Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast

My parents and I stayed 3 nights at Sidewll Friends recently. This was a return trip there for my parents, and my first visit. I plan to return again as soon as I can. SF is beautifully furnished in a classic, British-inspired style. Larry Sidwell, the owner, has filled the home with interesting antiques of a high quality. Each time we walked through one of the several rooms in SF, we noticed something new to admire. The accommodations are very clean and very comfortable. SF is on a tree-lined residential street. The first floor holds a formal dining room, a living room and two smaller, cozy sitting rooms with plenty of interesting spaces to read or visit with others, as you choose. The bedrooms are quiet, private and the mattress I slept on (in the Pruett) was excellent. Larry does a fine job of anticipating his guests’ needs; the bathrooms are fully appointed, there’s a small coffee machine on the second floor should you need a caffeine jolt when you first awake, the home is equipped with WiFi and cable televisions in the bedrooms. Larry is an excellent host, as well. He is friendly, gracious and discreet. I appreciated that he quickly learned his guests’ preferences and made sure they were met thereafter. For example, I asked for skim milk for my morning coffee the first day I was at SF and the following days, a small china pitcher of skim milk was waiting next to the 2nd floor coffee maker when I emerged from my room. This is typical of the commitment to excellence that is apparent in everything Larry does at SF. Make sure you take advantage of the fine breakfasts served at SF. Selections of fresh fruits, cereals, breads and yogurt (and several choices of juices), followed by a cooked portion that may be quiche, French toast or other hearty additions. Among his other talents, Larry is an outstanding cook, too. All in all, an experience not to be missed.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Sidwell Friends. The home is lovely and great attention has been paid to the little details and extras that make a stay memorable and special. The host was very thoughtful and gracious. Highly recommended!

When staying overnight in southern Illinois, Sidwell Friends B & B is like a touch of the Ritz for the price of a regular hotel room. A charming house with elegant furnishings and an eager and accommodating innkeeper.

We have stayed at scores of Bed and Breakfasts and inns, both in the U.S. and Europe. We were quite surprised to find that here in the small town of Mt. Vernon, IL is a B&B so wonderful that we consider it one of our top three favorites--a small chateau in France, an inn in CT, and now Sidwell Friends. Wish we could have stayed longer

My husband and I loved that Mr. Sidwell took the time to go over every single tiny detail about our room, and the whole house. We will definitely go back!

I am more familiar with hotels (four continents) than B&Bs, but Mr. Sidwell's establishment was welcoming, organized, very clean, gorgeous, quiet, well-priced, and provided delicious multi-course served breakfasts. And the Dunaven bath was a delight! Sidwell Friends B&B earned my highest recomendation.

Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast is the best. My husband and I travel a lot and this home had everything. When attention to details are in the decor of the home, but making sure the guests are very comfortable. Plenty of towels in the bathroom, with wash cloths. The bed was also very comfortable. The breakfast was also A+. We cannot describe in many more words other than to say, if you want a very luxurious B & B with a very kind and helpful Larry. Do not hesitate to stay. It's a wonderful experience.

My husband and I stayed here last fall on our way to go camping. The house was beautiful, and the service exceeded our expectations by a mile. We had to arrive later in the evening and the owner made sure we were welcomed and taken care of. The owner had thought of little details to make the stay that much better - heated floors in the bathroom, chocolates, water bottles, a large DVD collection. It was definitely worth every penny and we hope to stay again!

