Mary Helen's Bed, Breakfast & Fine Dining

Our stay at Mary Helen's was wonderful. Jacuzzi tub and massage arrangement was relaxing. The five course dinner was delicious, as was breakfast - all home made by Jim and Cindy. Beautiful scenery and welcoming hosts. We would definately recommend you stay here!

My husband and I both enjoyed the stay at Mary Helen's. The picture of the place is gorgeous, but it is even better in real life. We were welcomed by Jim and Cindy, most wonderful hosts. The meals were fabulous, and we also received the massage which was wonderful. It was a most relaxing and enjoyable weekend, "just what the doctor ordered" for us.

What a great place to meet my best friend!!! Batesville is only 1 hour from Indianapolis and Cincinnati so what a great place to meet up with a girlfriend and catch up on all of the important stuff of life. The rooms were absolutely gorgeous and the hospitality and food were to die for. Loved every minute of it!!!

The Maddoxes from Texas

Your standard will be set very high when staying at Mary Helen's B & B. As you drive back to the house you're reminded of a Thomas Kincade painting. Then when you meet Jim & Cindy and see how welcoming they are, you know you have made the right choice. The room we had was very spacious and very comfortable. The breakfast they prepared for us was fabulous. There are many special touches throughout the house to make people feel "at home". It's apparent that Jim & Cindy welcome guests into their home with open arms and open hearts. Mary Helen's is a perfect getaway and a wonderful experience and we WILL be returning.

When you drive up the lane leading back to the picturesque lake and storybook log home you know you have made a great decision .When you enter the home and see the wood beams, stone fireplace and beautiful wood floors you think that this place is perfect. Next you walk up the solid wood stairs to your perfectly decorated room and you think that you have found the best B&B ever . Then you realize that the home pales in comparison to the hospitality and pampering that you get from Jim and Cindy and you know this one is "THE BEST".

Some good friends introduced us to Mary Helen's B&B, and we have now stayed there three times. Jim and Cindy, the innkeepers, are such gracious hosts. The B&B itself is stunning--the grounds are immaculate and the guest rooms are very nice. To top it off, the B&B offers a four-course meal on the weekends and the food is amazing. We would highly recommend that you visit this hidden gem.

When we entered the property, drove past the pond and saw the house, we knew the trip was worth it. The breakfast was delicious, room was beautiful and the hosts made us feel welcome. We'll go back.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. The setting was beautifull with the pond in front of the house and the fall colors donning the wooded area surrounding the cosy B&B. Jim and Cindy are wonderful hosts and the food is delicious. They now have arrangements with a massage therapist that can be scheduled to come give you a massage right in your room which I enjoyed immensely. I look forward to returning in this lovely B&B and introducing it to friends and family.

We stayed last year with our dear friends and when another trip together was being planned for the area, everyone wanted to come back to Mary Helen's. Jim and Cindy are so warm and gracious. The setting is out of a magazine with the lake, fountain, flowers and beautiful home. Both times we have eaten the evening meal which is out of this world. Why people in the area don't make reservations and come out to eat is beyond me. They are both terrific cooks and work well together with picture perfect presentation of each course. We asked for the apple stuffed french toast for breakfast both years. It is to die for. Umm so good. If you are looking for a relaxing, calming place to stay with every detail attended to, then Mary Helen's is your place to stay. We hope to go back again sometime soon. S & B and M & P

Everything was wonderful. It was so comfortable and our hostess was a delight. We would recommend it to everyone.

For the last 2 October's my girlfriends and I have made the drive from Michigan to Mary Helen's and will continue to visit annually! Jim and Cindy are just wonderful hosts and you won't find a more enjoyable experience anywhere! A weekend in Batesville, Indiana at Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast is the best!

This was my first stay at a Bed and Breadfast and we could not have choosen a better place. The weekend was wonderful, food oh so good I can't believe I ate so much and Jim and Cindy are the greatest hosts!!! I will be going back to Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast again for a weekend get away it is awesome.

