The Bell House
A Virginia Historic Landmark, The Bell House was built circa 1883 by Colonel J.O.P. Burnside, son of the Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The house was owned next by Alexander Graham Bell’s father, Alexander Melville Bell, then the famous son. Step back in time and enjoy the stories of this house and the hospitality of owner and innkeeper, Anne Bolin. The Bell House is located “on the Point” in Colonial Beach, Virginia, is on the Potomac River and overlooks a wide expanse of the river. Every detail of the home reflects the quality and workmanship of a bygone era . . . beautifully illustrated by original hardwood flooring, stained glass windows, and unique balconies. Relax in your room, the Gathering Room, or Library. Play the baby grand piano in the Gathering Room. Sit outside on the porch overlooking the Potomac or recline in a hammock. Walk the riverfront or sunbathe on a sandy beach. Tour the antique shops in town; visit Stratford Hall Plantation, home of the Lee family; George Washington’s Birthplace National Monument; Westmoreland Berry Farm, or nearby Civil War Battlefields. Westmoreland State Park and Caledon Natural Area are perfect for Ranger-led tours of these natural areas or for leisurely self-guided walks. Tour Ingleside and Oak Crest Wineries at the top of the Northern Neck Wine Trail. Taste new wines and award-winning wines. Visit the Northern Neck Wine Trail. Tour the beautiful Northern Neck of Virginia.
Wine and cheese or wine and hors d’oeuvre are served in the Gathering Room or on the front porch each evening beginning at five o’clock and ending a six o’clock p.m. A full, served two to three course breakfast is served each morning, usually in the Dining Room and the Gathering Room, but in pleasant weather, breakfast is served on the back patio, surrounded by thornless white climbing roses, wisteria, trumpet vines and flowers of all sorts. The three-story Bell House has four guest rooms, each with a queen-sized bed and each with a private bath. The rooms are decorated with your comfort in mind, and include terry robes and slippers for your use during your stay. Soothing oatmeal soaps, shampoo, and hair dryers are also provided for you.
Colonial Beach is a small, quaint, vibrant community on the Potomac River and plays host to people from around the world because of its close proximity to Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads area. The town is ideal for boaters. There are several marinas in town for dockage and service, wonderful restaurants, a summer Town Trolley, and for a romantic evening a sunset horse and carriage ride around “the point” will prove memorable. Colonial Beach also has a very active art guild, with over fifty eight artist members. The Second Friday Art Walk allows guests and townsfolk to view artworks at area businesses and restaurants and is very popular. Throughout the spring, summer, fall, and into early winter there is something for everyone on the agenda, from outdoor concerts, festivals, parades, antique boat and car shows, arts and crafts shows, to golf cart parades. There truly is something for everyone in Colonial Beach! Please visit The Bell House website for a schedule of Colonial Beach events for 2007.