Last minute trip for a funeral in the middle of the week - not expecting such a wonderful stay! Larry Sidwell and his attention to detail, made the trip quite memorable! Larry was able to accomodate early check in, luxurious room - extremely comfortable bed and turn down service. Robes, Iron and Ironing board in room. Chocolate, snacks, Keruig machine and small fridge available right outside the door to the room for convenience. Great selections of movies and DVD and TV in the room. Bathroom was WONDERFUL, down to the littlest details....Magnifying mirror for the 'old eyes' :) and makeup towelette removers, air/jacuzzi tub that I'm disappointed I didn't get to take advantage of (don't worry Larry - we'll be back!), heated towel racks, hairdryer and other necessities (lotions, soaps,etc.) Accomodated an early breakfast, as we had to leave by 8 am - and what a beautiful way to start the day! Wonderfully set table with several choices of juice (including Pomegranate-Blueberry - that my husband loved) - fresh fruit and yogurt with granola, french toast with fresh berries and more! Only negative.... I wasn't able to stay an extra day or two to relax and enjoy - had to get back to work!

Pleasantly surprised by room! The real thing was much better than the pictured room on the website. Food & hospitality were wonderful. I would highly recommend this B & B!

This is a lovely Victorian style B & B. Larry is a delight and provides a very warm and inviting experience. Within walking distance of the Cedarhurst.

A beautiful, early 20th century home that has been updated and well kept. The rooms were well appointed and the one we stayed in had an adjoined bath that was absolutely wonderful. Larry, the host, was friendly, kind and attentive to our needs and wants. Jane and I were able to just relax and let the weekend progress so leisurely that we hated to leave and go back to the "real world". A must for anyone looking for luxurious accomodations in a small town atomosphere.

Mr sidwell is an excellent innkeeper. Had a great time at the nearby winery. If you can, get there early enough to visit the museum and sculpture garden just half a mile away.

We've stayed in numerous B&Bs in the US and Europe but Sidwell Friends is the only one that truly deserves an "outstanding" rating in every category. The home is beautifully decorated, filled with antiques and interesting features. We've stayed in two of the rooms and both were wonderful: very comfortable, with elegant extras like yummy (ironed!) high thread-count sheets. The gourmet breakfast, served on lovely china with silver service, was beyond our expectations. We consider Sidwell Friends an excellent value. The innkeeper, Larry Sidwell, spares no expense in spoiling his guests and has an eye for detail that Martha Stewart would envy. He delivers that rarity of B&B experiences: five-star guest service, well appointed rooms in a gorgeous home, and an elegant breakfast...with no atmosphere of pretention. Very impressive. If you plan to be anywhere remotely near Mt. Vernon, do not miss this B&B.

We have had the great pleasure of overnighting at Sidwell Friends recently. The accomodation is furnished to a high standard and Larry's hospitality made us feel as if we were long lost friends returning home. The breakfast was to a gourmet standard with fresh ingredients and a wide choice. This was a truly joyful experience and my husband and I hope that we will have the opportunity to return there soon.

I've never stayed in a more beautiful, comfortable, welcoming place at any price. Larry is more than an innkeeper -- he's a font of knowledge, a charming perfectionist and a self-deprecating cook who puts on a gorgeous and delicious breakfast spread.

Very nice house. Had lots of charm and was very clean. Our host and owner Larry was very charming and knowledgeable. He made our stay extremely comfortable. We wouldn't hesitate to stay there again and again. Thank You Larry for a wonderfull experience!!

My fourth visit to Sidwell & Friends B&B was shared with friends from Northern Ireland and a newly married couple. It was a merry group all around, and the ambience and service at this Mt. Vernon B&B is always first class. But this time, I did something completely new. I stayed in the Pruett room, which is beautifully decorated in gold and royal blue with framed prints of the Mayflower and the Santa Maria. The centerpiece of the room is the most luxurious canopied bed with mile high mattresses. The canopy was hand-knotted in coastal North Carolina, and is a wonder to behold on a four-poster bed of the highest quality oak. A little foot stool is available to climb up into the bed, and once in you never want to leave! I felt like a queen or an aristocratic lady from the Old South, and what sweet dreams one has in a bed like this. Breakfast the next morning was served in two major courses with a fresh variety of berries, cereals, and the most delicious breads: chocolate, banana nut, and blueberry. The second course was a delicious basil strada and country ham with a choice of juices. Everyone had seconds because breakfast was so tasty and delightful. Sidwell & Friends is my second home, and now (courtesy of innkeeper Larry Sidwell) I can say I have slept in the very best bed in the State of Illinois!

