15 Church St: The Phillips-Yates-Snowden House
MOST INNKEEPERS PROVIDE A ROOM; WE PROVIDE AN EXPERIENCE: The Phillips-Yates-Snowden House c. 1842 at 15 Church Street Charleston, SC 29401. Now the home of Dr. & Mrs. Jack W. Simmons, Jr., the property was originally owned by Captain... more
Here is what guests had to say...
| "The Perfect Charleston Destination"
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8/24/2009 |
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This was our second stay at 15 Church Street (the Phillips-Yates-Snowdon House) and the experience was as special as we remembered! We make every effort to stay in highly rated bed and breakfasts whenever possible during our travels. We have not received a more gracious welcome, or more assistance, than that offered by Jack and Annelise Simmons. From the moment you enter their home, you are treated with warmth, graciousness, and charm.
It is difficult to sum up all the positives in a concise manner! The rooms are spacious, scrupulously clean and well stocked. If more towels or other items are needed, you have only to ask. Breakfast was always delicious and very filling. The most difficult decision was making a choice between entrees! All were exceptional. The main fare was always supplemented with endless juice, coffee, and the freshest fruit available. Each morning Jack or Annelise checked to make sure that all at the table were satisfied and asked if we would like anything else.
The evening wine hour and the conversation were particularly nice. We have stayed at several very nicely appointed bed and breakfasts in a number of states and nowhere else did the hosts join the guests in the evening. It is a lovely custom! One evening we were enjoying the company so much, we were nearly late for our dinner reservation. Jack was kind enough to give us a lift across town to make it in time!
We greatly appreciated the tips regarding things to do and see while in Charleston. The suggestions for restaurants, assistance with reservations, background and special interests information at the historical sites were all invaluable assets. During both our stays at 15 Church Street, the Simmons went to great lengths to help each of their guests find the activities they were interested in and enjoy their time in Charleston.
We are eagerly anticipating a return visit. This would be a lovely location to gather the family for a reunion or holiday.
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| "Better than family!"
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6/29/2009 |
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Recently, we were fortunate enough to spend an entire week in Charleston on a writing assignment. Even more fortuitous was our stay at the Philips-Yates-Snowden House (PYSH). One travels to Charleston for its elegance, gentility, fine cuisine and stunning architecture. Our stay at the PYSH made our immersion in old Charleston complete. Our hosts, Dr. Jack Simmons and his wife Annelise, provided a true southern welcome. They exemplify the civic pride and cordial manner that multi-generational families in Charleston are famous for. Their knowledge of the town is surpassed only by their knowledge of southern history, which always made for great conversation over wine and cheese each afternoon on the porch. And helpful? Mon Dieu! One night we were late for dinner (after lingering over wine and cheese) and Jack drove us right to the door! The house is the real deal - right in the heart of the Battery area, 3 stories of comfortable elegance. Poseur that I am, it was fun to step out of our "very own" mansion, acting like we owned the place, as less fortunate tourists passed by as they admired "our" neighborhood. Our HUGE room on the third floor overlooked the gardens of the Calhoun mansion (Charleston's grandest)! And parking was not an issue, ever. Need I say more? OK, I will. Each morning featured a wonderful gourmet breakfast, nicely balanced for a day of perambulation through the markets and neighborhoods. You know, one can tell who one's friends are after a week of proximity. And I'm happy to say Jack and Annelise are our friends now, and I hope they can say the same for us.
Jeff and Suzanne View Reviewer Info
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| "BEST B&B EVER!"
