Susan and I stay in B&B's whenever possible. The Chesnut Cottage is a real gem. A 1850 circa home, originally owned by General and Mary Bokin Chesnut, a confederant general and plantation owners of the midlands. Loaded with southern tradition, it also has the best of charm, high tech and hospitality. Located in one of the historical districts of Columbia S.C., it surrounded by fine dining, museums, night life and fun. The best part of this B&B are ther inn keepers. Gale & Sherwood are a real treat. They have that rare talent to know when you want to be included, and when you want to be alone.Take our sugesstion, include them if you can.From the fresh flowwers and fruit, to the speciality breakfast,(shrimp and grits, or fresh blue berry pancakes with hot peppered bacon, to bagels with cream cheese and lox, too good. We know, like us, one stay and you'll come back often. John O

View Reviewer Info

I had a good hearty breakfast this Saturday morning. The eggs were delicious, and had ham and cheese mixed in. The wheat toast with apricot jelly filled me up, and the conversation was entertaining. Thanks, Gale!

View Reviewer Info

I arrived at the Chestnut Cottage B&B right around noon. They were not yet ready for me – the room had not been changed over from the previous night. So, I waited in the garden for quite some time. The weather was beautiful and clear. It was not a normal humid South Carolina day. I realized at that time that clearly, I had not packed correctly. I had checked the weather on-line all week; it had said that it was going to be 80 degrees for the whole weekend. Well, it was getting warmer as I sat there. Turned out to be in the 90’s for the rest of the weekend. The B&B got out of making us breakfast the next morning since they do it between 8-10am and we were up and gone by 7am. They left us donuts and coffee. The following day the B&B made us some nice breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and fruit. It seems that the proprietor is handing the B&B down to his son and daughter-in-law. Gale barely spoke to us and spent most of the time up in the private quarters. I don't think that I would stay at this B&B again if ever I came back to Columbia. A little pricey, a little messy and a little desolate.

View Reviewer Info

Chesnut Cottage is one of the best B&Bs we have experienced. Gale is a delightful and thoughtful host, full of excellent information about Columbia, stories about the house and its history, and gracious hospitality--he even mailed me a jacket I had left behind when we departed. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, and the house is located in the historic district, surrounded by other gracious old homes and historic landmarks. The boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson is across the street, and the beautiful state capital and University of South Carolina campus are a short walk. Gale and his wife serve a delicious breakfast and the conversation over breakfast was so much fun we wished we could have spent much more time. We are looking forward to return visits.

View Reviewer Info

Wonderful visit! Beautiful, clean, comfortable. Great food. And really fun innkeepers

View Reviewer Info

My husband and I enjoyed the charming home of Gale Garrett in the middle of downtown. The rooms are very well done with comfort and antiques. Every thought was given to helping us have a great visit and the breakfast was a feast! We will stay every time our travels bring us to Columbia!

View Reviewer Info

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Chestnut Cottage for several days. It was truly a step back in time and one of the most refreshing getaways I've experienced in years! The Innkeeper, Gale Garrett, could not have been more accomodating. He readily shared information about the history of the inn and directions to attractions in the city.The breakfasts were scrumptious and they are offered at a time convenient to the guests. While sitting on the front porch, soaking up the history of the property, I was greeted by many passersby who welcomed me to Columbia. I felt immediately at home with a warm welcome to the area. I highly recommend this Inn as a gem among Bed and Breakfast experiences.

View Reviewer Info