We were so glad to have chosen Sidwell Friends B & B for our stay in Mt. Vernon. Every detail had been thought of & provided by the thoughtful host. Chilled Perrier, Swiss chocolate, and a good selection of magazines & DVDs? Check. Citronella candles lit on the deck as we stroll the garden? Yep. A host who is friendly and available but not intrusive? Absolutely. We chose the Pruett room because we liked the canopy and that it looked like it was in a historic New England house. The private bath was not far down the hall but not an inconvience, especially since we were the only guests that night.

We spent one night (Friday April 1st) and was more than pleased with the accommodations, the hospitality and the great spread of breakfast fare this morning. We highly recommend that you treat yourself to this Southern Illinois treasure if you are anywhere close to the Mt. Vernon area.

My husband & I had a wonderful stay. The house has lovely furnishings. Mr. Sidwell offered extra snacks and drinks at our convenience. We had a spacious bedroom with an updated bathroom. The breakfast was of gourmet quality. Mr. Sidwell is a wonderful and interesting host and shares great stories.

Larry has made an oasis in Mt. Vernon.His attention to detail is noted throughout the property, the B&B is just as wonderful as all the reviews say and Larry...well Larry is awesome!! We had such a wonderful, relaxing time, comfy bed, yummy breakfast,beautiful house and a great time visiting with the host. We are looking forward to our return visit:)

We stayed with Larry at the Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast last summer. We had a WONDERFUL time. Everything was exactly as advertised.... the room was very clean, the house was beautifully decorated, the breakfast had some wonderful choices..... we recommend it HIGHLY!

My husband and I need a short getaway last Sunday night. What a gem we found at the Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast. The house is just awesome. Beautifully decorated and clean beyond saying. Larry was a most gracious host taking time to tell us about the history of his home as well as the "Sidwell" history. Our room was lovely and the heated floors in the bath a real treat. Larry was so kind to meet our eating plan for breakfast. We had a long and enjoyable visit over it and he never made us feel as if we were taking up too much of his time. All in all a totally exceptional experience. Highly recommend.

What a lovely bed and breakfast. Everything about our stay was wonderful. A bit of New England in Illinois. Wonderful accomodations, a delicious breakfast and an outstanding Innkeeper. One of the best!

We had the pleasure of spending a night at Sidwell Friends in celebration of our anniversary. The home was immaculate and tastefully decorated with great care going into every detail. We enjoyed getting to know Larry and the history of the home and its furnishings over a delicious breakfast. It was a perfectly peaceful getaway! We would definitely recommend Sidwell Friends, and plan to make a return visit or two.

my husband and i were given a weekend at Sidwell Friends as a gift from our children. What a wonderful gift to be lavished upon by Larry for the weekend, a real treat indeed!! Sidwell Friends is impeccably decorated but yet has such a warmth and comfortable atmosphere. the guest rooms were lacking nothing and were fully decorated and equipped down to every detail. the "dunaven" was simply amazing...the room was luxurious~the bed was like sleeping on a cloud especially after stepping out of the master bath with its heated floor, towel rack, relaxing air-jet whirlpool and my husband's favorite-the shower!! Larry has decorated his inn with taste and comfort. As for his service~i did NOT want to go home. His breakfasts were amazing (especially impressive to a usual non-breakfast eater like myself!!) His cooking is wonderful and he puts so much thought into the meal as well as the presentation. i felt so pampered and "doted" on. He even spares nothing in the "treats" and amenities that he provides. this was our first of MANY trips to Sidwell Friends, i CAN'T wait to go back and stay with 'friends'. thank you Larry for such a wonderful weekend, we WILL return~ david & lori

Our experience at Sidwell and Friends was even better than we expected. Most comfortable bed, lovely breakfast and most importantly the most gracious innkeeper. Larry is a gem. We truly enjoyed his conversation and the elegance yet comfort of his home. We will recommend to all our friends. Monika and Jeff.