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6/8/2009 |
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Over the years, we've stayed at many B&B's, but none can hold a candle to this one. It wasn't just the perfect location, amenities, and ambience. What really made our vacation was the one thing that is unique to the B&B experience -- an absolutely wonderful host and hostess -- Jack and Annelise Simmons. They welcome their guests into their home -- and it is their home first and a business second, as it should be -- and make them feel a part of their family. Thanks to them, we had a truly matchless Charleston visit. From the tour with Mrs. Jane Thornhill -- to the yummy restaurants -- to Drayton Hall and Middleton Place -- to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir performance on the opening night of the Spoleto Festival -- each recommendation added special memories to our 8-day sojourn in the gracious South. By our second day, we were already talking about our next trip there, so we didn't push ourselves to do everything in one visit, knowing we'd be back again and again to see our new friends, Jack and Annelise, and their incredible city. View Reviewer Info
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| "The only way to see historic Charleston"
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12/6/2008 |
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My husband and I were married in Charleston and it seemed fitting that a visit back would be a great way to celebrate our 21st anniversary. I had always wanted to stay in a B and B but in the past, we had always ended up in a hotel. I wanted this anniversary to be special so I did my research and chose 15 Church St. Bed and Breakfast. I am so glad I did. The entire trip was a surprise for my husband. Jack and Annelise helped by making restaurant recommendations and reservations for us, which proved wonderful. Jack is a true southern gentleman and Annelise is a sweet soft-spoken southern belle. Early evenings begin with wine and snacks in the living room where they make you feel like an invited guest, not a patron. They are so knowledgeable about the history of the area. It was truly a pleasure being able to sit and talk with them. As with all good and warm homes, this one comes with the most delightful dogs, Pappy, Snickers, and Madeline. They complete the 'home-away-from-home" feeling. Our room (the rose room) was very comfortable. You can feel the history as you look out over the roof tops to the harbor. Last but certainly not least, the food . . . If you like a traditional southern breakfast, this B and B is for you. We had Jack's mother's recipe "Hominy Surprise" the first morning and we both loved it. That was my favorite. Our second morning we tried the frittata. It was also very good. Breakfast is served with plenty of fresh fruit, good strong coffee, and your choice of breads and sides. It goes without saying - we will go back! The Simmons are warm and gracious and the home is beautiful. I highly recommend 15 Church St. B and B to anyone. View Reviewer Info
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| "Treated Like Family, But Is That OK?"
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10/14/2008 |
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Recent stay with my friend. We are experienced with stays at B and B's - both as friends and with our spouses. 15 Church B and B felt like we were staying with family. Annelise and Jack treated us like family and were extremely gracious and hospitable. Unfortunately, we feel that we would rather be treated like company. Although they were delightful and the room was large and comfortable, there were several small items that need to be improved. (The location was great, too). No interim cleaning (we were there for 5 days and 4 nights), no drinks available during the day and really needed access to something because there were no stores nearby and even if there were, there was no refrigerator, no alarm clock, the room still contained 'junk' leftover from when their son lived there, inadequate light in the bathroom, the toiletry products were 'mass produced' in pumps (only shampoo and liquid soap), the hairdryer was too dirty to use, and the breakfast was a bit meager (1 piece of toast, a small square of frittata, OJ, tea/coffee, and fruit). We are used to more elaborate breakfasts and more offerings, too. Altho they had cocktail hour, we didn't know about it until our last day there. I have stayed at 4 B and B's this year alone (South Carolina, Canada, Michigan) and this one was the most expensive and just OK. We wanted to know more about the house, but no info was offered, even when we asked. Again, they are wonderful people, but appear to be inexperienced B and B owners. View Reviewer Info
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| Innkeeper Response |
Glad they liked our hospitality, large comfortable room and “great” location; oddly they felt like “family” but preferred to be only “company” (in the South the logic of this escapes us).
We are a true B&B, not a commercial hotel with full-time staff. To protect our guests’ privacy we do not enter the rooms unless asked. This bathroom has a large overhead globe plus a bank of four lights above the mirror. The hairdryer has been inspected and nothing found amiss. Soap bars are wasteful so we provide quality liquid soap, and shampoo from Greenwich Bay Trading Company: www.gbsoaps.com
There is a full sized refrigerator for guest use. Breakfast includes coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, frittatas, grits, Hominy Surprise, plus the usual carbs. We try to exceed expectations; an all-you-can-eat breakfast bar we are not.
Hard to miss our 6 PM Charleston “social hour”; it is listed on the BedandBreakfast.com website under “other amenities”. We invite guests to participate so it seems difficult to ignore eight others sitting around having a good time! When these guests returned from an evening out, they even joined us at our dinner table for wine and dessert.
A brief history of our house is listed on the website; another is sent via email, and, in our living room and bedrooms, there are several magazine articles featuring the house and it’s famous War of Secession occupants, one of which Jack researched and published (¬GS Magazine), Nov/Dec 2007, p.93-95). Any guest inquiring about the house is swamped with this information.