There is no detail left undone at Mary Helen's! From the pristine rooms and grounds to the exquisite meals... Cindy and Jim make your stay memorable in all ways. My husband selected this B and B for a long weekend for my birthday, and it was totally perfect. The five course steak dinner Sat. evening was perfection, and the blueberry pancakes for my birthday breakfast were my very favorite! We have never received such great service anywhere. It was totally restful and absolutely beautiful. Loved just sitting by the pond or on the porch, reading, and reconnecting.

As you top the driveway / hill your eyes catch view of the amazing flowers, fountain, home & waves from the owner "Yes! You are in the right place!" Cindy & Jim are warm, caring hosts. They make you feel right at home. Room wonderful!

A perfect setting for a reunion with a dear friend. The grounds just said "relax and renew"...all so refreshing! We chose the Dewey's Outpost room for its fun decor and it didn't disappoint. What a delightful room, with many little western touches. The bathroom was absolutely beautiful, too. We chose to dine here as well. Deliciousness!! Every course was beautifully presented and tasted wonderful. Breakfast on the porch was so relaxing. The crowning touch was a going away gift of homemade bread. What fun!!! I would highly recommend.

This place is phenomenal! Girlfriends time out. The dinner was spectacular and the place was all that I had hoped it would be. My only regret was that I didn't have more time to be there. I have already started spreading the word about this place to my friends. I am sure this is one of the best kept secrets around. I would definitely recommend it and am looking forward to returning.

In the dictionary, under "hospitality", you will find the pictures of innkeepers Jim and Cindy; they have indeed mastered the craft and art of providing world-class accommodations and fine dining to their guests. Their attention to detail is without equal and is truly seen in every aspect of the B&B. The pond and gardens flourish in the midst of a horrendous drought; the two guest rooms are extremely well-appointed, comfortable, and fashionable. The breakfast and dinner are incredibly prepared and served. A truly amazing experience that is not often replicated in the world of B&B's. Definitely Indiana's "best kept secret." We will return-and with friends. The Parsons of Burlington, Kentucky

We celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary with a 2 night stay at Mary Helen's Bed & Breakfast. Wish we could have stayed longer. Our hosts made us feel very welcome and our room was beautifully decorated as was the rest of the home. Cindy served us 2 delicious / fine dining breakfasts and special evening treats and Jim's professional landscaping talents made our time spent outdoors very enjoyable. This bed and breakfast has taken ovver the #1 spot on our B & B list. Thanks Jim & Cindy! Dave & Kathy King

Memorial Day Weekend Stay - Lovely home, Beautiful gardens/ponds/fountains, Delicious Food, Many extras, Jim and Cindy were wonderful friendly hosts. Top notch! Dr. Mark and Mary Brett

My wife and I stayed at Mary Helen's for her birthday. I can't even come up with words to describe how great of an experience it was, but I will try. Jim and Cindy were the best hosts that anyone could ask for. They were dedicated to making our stay and weekend something truly special for me and my wife. Our intent in going was to find someplace that we could enjoy a weekend away and also to celebrate my wife's birthday. So, we planned on dining with Jim and Cindy for the night of. I made sure to mention that in my emails to them and they did everything they could to make the night wonderful. Even going so far as to make a special dessert for my wife of Creme de Menthe Cheesecake. But even if they hadn't done that, my wife and I agreed that the care and the taste of the food was a delight that made the night incredible. If you stay with them and don't eat a dinner there, you will have missed a truly remarkable experience. I encourage anyone traveling through the area, that lives around there, or just happens to think of the town because you are reading this review to book a room. I might hindering my chance to have a room on an date in the future, but I would hate for anyone to miss out on such a unique and enjoyable experience as can be had here.

Jim and Cindy go out of their way to make their guests feel at home. We've stayed there on 2 different occasions and have been very pleased both times. Their yard is gorgeous, away from the city, but near activities in Batesville (which is a very pleasant little city). We will return there, I'm sure.

Could not ask for a better B&B experience. Great food and atmosphere put on by the friendly innkeepers who make you feel right at home.

