I've stayed in many B&B's and the Elms is exceptional. I highly recommend it for the following reasons: The charm of the experience of staying in a gracious, rambling family home being brought back from its faded glory by a talented artist The really lovely modern and spotlessly clean bathrooms - very unusual in any B&B but doubly so in a somewhat dilapidated 200 year old manse. These bathrooms are straight out of a Rejuvenation Hardware catalog and are just terrific - no expense was spared here. The sumptuous beds and linens. Heirloom bedsteads but brand new high-end mattresses, pillows and linens. This is a place that irons its sheets. Gracious hosts with tons of personality. We didn't just have a great place to sleep - we visited. We really enjoyed getting to know William, who has enough entertaining stories to while away many happy hours. Also, he's a great cook. Beautiful things to admire - tons of them. Five generations of collecting leads to lots of cool stuff. I love china, light fixtures, furniture, carpets - I was in heaven. Attention to detail. This is a place where your host preheats your coffee cups in the morning, not only irons the napkins but starches them, too, provides "silver" canisters of cotton make-up removal pads and Q-tips in the bathrooms, and sends you up to bed with a gold-rimmed pitcher of ice water with an antique linen napkin to set it on. The galleries overlooking the live oaks in the lawn. This is just a magical place to relax. Arrive early, so that you have time to enjoy view from the upper floor galleries. Natchez is a terrific tourist destination, but there is something about the verandas of the Elms that is even better than all the sights in this history-rich town. Great central location in a very interesting little historic city. Easy to find, but if Mapquest tells you to turn right onto Pine Street from Route 61, know that Pine Street is called Martin Luther King now.

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We got lucky in late September when planning a spontaneous trip to Natchez. Weddings at both the Monmouth and the Dunleith Plantations meant there was no vacancy at either. After scouting out B&Bs on the Internet, we came across The Elms and booked ourselves into the Drake Room. The Elms is run by the immensely gifted but modest Ms. Carpenter, an artist, gourmet chef and a woman with Natchez history in her blood. We settled into our spacious surroundings where every detail echoed Esther’s finely-tuned aesthetic sense. The bed was high with down pillows and duvet. Moments later, Esther returned with a tray of cheese, crackers, and grapes, an ice bucket, and wine. We sat out on the porch to enjoy our pre-dinner treat and gazed out at… OAK trees. Esther tells us there probably once were ELMS at The Elms but not today. The breakfasts are enough to carry you through a day’s worth of sightseeing without a lunch break. In fact I hold those breakfasts responsible for preventing an opportunity to sample Big Mama’s Hot Tamales. Where do you get peaches as sweet as those in the fruit compote? How do you make biscuits as flaky as those sweet little ones Esther baked each morning? Apple crisp and grits too! I was fascinated by Esther’s account of clearing the attic and sorting through centuries of treasures and everyday items from trunkloads. As a flea market junkie, these tales had me salivating. The bathroom has hotel magnifying mirror, good lighting, excellent stall shower, lovely fixtures, and windows on two walls! Plush monogrammed towels. Crisp linen curtains. I wouldn’t be surprised if they had been rescued from one of the trunks. Can’t ignore the ceiling in that bathroom as it appeared to be original multi-toned wood that wears its antiquity well. If you prefer, a 3-seater outhouse is still intact. Gorgeous stenciled walls executed by Esther’s hand. Among the books, a 1957 history of Natchez plantations. One of my favorite B&B experiences.

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My husband and I visited Natchez for the first time and found The Elms and its owner to be charming. We chose The Elms because we wanted to experience the historical Natchez of the pre-civil war era. We picked the right place. The Elms is being lovingly restored by owner, Esther Carpenter, who played there as a child when it was her grandmother's home. An artist extrodinaire, Esther is carefully restoring each part of the house to its historical pre-civil war period. When we first arrived, I was a little worried that my allergies might give me fits because of the stuffing in some of the furniture, but I had no problem at all. The bedroom was very clean and centrally air conditioned. The King-sized bed was quite comfortable and was endowed with luxurious linens. The room (Kellogg) had a very nice large bath with both tub and shower. Esther is a gracious hostess and a marvelous cook. The food was delicious! We were lucky enough to enjoy an evening meal prepared for us by a master chef (Esther). The grounds are beautiful and the location is convenient to town and eating establishments. The mighty Mississippi River and many of the historical sites are within walking distance. For a true step back in time into old Natchez, The Elms is a perfect choice. We were delighted with our stay. We want people to know that because portions of the house are in the renovation process, don't be alarmed if you see some stages of disrepair. It will not interfere with your enjoyment. In due time, Esther will have it all in great shape.