Our rates are competitive since they include a full breakfast, parking, and wine. The house is authentic, C. 1842, not an ersatz historic looking venue of concrete block and steel.
With all of the above said, we remain sincerely honored that these guests still felt we were “wonderful people”. We wish them well in their quest for the perfect B&B to suit their needs.
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| - Jack & Annelise Simmons (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We have been honored by all of the kind comments our guests have posted, so one such as this is both interesting and odd in that it seems so out of place. We are all dumbfounded as the dogs are restricted from the dining area by accordion gates and venture there only at the will of the guests. Also, we have doggie photos on the web site to alert potential guests to their presence in case someone has a particular allergy or aversion.
At breakfast, we always ask our guests if they would like anything else and, in five years, we have only had two requests for an additional piece of toast. Our guests set their own eating time the evening before and are served as soon as they are seated, often, by their own choice, at a later than stated time if they decide to socialize over coffee on the porch.
As we try to be very hospitable and accommodating, we do not understand why these particular guests would not first approach us regarding their concerns so we would have had a chance to address any issues immediately. We encourage any future guests to not hesitate to do so. We want your stay to be wonderful.
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| - Jack Simmons (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
It is always disconcerting when a guest does not have a positive experience. However, perhaps their expectations were more of a commercial “Inn”. Being a true bed and breakfast in that guests are staying in our home, by necessity, there will be some personal items in the rooms which have been hidden out of sight in bathroom cabinets, in covered bookshelves, and in the top of closets. We commend these guests on their curiosity in finding such family “treasures”.
So as not to invade our guests’ privacy, we do not enter their rooms unless requested (again, we are a B&B, not an Inn with a full-time staff). We follow the European custom of using personalized napkin rings with which to identify one’s napkin for the next day, feeling this more environmentally friendly than using paper or washing every day. If one is particularly messy, fresh napkins are always available; we now make it a special point to so inform our guests.
The clock radio had “wandered off” and has been replaced. Since most of our guests now use their cell phones for time and alarms, we had become lulled into forgetting about this amenity, an oversight on our part for which we do apologize. Always glad to rectify any omission if notified, we prefer to do so during the visit by making an effort to always tell our guests, “Please let us know if you need anything.”
We sincerely appreciate all constructive comments and are so glad they liked the dogs!
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| - Jack & Annelise Simmons (innkeeper) |
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| "wonderful! we hope to come back!"
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8/11/2008 |
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| "Give Yourself and Experience to Remember"
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8/6/2008 |
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My wife and recently stayed with Jack and Annelise Simmons, and could not have wished for a better experience in Charleston. You do not just get a room and lovely breakfast in a beautiful house, you get to be a Charlestonian, if only for a while! They are active in civic affairs, know the people and shops and restaurants and the good and bad of Charleston, and share their knowledge as if you were visiting family members. They referred us to Mrs. Jane Thornhill, a tour guide with an encylopedic knowledge of Charleston homes and history (much of which she was a participant in for the past 75 years), who provides a not-to-be- missed two hour drive around the city. We stayed in a large and comfortable room at the front of the house on the third floor which even provided us with a view of a beautiful rainbow over the water, since the house is less than a block from Charleston Harbor on a narrow brick-paved street of historic homes. When we left, Jack and Annelise very movingly told how how much they enjoyed our visit and that they hoped that we would return. If you want to experience the city like a native, 15 Church Street View Reviewer Info
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| "Reasonably priced rooms and a wondeful experience!"
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4/16/2008 |
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My wife and I recently returned from our 3-day/2-night stay in Charleston SC -- our first time to this wonderful city to celebrate our 20th anniversary. After searching the internet and talking with friends about where to stay in Charleston, we decided on staying in the Phillips-Yates-Snowden home of Dr Jack and Annelise Simmons. It was the perfect combination of accommodation, location, hospitality, and price.
The home is nicely located on a bricked street in the historic homes area of Charleston, just a short walk from the waterfront, shopping, and great restaurants. There is off-street private parking -- in fact we parked our car in the Simmons gated driveway and did not move it until we had to leave.
We stayed in the "Blue room", located on the fourth floor, which had a private bath and great view of the roofs and chimney tops of many historic homes. You also have a beautiful view of the Calhoun Mansion and its tranquil fountain from the room.