What a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We went here for our 29th wedding anniversary. Could not have asked for better service, cleanliness and an absolutely delightful innkeeper. I highly recommend visiting Mary Helen's if you are looking for a quiet place to unwind in our busy world. Even on a cold and rainy day, it felt warm and homelike on the inside. Thank you to the Bischoff's for a wonderful weekend. Kings - Hamilton, Ohio

My husband surprised me with a romantic getaway for my 50th birthday and what a wonderful place to celebrate it. Mary Helen's was our 1st experience staying at a B&B and was most certainly the nicest, most enjoyable time we have had. It was just gorgeous with their beautiful home inside and out. Everything was spotless and her special decorating touches made you feel right at home. The breakfast was wonderful and our time spent talking to Cindy and Jim, was outstanding. They truly make you feel like they have known you for years. We will definitely be back and highly recommend their home to others. You will not be disappointed. Thanks Cindy and Jim for a wonderful stay!

Our experience at Mary Helen’s was the highlight of our trip. Cindy and Jim are lovely people and most gracious hosts. As you approach the house you see a picture perfect scene- a beautiful house with a pond and picturesque landscaping. There are small touches everywhere that portray Cindy and Jim’s personality and the type of people they are. It feels like a warm, inviting home. I can’t imagine Cindy and Jim ever meeting a stranger. It was clear they wanted to make our stay enjoyable and memorable and they did both. They not only opened their home, they open themselves to us. They willing shared the story of how their bed and breakfast started. You feel as if you are visiting old friends. The meals were just unbelievable. Imagine sitting in a very private and secluded house enjoying a delicious 5 course meal that could be served at the finest restaurant. The food was delicious! Breakfast the next morning was perfect. I want to go back just for the apple caramel French toast. The rooms were themed and very comfortable. Bathrooms were large and clean. We asked about the themes and Cindy and Jim were very willing to share how the room’s theme was chosen. We felt like we were a part of their family. We feel like we received more from our stay- both personally and in the accommodations- than we paid! We will come back.

My wife and I sent our 28th anniversery at this B&B. Cindy and Jim Bischoff are the best host of any bed and breakfast we have stayed in the Midwest. We had a five coures supper that was superb, the grounds are picture perfect. I can not say enough about this fine bed and breakfast.

I stayed here the night before my wedding, with a good girlfriend. It was the perfect place to relax before the "big day." I hung my dress from the gorgeous wood door. The entire place was spotless and I felt very comfortable leaving my wedding stuff, while I was gone. I really enjoyed the single seve coffee maker. I relaxed with a dark hot chocolate and a bath with jets before bed. Breakfeast the next day was absolutely amazing. The presentation was unbelievable! I got my hair done and then returned to get ready for the wedding. I took several pictures at Mary Helen's, because the landscaping is absolutely gorgeous! I returned on my wedding night with my new husband to find the room decorated and chocolate and champaign waiting! I could tellt he owners truely want their guests to enjoy every second of their visit. They are extremly accomodating and genuinly nice people. We will hopefully be back very soon! I would love to try their 5 course dinner! :)

Jim and Cindy have done an amazing job with Mary Helen's B&B...the rooms are pristine, the landscape is immaculate and the food...Words can't describe how delicious it was! We will definitely be back, and will recommend to all of our friends and family! if you're looking for a quiet retreat with fabulous food, here it is!

My husband and I just had the most enjoyable weekend at Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast. The setting is totally beautiful, nestled in the woods, very private and relaxing. We hosted a dinner party for 5 other couples and it was a huge hit. This was something out of the ordinary- a rare find. We were able to enjoy our company and celebrate our special ocassion. The food was really amazing- this was unlike any dining experience we have had. I was very impressed with the owners Jim and Cindy. They made us feel right at home and made a lasting impression.

I would highly recommend Mary Helen's. We stayed in October and it was beautiful, with the leaves turning colors and flowers still blooming. The house and landscaping are both lovely, with so many charming details. Jim and Cindy were excellent hosts--welcoming and friendly without being intrusive. Our room was immaculate, with all the amenities to make a comfortable stay. The covered-wagon bed in Dewey's Outpost (the room we stayed in) was really neat. We did not get to try the 5-course dinner, but breakfast was very good, and they even provided snacks and beverages for the evening. We would love to go back again.