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We were referred to The Elms by Oak Hill Plantation (Oak Hill was full for Labor Day Weekend). William was very friendly on the phone and took down my name & number (no credit card info to reserve the room). I called back to request a vegetarian breakfast. Esther (proprietress) was very accommodating and even bought us soy-based yogurt and milk from Whole Foods. (Non-vegetarians were served eggs & bacon.) Our room (Drake) was on the 2nd story - consisting of a very nicely appointed and modern bathroom, a separate room containing two single beds, and another room containing a four-poster queen bed and a huge flat panel TV with satellite service. The house is a big, rambling, multi-room 100+ year old structure in various stages of remodeling/repair. The house has been in Esther's family for generations upon generations. There is antique furniture everywhere, and small nicknacks for sale are on display. We got a tour of the whole house from William, who also knew quite a bit of the history and construction of the structure. The only reasons that are preventing me from giving it 5 stars out of 5 are: (1) something in the room made me sneeze - I'm guessing mold? (2) our bed was terribly squeaky and kept us up all night as we tossed and turned to find a comfortable position. Otherwise, the house is gorgeous, the hostess is gracious, the breakfast is delicious (although nothing extraordinary - fruits, juice, coffee/tea, milk, oatmeal, homemade biscuits), the location is very convenient to downtown Natchez & riverfront, and the property is very quiet. The Elms is relatively new to the B&B market in Natchez (just opened in Feb '09) but it's hard to imagine this house as being anything but a B&B.

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We just departed "The Elms" after a two night stay and I must say that I have never felt more at home. Ester, the owner, and her friend William made it difficult to leave. The home is a beautiful work in progress and is gently being restored to it's original beauty. Each room is filled with furniture and personal articles passed down from Ester's family. The food is world class and the hospitality is even better. The massive oak trees surrounding the home appear to frame the beauty of the home and reflect upon the once and still beautiful south. The home has "Character" and one leaves for home feeling as thought one is actually leaving home. While one is but a guest of the family, one feels as though they are a part of the family and even more a part of the beauty and history of this amazing home. We will soon return and I highly recommend this B & B to anyone who wishes to experience the meaning of true "Southern Hospitality. W.C. Smith and Susan Ridgeland, MS. 601-898-9013

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My husband and I stayed at Ms. Carpenter's Elms Bed and Breakfast recently to celebrate our anniversary. We had never been to Natchez before so the experience was new all around. The stay was wonderful!! The plantation was comfortable and our room was very nice. The service was outstanding, Ms. Carpenter made us feel at home. The Inn is within walking distance to restaurants, antique shopping and viewing the local architecture. The river is about six blocks away which has a small casino boat for those that like gambling. The breakfasts we ate there at the Elms were quite delicious. We would definetely stay again. Carolyn

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Esther and William have clearly spent incalculable hours restoring this gem of a mansion. While the accommodations are exceedingly comfortable, we most enjoyed breakfast chats with the aforementioned on issues ranging from the Mississippi tomato queen contest to snooty southern belles who still hold forth in the Natchez Garden Club. Don't miss this experience.

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My stay at The Elms was my first stay at a Bed & Breakfast. What an experience! Esther Carpenter is an accomplished chef who creates the most amazing breakfasts in the friendliest atmosphere you can imagine. She gives a personal tour of her home. Her presentation is not a canned speech which she gives time after time, but a remembrance of her childhood. The rooms are large and spacious, and the bathrooms are new, modern, and very clean. Esther is an artist and you will see some of her work on display at The Elms. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I can recommend The Elms as a comfortable and friendly place to spend a few days.

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Another innkeeper in Natchez recommended Ms. Carpenter and the Elms, and we are so grateful for the recommendation. When calling the Elms and speaking with Esther, I discovered we had an immediate connection because Esther had recently moved back home from Los Angeles. Since I'm originally from Kentucky and now live in Los Angeles, I thought it would be the perfect place for us, and I was right! She is an extremely nice and incredibly gifted lady, as a chef, an artist, and an innkeeper, and her family home is an incredibly neat place. She hasn't missed a detail in her renovation of the Cassell room, at the top, and I would recommend it for anyone that can handle the steps to the 3rd floor. We met interesting people, had unbelievable food, and saw amazing art and antiques without even having to leave the Elms. We hope to go back again and take her up on cooking class. The Elms and Esther and friends are amazing, and we'd recommend them to anyone!