Everything was outstanding. It is a heaven of rest away from the busy world. Wonderful relaxing place to rest.

We had a funny schedule with my wife arriving earlier than i did, Larry was very welcoming and accommodating. We enjoyed our room and the house was so nicely decorated with historical memorabilia. The grounds were nice and convenient. We are definitely coming back. Thank you Mr. Sidwell.

We stay for three nights at the Sidwell Friends B&B and it was a relaxing and enjoyable visit. Larry Sidwell is so friendly, attentive and a all around wonderful host. We stayed in "The Dunaven" and what a treat is was. The room was beautifully decorated, the bed awesome and the bath is so relaxing. Larry has thought of everything to make your stay a wonderful one. He has decorated the B&B and refurbished it with such love. The furniture, rugs, painting and books make this a beautiful and special place. We also were treated to the 3 course breakfast every morning that left us ready for the rest of the day. We hope to return soon when we are in the area. Thanks for a wonderful visit...Larry! The Salt's Texas

Wonderful Bed and Breakfast. Such and enjoyable time and the Innkeeper has a wonderful way of making you feel right at home. Beautifully decorated.

This is the second time I have stayed at Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast. I have family in Mt. Vernon, and it is located very close to several relatives' houses. This is not what you are expecting to find here! The house is elegant, but comfortable. I have stayed in the room with the queen bed and the master. The queen room was great, but the master was outstanding! It is gorgeously decorated in a very up-to-date style. I have back issues and am always wary of a bed that is not my own. No need to worry--it was more comfortable than my bed at home! And the master bathroom! Talk about luxurious! It is beautifully decorated and wisely designed. While I loved seeing my family, I would love to have spent more time in my room. Now how often can you say that? Larry's (the owner) breakfasts are fabulous! My sister and I both decided our normal breakfast fare was lacking after having been served (literally) such a feast. Larry has thought of everything you could want and possibly need. He goes out of his way to make sure you are comfortable and happy. It is like staying at a friend's house!

We stayed in the master suite and it was beautiful and comfortable. The private bath was large and had all the amenities, jet tub and multiple jet shower. The house decor is lovely and classic. Our stay was so enjoyable.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quaint atmosphere at the Sidwell Friends B&B. The master bedroom was beautiful, comfortable and inviting. Details like a jacuzzi and heated towels enhanced the spa-like bathroom. Loved the double-ceiling fans and individual AC controls (especially in the summer). I was also impressed with the Keurig coffee maker upstairs and incredible fresh breakfasts served on gorgeous china. I hope to stay there again next time I'm in the area.

My wife and I stayed at Sidwell Friends B&B in January 2010. We found every amenity for our comfort imaginable. My wife particularly enjoyed the extremely elegant bathroom and the jacuzzi air tub. Both our rooms and the common areas of this elegant home were beautiful. We arrived in a snowstorm and the innkeeper went out of his way to assist us. We highly recommend Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast. Paul and Patricia

Our stay at Sidwell Friends B & B was excellent. The whole house is furnished beautifully. We felt right at home. Larry is an excellent host. We will definitely stay here again.

I recently spent one night at Sidwell Friends B&B I found it to be nicely decorated , bath and Bedroom very comfortable and clean. Breakfast was delicious consisting of Granola, fresh berries with yogurt and cream, french toast with berry syrup and ham, juice and coffee or tea. Larry Sidwell, owner was helpful and very pleasant. He also found a couple of items I had forgotten and was able to catch me before I left, it was raining, but he ran out to the car to return them. I will always stay there when I'm in the area.