My stay at Mary Helen's was my first experience staying at a bed and breakfast. Not only is it a beautiful property and location, the innkeepers are two of the nicest people I had the pleasure to meet in Indiana. The food is out of this world, the room was beautiful and nothing is spared in offering guests a wonderful experience. I definitely hope to return some day!

I was searching the net, planning a special weekend get-a-way with my wife for our 27th wedding anniversary. We live in the Cincinnati area and I didn’t want to take a long trip. My wife really loves good food and the B&B experience compared to franchises or Hotels. There were plenty of places to choose from but Mary Helen’s offered something unique above all others, a specially prepared five course meal! And for a very reasonable price; another wife pleaser, she loves a good deal! Mary Helen’s is owned and operated by Jim and Cindy Bischoff. Cindy was a huge help in making the right choices for the meal and in making reservations to surprise my wife. The images on their website don’t do justice to seeing their place for yourself. It’s amazing and they’ve done all the work themselves, just as they do with their meals. They are both self taught chefs and prepared one of the best meals we’ve ever had. I like to think that I know how to cook but my meals don’t compare to theirs and presented in such a way that we wanted to take a picture of each course before we ate. At one point my wife made a comment about how soft the buns were, I couldn’t resist passing that along to Jim, “that’s right Jim, my wife says you have the softest buns she’s ever had!” They were good! lol The location is unexpected. A paradise tucked away from it all, you’ll know what I’m talking about as soon as you pull over the rise in the driveway, what a surprise, but easy to find. We had the chance after dinner to sit and chat with Jim and Cindy; they are truly two of the nicest hard working couples you’ll ever meet. All-in-all, a very relaxing unique experience for us both, hope to see you again sometime soon. Thanks! Pat and Casey

Cindy and Jim are indeed warm and friendly hosts. The approach to the house and the grounds is beautiful. Our room and sitting were very comfortable. The snacks delicious! The breakfast, including Jim's French omelette, was perfect! If my husband and I traveled that way again we would be sure to stay at Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast.

Amazing! That would be the one word description we would use. Even though this is not an isolated B&B out in the remote woods, that's the feeling you get when you start up the driveway. The landscaping was phenomenal, very artistic, welcoming yet very private and secluded, even in the midst of record breaking heat and lack of rain the grounds were spectacular. Inside, everything was warm and inviting, you could see the attention to detail in the decorating, a lot of thought went into the creation of this place. Dinner, again, was amazing. The food was as good as any fine dinning experience in a big city, all the little touches and details were taken care of, it was very enjoyable. THe room was more than we expected at such a reasonable price, very clean and comfortable. We would highly recommend this experience to all our friends and family, very resonable price for such over the top attention. Jim and Cindy should be proud of what they offer - it was an amazing weekend for us.

As first time guests, we were pleasantly surprised by the whole bed and breakfast experience. We were welcomed by Jim and Cindy at the front door and they were wonderful hosts. The room was comfortable and the grounds were beautiful. It was a relaxing time to share with my husband on our first wedding anniversary. We will definitely be making a return trip soon.

Staying at B&Bs are our favorite way to travel. We have experienced them from all parts of the country. Jim and Cindy are one of the most hospitable, gracious, and welcoming hosts! From the moment we turned onto the drive, we knew that the innkeepers took pride in their home. The grounds, lovely! When Cindy opened the door to welcome us she had a big smile and it felt like we had come to visit a relative. The rooms showed that the owners had taken meticulous attention to the decor, cleanliness, and ammenities. We felt right at home. Even had a loft with extra seating, snacks, and drinks. We wanted for nothing. We had the dinner offered at the inn and it was TOP-NOTCH! Delicious, Beautifully Presented, entirely homemade with every attention to detail. You would Not be disappointed if you dined with them,,, the only disappointment would be if you chose Not to have the dinner!!! Breakfast was equally delectible! We will definitely return!!! Southern Indiana hospitality at its finest!!! You get your money's worth and then some!!!