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When we first drove up to The Elms we didn't readily see the address, but I recognized it from the internet photos. I was immediately captivated. The gardens and trees are just beautiful, in a relaxed welcoming, laid back kind of way. The home is being beautifully and meticulously restored. Such a wonderful eclectic blend of the old mixed with the new. Charming new baths with the look of yesterday and all the modern conveniences of today. Large guest rooms, beautifully decorated in exquisite antiques and the most comfortable beds in the world. You'll love the tour of the home, which will be given by the gracious hostess herself, Ms Esther Carpenter. It was amazing to see the tons of memorabilia, antique books, gorgeous antique furnishings, heirlooms, and the photos of the home, from then to now. Voted one of the top 20 female chefs in the South, Esther serves a worderful southern breakfast. (Make sure you don't miss the breakfast and Esther will share her biscuit recipe with you if you ask) Loved the food, Loved the home and just loved the talented and gracious hostess. Our stay at The Elms was like visiting a friend who just couldn't wait to see you. We will definitely be back. Barbara & Philip Stiell, Spanish Fort, Al

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Esther Carpenter takes a multi-generational stakehold in the heart of Natchez and has added her innate sense of style, substance, and sophistication. The house is the definition of eclectic - bridging three stylistic periods of Natchez architecture and possesses a mix of Empire, Colonial, and Baroque furnishings reflecting the evolution of Natchez nabob interiors. Esther, a master painter-designer and chef, delivers a tour-de-force of both elements during your stay. She has updated her guest rooms with a nod to the present while honoring the past. Bathrooms are brand new and clean with chrome and white decor patterns. The bedding is most comfortable and high-end. The breakfast is delicious and if you pay attention, you might learn how to cook better from one of America's top haute cuisine artists. The final cherry on this delicious sundae is Esther's warm hospitality and sincere personality - she is a modern woman bred with Southern manners - all befitting the lady she is. Five stars for the Elms.

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I made a reservation based on a local recommendation during the Spring Pilgrimage 2009. I spoke on the phone with Esther Carpenter, the 5th generation owner. She returned recently to inherit and restore the former grandeur of the Elms. Any doubt about this newly opened B&B dissipated after her warm welcome on the phone. When I checked in to the Elms, I was immediately captivated by the beautiful garden and trees surrounding the house. The Elms is situated in a secluded English garden despite its city location. The “Elms” allusion to the English poem is absolutely appropriate. The house appears unchanged in history, and all the furnishings are original to the period. Esther gave me tour of the mansion and showed me the 4 rooms available for B&B guests. There are 2 large suites, one room with 2 twin beds, and the attic penthouse, all with central air-conditioning and upscale baths. Esther had spent hundreds of hours herself painting the walls to restore the original patterns. The attic room where I stayed is truly unique. I had access to the entire attic which includes the room and an artist studio. The bathroom is modern with a relaxing bathtub hanging above the garden. The room opens directly to the front roof of the Elms. You can walk along the entire metallic roofing. The panoramic view above the Elms is one of my most memorable images of Natchez. Southern Breakfast was cooked by Esther, a renowned chef, and served in the family dining room with antique china and silverware. I felt more an invitee than a B&B guest. I was already planning in my mind a future return since Esther would be able to arrange private dinners. I would love to come back for dinner, overnight stay and breakfast at the Elms, reliving the grandeur of the old South. The Elms is truly a precious gem that is hard to find in these days of bland “hotel-like” B&Bs. It’s about re-experiencing the antebellum grandeur. David Lee, MD New Orleans

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We were looking for an authentic ante- bellum mansion b&b for our visit to Natchez and a friend at Architectural Digest recommended The Elms. We could not have been more pleased! The house itself is a national treasure! It is chock full of exquisite antiques and is run by the most delightful innkeeper! Miss Esther epitomizes "Southern Hospitality" at its best and can she ever cook! In fact, she does ALL the cookin'!

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Little did I dream what the accomodations would be like. We have stayed in several B & B's over the years, but nothing can compare with this. The Cassell Room was great, I can hardly imagine what it would be like to have this room during the balloon races in October. It was every so spacious and the bathroom was great. All new and pristine. The breakfast was to die for, prepared by owner and master chef Esther Carpenter. You can eat in the formal dining room or sit in her warm kitchen and watch her cook. We did both. A most gracious hostess. Book you room and have a great weekend.

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