comfort and experience, so enjoy. 

Our Bed and Breakfast is a great value - Breakfast, Parking, and WiFi is included.

As the saying goes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” We definitely embrace that at the Willard Street Inn. Whatever adventure or activity your day has in store, starting right makes all the difference and a good cup of coffee is a must. Thanks to our friends at Vermont’s 802 Coffee Roasters and Capitol Grounds Cafe, we have our own signature blend to grind fresh each morning. Wake to an Inn filled with enticing aromas of breakfast wafting from the kitchen, coaxing you to investigate the source.

Venture downstairs to our Solarium and choose an open table. Relax in the inviting elegance of this marble-floored space surrounded by lush plants and 317 windowpanes (yes we counted) streaming in the morning sun. This is a proven recipe for a better day. Menu chalkboards present your choice of three breakfast entrees. The decision can be difficult, so we ease that “stress” with pastries or muffins baked fresh each morning, it’s the least we can do. Each entrée is crafted by our chef and plated just for you. Many of our ingredients are sourced locally. From Snow Hill Farm maple syrup, that sweet Vermont staple, to fresh produce sourced so close you can see it from the Solarium, the Inn’s very own gardens. We invite you to explore the backyard gardens and try to imagine what ingredient our chef may use for your breakfast. 

Your Guest Room

With our goal of cohesive comfort, many amenities are simply implied, as they should be. Obviously, every room has an alarm clock, phone, TV, air conditioning, cozy linens, plush bathrobes, hairdryers, the list goes on. It is not in the “every room amenities” that our bed and breakfast shines, it is the furniture and appointments unique to each room that makes them special.

Interested in imbibing in Vermont’s award-winning craft beers, spirits, and wines, who isn’t? By choice, our Inn does not have a liquor license. This means BYO Beverage and we will provide the glassware, openers, ice, and wine buckets so enjoy. Curious about what is good in the area? Please just ask, we are happy to discuss your tastes and offer recommendations. We also provide a guest refrigerator in the Inn's kitchen to keep your beverages cold during your stay.

Need an ironing board and iron to press out those wrinkles and look your finest at that wedding, reunion, or special occasion? We have you covered there too, simply ask and we will deliver one to your room.

There is always that one thing that is forgotten when traveling, your toothbrush, a razor, etc. Fear not, we have you covered with those “Just in case” items.

"Ands and Extras" Beverages and snacks

We are after all a Bed AND Breakfast and we believe it is in the "ands" that the charm is added. Each day we freshly bake and deliver to your room a plate of our signature chocolate chip cookies. Coffee and a delightful array of teas are available throughout the day and evening, along with another small nibble, whether it be another delectable sweet or a piping hot cup of soup in the winter. In the warmer months, we offer lemonade as the perfect beverage to take outside and relax in Adirondack chairs in our gardens. These “ands” add both charm and value to your stay when you choose our Inn.

Special Offers & Promotions

Our special offers make the time to book your Vermont trip right now. How about hiking a peak in the Green Mountains for that beautiful vista? That experience is just a short drive away. Food and shopping more of your thing? Simply walk downtown to Burlington's Church Street Marketplace, offering a multitude of shopping and restaurants. Want ideas for activities and attractions? Ask a local– your innkeepers and staff love to make recommendations. However you choose to Explore Vermont, we will make sure you are fueled up for your day with a chef-prepared breakfast and welcomed home at day's end with chocolate chip cookies. With our special deals and central location, the Willard Street Inn is a great home base for your next Vermont vacation. So what's stopping you? Come experience and explore.