The owners and hosts -- Dr Jack and Annelise -- work a tireless pace to ensure each of their guests feel welcomed and share the passion of Charleston's charm. We took them up on their dinner suggestions and offer to make reservations at SNOB and Carolina's, and were definitely pleased. The people at SNOB greeted us with surprise anniversary wishes and complimentary glasses of champaign to celebrate it.
The breakfasts offer a variety of healthy and hearty menu items, prepared to the custom request of each visitor. Be sure to remember your napkin ring style, as with old-time tradition you will re-use your napkin each day.
Also, each evening around 6:30pm don't miss the social hour on the huge porch, complete with conversation with other guests, and your choice of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.
My wife and I have only stayed at a handful of B&B's in our lifetime, but I would be hardpressed to find a better experience than we had in the Simmons' home in Charleston. View Reviewer Info
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| "This B&B is great, but book early"
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4/13/2008 |
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We recently spent 4 fabulous nites here. The common areas downstairs are beautifully decorated. We were in the Rose Room, located on the third floor. Huge room nicely decorated. The bathroom is also large and has a nice shower. Very quiet room. They don't provide a daily maid service for your room, which we really liked. Also, they don't take credit cards, cash or pay pal only. And this site is as close as they have for a website.
For breakfasts, they have a fixed menu with various choices and you make your selections the night before. Nothing real elaborate or fancy but very tasty. On Sundays, you can also choose pancakes.
The location is great. It's in the Battery, the quiet residential section of the historical district where you'll find all those gorgeous mansions and a nice park. It's an easy and beautiful 15-20 minute walk to the commercial part of the district where most of the restaurants and shops are unless you're slow of foot, in which case allow about 25. We never got tired of walking those incredible streets.
Parking was unexpectedly easy. Just a block away at the end of the street, there's tons of free parking around the park.
Based on my extensive research, I don't think there's a better value in Charleston.
For those who have never been to the Old South and have no idea what's meant by "Southern Hospitality", you'll learn here. Dr. Jack is originally from Charleston and he's a true southern gentleman. Annelise is equally charming and gracious. Their nightly 6pm social hour with wine or cocktails is great fun. They're a fun couple who enjoy people.
They live on the second floor of the house. While you're there, they treat you as family. They are also extremely helpful with all things necessary to have a great visit. On two occasions, they drove us to our restaurant when it looked like we might be late. Just another example of their wonderful hospitality.
We'd definitely go back.
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| "Review of 15 Church Street Inn"
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2/28/2007 |
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My husband and I stayed at this lovely, historic home last weekend. We experienced the true flavor of downtown, residential Charleston. Southern hospitality is shown by the innkeepers, Jack and Annelise Simmons, who enjoy sharing afternoon wine, cheese and delightful conversation with their guests. The Battery is a brief, enjoyable stroll from their home. An added bonus for me, dog lover that I am, is that the Simmons have three personable pooches! Thank you, Jack and Annelise, for opening your home to guests. View Reviewer Info
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you so much for your kind words. We look forward to having you back as welcome guests.
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| - Jack & Annelise Simmons (innkeeper) |
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| "Wonderful People, Great Location!"
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2/12/2007 |
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Jack and Annalise were the most hospitable, friendly people. Their home was gorgeous, and impecably clean. Every night we were invited for cocktail hour and of course, we partook! My husband and I learned so much about Charleston from Jack and Annalise, and from their historic home in itself.
Not only will we go back to Charleston soon to visit the city, which we loved, but to visit 15 Church Street. You couldn't ask for a better location, right in the heart of historic Charleston, and nicer, more knowledgable house guests. We'll be back for sure, but will make sure to book in advance, because I'm sure we're not the only ones who had such a great time!
Zak and Sara
p.s. make sure to take up Jack and Annalises' dinner recommendations, they really know the city, and recommended some great 'local' restraunts that we loved!
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Contact Information
15 Church St: The Phillips-Yates-Snowden House15 Church St Charleston, SC 29401 USA
| Phone: | +1-843-722-7602 | | Fax: | +1-843-722-2030 | | Cellular: | +1-843-209-1823 | | Cellular: | +1-843-870-0443 |
Innkeeper(s) Jack & Annelise Simmons
Rates: $195 - $295
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