We needed a winter break and could only get away overnight. We were looking for somewhere within 150 miles, and thought Sidwell & Friends looked very appealing. When we arrived, the Christmas decorations were amazing throughout this charming small mansion, and Mr. Sidwell warmed us with homemade mulled apple cider. We later learned the building had been completely restored and updated by Larry Sidwell, whose taste is incredible. The quality and ambience of Sidwell & Friends is more like that of a 5-star boutique hotel -- so wonderful to find in Southern Illinois. Larry made dinner reservations at a superb restaurant called "Ninth Street" where we enjoyed a six course gourmet dinner and a surprisingly creative, broad, and affordably-priced wine list. Our room featured a king-sized bed, beautiful furnishings, HDTV, and a luxurious bathroom with Gilchrist & Soames products. We elected to have breakfast at the latest hour, and the service was elegant in every way; the fruits fresh; and the cooked foods delicious and delightfully presented. Our winter getaway to Mt. Vernon, Illinois was a real joy and just what we needed to overcome the winter doldrums and recharge our batteries. Larry Sidwell is an innkeeper extraordinaire, and you will love Sidwell & Friends. We are happy to be a new friend of Sidwell!

My wife and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary at Sidwell Friends B&B recently. Mr. Sidwell has a beautiful,warm and inviting home. Furnishing are magnificent. Some of the best antique pieces I have seen. One room was just more breath taking than the last. But unlike some Inns we have stayed in, the antiques and other furnishing were not only beautiful but very comfortable as well. Our room accommodations were first class with such tasteful, well arranged furnishings and accessories. Then there were the breakfasts! What a wonderful setting in the luxuriously appointed dining room. My wife enjoyed the beautiful china and the presentation of the meals. The food was wonderful with some good ole "Southern Living" dishes and other favorites of Mr. Sidwell. They are now some of our favorites too. We really appreciated the hospitality and great conversation we shared with Mr. Sidwell. We plan on visiting his lovely home again.

My husband and I spent one night recently at the Sidwell Friends B&B--what an enjoyable experience! The owner was so friendly and accommodating, and the rooms were exquisite. I so enjoyed the heated flooring and towel rack in the bathroom. We stayed in the Pruett room which was perfect for our needs. Breakfast was one of the highlights of the experience, so delicious and beautifully displayed. This B&B is a perfect stopping point for those traveling from Chicago to Memphis, but also is a wonderfully elegant weekend escape for anyone. Can't wait to visit again.

Traveling from NYC to St. Louis we stayed at several interesting B&Bs along the way. As we wound our way to Springfield, IL for a Lincoln weekend, we picked a night stop in Mt. Vernon. Little town, few choices, we thought this stop might not be our best. Wow! What a surprise. Larry Sidwell has created the most wonderful, inviting, sumptuous, gorgeous establishment imaginable. I told my husband he could go on--I wanted to stay at Larry's. I agree with all the positive reviews I read and won't repeat the praise. It was a great find!

Our first B&B experience established a very high standard for all future stays. We are anxious to return to Sidwell Friends...Larry's gracious hospitality added to the elegance of the facility. We were impressed upon arrival. We're still talking about the marvelous breakfast provided. We found a treasure in Mt Vernon. Appreciated the opportunity to relax in style and look forward to another visit whenever possible. THANK YOU!!

Sidwell Friends Bed and Breakfast was a glorious experience. My husband and I have stayed at many lovely B & B's but this experience topped them all. This was a special event with a dear friend from my childhood. Being friends for 65 years was our occasion to celebrate. No detail has been overlooked either in decor or in our bountiful breakfasts. The Innkeeper, Larry Sidwell, was more than gracious...more that a great host...more than a capable chef ... not to mention his obvious talent in the garden. If you enjoy being pampered, take advantage of this lovely home away from home. It will feel like your own and you'll leave with a feeling that you need to re-visit as soon as possible.

Great place to relax and getaway. You will think you are in a New England B&B. The owner Larry is very attentive and ensures guests are comfortable. Whether traveling the interstate highways or needing some R&R, I highly recommend this destination.