This was the first time we stayed in a bed & breakfast. So we can't compare to others, but everything was excellent. They obviously put lots of care & attention into every detail of the property. It was our anniversary & my fear was that the website wouldn't match reality. Upon arrival, I was pleased to discover that everything is exactly as advertised! The room was spacious, the bed was perfect, the roomy shower was a bonus, breakfast was amazing and Cindy & Jim were excellent hosts. It was a perfect relaxing, anniversary getaway. My only regret is that we didn't have dinner there & we only stayed one night. It was a rookie mistake & we will know better the next time we go.

The pictures simply cannot do this place justice. The grounds are absolutely beautiful -- My wife and I enjoyed walking around the grounds and a late evening stroll along the romantic drive. The rooms are very, very nice and comfortable. This is no fast-food place at all folks -- the meals are off the chart -- including the wonderful service we received. We asked for formal dining and it was very formal and pleasantly so with superb food to match. They do casual as well and, in fact, the breakfast we equally superb -- we each had whatever we wanted. Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh! Guys: if you want somewhere very special to take your mate for dinner, you don't want to miss out on this. If you want an extra place to take your wife overnight, you don't want to miss out on this! Gals: my wife was in tears when she saw how beautiful this place was... we had a very wonderful stayover. I'm going to do another review with a much more descriptive detail of the place under the heading, "Now That Felt Nice". It's lengthy but I wanted to be sure this place got other's attention because they certainly deserve it!

My husband and I stayed at Mary Helen's for our 2nd anniversary, and it was unforgettable. The five-course dinner was like nothing I'd ever experienced. The view from the dining room, the leisurely pace, and the friendly conversation with Cindy all added to the experience. Leona Jo's room was spacious and elegant--the perfect setting for a romantic evening. The beautiful pond complete with lily pads and koi fish, surrounded by paths lined with hundreds of flowers, was a breathtaking landscape that encouraged conversation and invited a sense of peace. To top it all off, we were served by Jim & Cindy, whose passions and talents made their dream of running a first-class bed and breafast come true.

We spent one night at this lovely B&B to celebrate our anniversary. The colorful gardens and koi pond provided a peaceful setting and we enjoyed a nice breakfast on the porch while watching the hummingbirds. Industrious and personable owners Cindy and Jim are perfect hosts and made us feel welcome yet allowed our privacy. A convenient, comfortable, cozy B&B!

My wife and i celebrated our 25Th anniversary here in May. I surprised her by not telling her where we were going. What can i possibly say that hasn't already been said about Mary Helen`s. But there is one, the conversation my wife and i had with Cindy after our breakfast was worth more than all of the elegance and beauty of the night we spent there.

Our visit was wonderful, all our needs were met and we enjoyed the beautiful home and all the craftmanship that went into it, the gorgeous landscaping and lovely setting. The room was cozy and very comfortable. The breakfasts were great and the converation with the Innkeepers was wonderful. We laughed and shared stories. We hope to return often and wish them well.

We stayed at Mary Helen's the night of our wedding and it was the perfect night. The landscaping that is at the Bed and Breakfast is simply beautiful, and then you go inside and everything is so pretty and neat. I wish we could have had more time to stay there but we had to leave early the next morning. Also, Cindy and Jim, the owners are such nice people. I would highly recommend staying here if you get a chance!

My husband and I had a chance to spend a night at Mary Helen's between Christmas and New Years. Everything was wonderful! The atmosphere, the food and the hosts were everything you could hope for in a getaway. Don't hesitate to try it out.

We came with a group of 12 and enjoyed one of the best meals ever. Not one unsatisfied customer in the whole group! Service is superb, settings immaculate, food to die for. A totally unigue dining experience. We will be back with a larger group for sure.

