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The John Penrose Virden House
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  • Inn Details

    The Virden House is a fourteen room, 19th century Victorian Home located on the main street of Lewes, Delaware, within walking distance to many shops and fine restaurants. It is approximately half mile from the beach. A private parking area is located at the rear of the property. The house is furnished with antiques throughout and has central heat and air conditioning. The beautifully decorated public areas on the main floor consist of a large TV room with a working fireplace, large living/sitting room, dining room, and covered front porch furnished with wicker, the perfect spot to enjoy the breezes and the passers-by.

    Innkeeper Information

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English


    Number of Cats: 1

    Features

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    Property Noted For:

    • Fine China & Linens

    • Fresh flowers throughout

    • Antiques/decor

    • Gourmet food

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    On Site:

    • Air conditioning

    • Board games

    • DVD Player

    • Fax Machine

    • Fireplace

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Washer/dryer

    Other Amenities:

    • Beach towels, chairs, umbrellas & coolers

    • Bikes

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    Nightly Rate

    $155 - $195

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3 pm    Check out: 11am

    • Minimum stay: 2 Night minimun on weekends during the season, 3 Night Minimum on Holidays

    • Deposit amount required: One night deposit required

    • Cancellations: Full refund less $15 prior to 10 days, full less $30 prior to 3 days.

    • Open all year round: Y

    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Suitable for children: No

    • Childcare provided: No

    Discount type

    • $10 per night
      Days required: 5

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Gourmet Breakfast

    • Time Served: 8 - 9 am

    • Serving location: Front Porch, private patio, Dining Room, Guest room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    • Fruit

    • Wine/Cheese Plate

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    Additional food services

    • Fresh fruit in room upon arrival

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  • Location Type

    • Beachside

    • Downtown

    • Oceanside

    • Small town

    City

    • Rehobeth Beach

    • Distance to city: 5 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Route 1 south to Delaware Beach Area. Follow signs to Lewes and Lewes/Cape May Ferry, Rt. 9 into town area and Second Street.

    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Ocean

    • CapeMay/Lewes Ferry

    • Outlet Stores

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bicycles

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Water sports

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    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    A Must Stay!! We were treated like royalty

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in budget lodging

    • Was travelling on business

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We planned a much needed romantic getaway in the charming town of Lewes, DE and needed a place to stay. Initially I hoped to get a budget room in a plain motel but had the good fortune to find the John Penrose Virden House which was loaded with amenties and worth every penny. It is an amazing Victorian? home with all the glorious trimmings run by a warm well travelled couple who treats their guests like royalty. We stayed in the York Cottage. It was way better than home! We started off with flexible check in, inviting conversation, wine and appetizers in the late afternoon. Later we roamed the charming town center on the same blocks. When we returned from our evening out, our room had been prepped with a bottle of Port and fine European chocolates! The bed was very comfortable too. At breakfast time we were treated to a fabulous and customized breakfast (taking into acct our food allergies).Champagne mimosas, fresh ripe berry compotes, home baked banana bread, omelettes with fresh veggies, all included!!! I lacked nothing there and will definitely go back next time we are in the area. Thank you to Jim and Ruth who really excel in giving their guests a five star experience. If I could give it 6 stars I would. A must stay!!

    John Penrose Virden House - A wonderful Experience in Lewes, De

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
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    My husband and I stayed at the John Penrose Virden House (Virden House for short) the weekend of 11/4-11/6/11. The experience was wonderful. The location of the Virden House is perfect for walking the quaint, historic town of Lewes, De. Restaurants, historic sites, and shops are all within walking distance of the Virden House, so, one does not have to worry about parking (parking area in back of B&B). The Edwards were gracious hosts that knew how to make a person feel at home. From the gourmet breakfasts to wine & nibbles in the early evening to port & chocolates later in the evening, the Edwards know what makes a stay memorable. Jim's knowledge of the restaurants in town along with Ruth's wonderful cooking help make our stay perfect. We stayed in York Cottage, an attached cottage that gave us privacy, sits amid a relaxing garden. Even in November, flowers were blooming. The room itself was decorated in such a way to make us feel very much at home. The Main House was built in 1888 and the Edwards have created a delightful Victorian experience with their decorating. There are two more rooms that are rented in the Main House which, if the York Cottage is any indication, are sure to be wonderful. Both my husband and I would highly recommend staying in Lewes at the John Penrose Virden House for a great experience.

    The best place to stay in Lewes

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    We stayed in the Cottage, which has a private entrance through the garden. Spacious, quiet and relaxing. Hosts Ruth and Jim are friendly and accomodating. Walk to shops restaurants and beach. This is where we'll be staying the next time we're in Lewes.

    Charm and gracious hospitality beyond comparison

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    As someone who has experienced many B & Bs as well as premium hotels acrossed the country, this is by far the loveliest of all from every detail...helpful reservations, true old world gem of a home, prime location in the historic district, an outstanding gourmet breakfast served on antique linens and fine china. The english garden alone can distract you for hours...but then you would miss rocking on the breezy front porch. The inn keepers are welcoming, warm and do everything to make your stay picture perfect. I cannot believe the price...they really could ask for more in this premium location. Do yourself a favor and choose this B & B for your next R & R!

    Outstanding!

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling on business

    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Everything about our stay at the Virden House was superb. The Edwards' are gracious hosts, full of helpful information about Lewes. The food prepared and served by Ruth and Jim is truly gourmet. The location in the historic area is perfect. The amenities are first class from the welcome tray of fruit and fresh flowers to the port and chocolates at bedtime. Furnished in period antiques, the oversized rooms are clean and bright and very quiet. The garden is made for relaxing. The scent of flowers and sounds of water make for a perfect respite. We felt at home right from the moment we entered the front door.

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