This is just a wonderful place to escape and be pampered. The rooms are elegant and so very comfortable and it was in a quiet neighborhood. The breakfast is served in a beautiful dining room with all the settings and manners that seem to have disappeared in many other B&Bs. The living room and library are comfortable and the library has varied and tasteful selections that can keep you interested for weeks. My 92-year old mother was traveling with me and stayed there during part of the day while I had to be away. She felt safe and comfortable, in the house and wandering through the yard. I recommend Sidwell and Friends wholeheartedly and, and I'm jealous that I can't be there frequently.

Celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. The room was immaculate and the food was delicious. Very private. We enjoyed Mr. Sidwells' hospitality.

On our way from Chicago to Memphis we stayed at this gorgeous property. The attention to detail is amazing and the entire property was impecably clean. I loved the turn down service, with Godiva chocalates! The innkeeper was friendly and made a great suggestion for dinner, a local spot with good food and ambiance...not a chain. The breakfast was lovely, with good coffee and fresh fruit and then an entre. I highly recommend staying here, which for us was a wonderful respite and good night's sleep.

We found the Sidwell Friends B&B in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, to be one of the most exquisitely decorated properties we have seen - out of many. We stayed in the top-of-the-line Duneven room, which has a king bed, HDTV with DVD player, and large private bath with heated floor and hot tub. The house was spotless. Mr. Sidwell has decorated the house with beautiful antique and classic furniture (including reproductions of several pieces from the family estate of Princess Diana) and ornamental pieces. host and The breakfast included homemade breads, several fresh fruits, granola, yogurt, ham and a delicious pecan-encrusted French toast. You couldn't ask for more. We enjoyed a mid-morning conversation with Mr. Sidwell and his friend Janet, who prepared the breakfast. Mr. Sidwell is a very gracious host and is a descendant of the family that established the highly sought Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC - the one that President Obama’s children attend. If you stay in the Duneven room, you won't be disappointed with a stay at Sidwell Friends.

Our stay at Sidwell Friends was accidental and unexpected. We had reserved a room at a nearby B&B, but due to unfortunate circumstances, our room was no longer available. Larry Sidwell gladly stepped up and offered us a room at his establishment. The entire home is decorated and features a variety of artwork and an extensive library. After many trips to the bathroom to feel the heated tile floors and a good night’s rest in our comfortable colonial style room, we were treated to a wonderful breakfast matched with wonderful china. We would recommend this Bed and Breakfast to anyone who is looking to relax and uncover treasures without leaving the property.

The comfort and style of our bedroom and bath, the elegant breakfast, the beautiful furnishings of the house and the hospitality and friendliness of our host made for a memorable visit. We were delighted! We enthusiastically recommend The Sidwell Friends B&B.

Date: 7/25/2008 - 7/29/2008 We had the special privilege of being Larry's first guests to stay at Sidwell Friends B&B, and Larry's hospitality and graciousness exceeded expectation! The house and grounds are charming but the interior decor is a beautiful blend of antiques, warm wood and color schemes, "fun and interesting" finds all amidst an elegant, yet cozy feel to each room. The full breakfasts were scrumptious and my request for a simple bowl of instant oatmeal was met with such a gracious attitude. We truly felt as if we were at a friend's home to visit and we look forward to staying at Sidwell Friends anytime we are in the area.

We love staying at b&bs and this one is a REAL JEWEL ! The home was cozy and made you feel at home. Beautiful furnishings throught out the home.The breakfast was to die for!!! A must see .

My family owned this home for 35 years (sold it 6 years ago); went "home" to visit friends and stayed with Larry last weekend. Without qualification/reservation, can say this B&B is most beautiful/delightful venue ever experienced. Beautiful antique furnishings, charming architecture, lovely landscaping, gracious outdoor spaces & wonderful breakfast! First-class through and through (fine linens, best beds, exquisite baths, extraordinary hospitality). Book now--you'll love it!