My family and friends have dined at Mary Helen's on two occasions. The cuisine was delicious. The salad and dressing were the best I ever had. The soup was very tasty. The main course was very appetizing. The desert was heavenly. Jim and Cindy, the owners, were very friendly and accommodating. They talked to all the customers. The setting is very secluded located outside the town of Batesville, Indiana. The facility reminds me of a lodge built with expert carpentry and design. The atmosphere, service and cuisine make a one feel relaxed and satiated. The grounds are beautiful. The group I was with decided to make reservations in the Summer. We will be able to enjoy the landscaping that surrounds the beautiful facility. I would definitely rate Mary Helen's Bed and Breakfast & Fine Dining as the finest restaurant I have experienced.

First, the property is beautiful. I had dinner with family here in the winter, so I can only imagine how lovely it looks in the summer. The atmosphere was very inviting and Jim and Cindy were friendly and welcoming. The food was excellent and exceeded any expectations I may have had. It was a relaxing evening and the wine was wonderful. We took a tour of the rooms and they were very well decorated with great attention to details. I look forward to staying over the summer. I would recommend Mary Helen's for a weekend getaway or simply a nice dinner with friends and family.

After an evening at Mary Helen's fine dining, we can't say enough about the food, the service and the atmosphere. The multi course meal is superb as is the friendly and attentive service of the owners. We look forward to many future visits.

I wanted to take the time and share with you my experience dining at Mary Helen's place. It's an absolutely gorgeous place. The food was amazing and so was the service. I would recommend anyone to visit Mary Helen's place you won't be disappointed. I am planning on going back as soon as possible!!!

I had the pleasure of spending the weekend at this wonderful B&B! Starting out with a delicious meal and drinks and ending in the cozy room named Leona Jo's! From the time my husband and I arrived everything felt so inviting and warm. We had the best experience and look forward to a repeat in the summer!

We enjoyed a lovely evening's stay in January, 2011 at Mary Helen's! Hosts Cindy and Jim share their gifts for hospitality, from the cozy details in the room furnishings, to the careful preparation of every dinner and breakfast meal. They welcomed us without being fawning or overbearing. We stayed in the sumptuously comfortable Leona Jo room, which is beautifully decorated, and includes a large new bathroom and satellite TV. Dinner was five delicious courses, at a relaxed and unhurried pace. Although it was too cold to spend time outside on the beautiful property, birdwatching at breakfast (also delicious!) was great fun! If you're looking for a secluded location, gourmet meals, and peaceful surroundings, Mary Helen's is a perfect winter getaway.

A beautiful country setting! You feel like your a Queen or King! We have stayed at many bed and breakfast places, this truly is one of the best! The food is gourmet ........... the setting is so private and absolutely breathtaking! This is a must that you have to experience! So affordably priced . A unique place where you can dine on a four course meal , enjoy the beautiful surroundings and stay the night!

We visited this wonderful B and B last weekend for dinner. It was fabulous! The meal consisted of 5 courses (if you count the lime sorbet to cleanse our pallet). Each course was leisurely delivered and was spectacular! We were there chatting away and taking in the gorgeous surroundings for nearly 4 hours! The food was beautifully plated and delicious! The wines were terrific! The atmosphere was elegant and tranquil! The experience greatly exceeded our expectations and we cannot wait to return.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mary Helen's. If you are looking for fabulous food, exceptional service, and an atmosphere of quiet elegance, then this is the place to go. From the minute you are greeted at the door by the owner, Cindy, you are made to feel so comfortable and welcome. My daughter and two friends and I had dinner there this weekend, and we were all in agreement about how very much we enjoyed ourselves. If you have the chance, please give Mary Helen's a visit, You won't regret it. Alona Hafer

I went to have dinner with friends and had outstanding experience. The food was unbelievable. I felt I was in a 5 star restaurant with the exceptional food and service. I cannot wait to take other friends to have a relaxing experience with outstanding food and atmosphere.

The whole evening was so special. The country setting in the woods I really loved. Inside the perfect soft music was playing, and the best meal I have had in a long time. Very reasonably priced also. Did not spend the night but did check out their bedrooms. The rooms are beautiful, each with their own bathroom. Also loved the loft area for morning coffee. Looking forward to going in the spring to enjoy their front porch and beautiful gardens.