Blooming Garden Inn


  • Inn Details

    The house was built by James N. Umstead around 1890 in the 'Queen Anne' style. The Durham Bed and Breakfast features a huge wraparound porch with 21 Tuscan columns. Dolly and Frank spent nearly three years in intensive restoration of the property and opened for business in the fall of 1990. High curved ceilings, heart-pine wainscotting, raised wood panels, nine original mantels, doors with original hardware, and all-original Southern Pine flooring will delight the historical buff. Antiques of the period are abundantly distributed throughout. The yard is fully enclosed with custom front fencing and gate. Mature floral gardens and flowering trees highlight the landscaping. The backyard is suitable for private events. There are four primary guestrooms, each with its own private bath. Each has its own distinctive character and is highlighted by antiques of the period. For the convenience of our guests we are open year-round, including major holidays, except for occasional short vacations during slower periods. Free cable and wi-fi. The inn, designated as Durham's first historic landmark, is just minutes away from Golden Belt (art colony), Durham Bulls Athletic Park, the new Performing Arts Center, Carolina Theatre, American Tobacco Campus, Brightleaf Square, and the Duke East Campus (free bus service now offered). Consider us as your 'home-away-from-home' to help make your Durham visit especially memorable! Ask about our "extended stay" options--minimum one week stay. Extra 25% discount for stays of a month or longer.


    Innkeeper Information

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English



    Features

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    Property Noted For:

    • Business travel

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape


    Amenities

  • No results at this time

  • Nightly Rate

    $110 - $225

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Open all year round: N


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Suitable for children: No

    • Childcare provided: No

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full

    • Serving location:


    Special meal options

  • City

    • Directions to property:


    • Overall 
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    Write a review

    Too Much Fun!

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for an event


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    A B&B is only as wonderful as its hosts, and Dolly and Frank are exceptional. Staying at their inn was like being taken into family, only theirs is more fun then mine ever was! Even though we were in Durham on a cold, rainy January weekend, their garden still blooms.


    An Oasis in the Middle of Durham

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


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    The Blooming Garden Inn is an oasis in the middle of Durham. Just minutes from downtown and the Duke Hospital/University area it is quiet, comfortable, and relaxing. Frank and Dolly are wonderful hosts who are quite willing to share stories and experiences with you. We were introduced to several things at breakfast that have now become favorites with my wife and I. There's nothing like a swing or glider on the wrap-around porch to just melt the tension of the day away. If you need a place to stay in Durham you can't do better than the Blooming Garden Inn!


    Unique and Homey

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • First time staying at a B&B

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


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    My daughter and I had a very intersting stay at the inn. The one night we stayed there it felt like we were transported to the world of the 1800s (with all the amenities of the 21st century). The inn is a restored house from the 1800s and once you enter its doors the antique furnishings and decorations help take you to another era. It's homey atmosphere and gracious hosts add to the fullness of the experience. A tasteful and wholsome breakfast in antique dishes are again a wonderful addition to the flavor. In short, we had a memorable and a very refreshing stay at the inn.


    Gracious Innkeepers!

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling on business


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    We stayed 3 nights while my spouse had surgery at Duke. Frank and Dolly went out of their way to help by driving me to a pharmacy, a market and to get take-out dinners as I had never been to Durham. They made us perfectly comfortable in their home and we thoroughly enjoyed the breakfasts; especially the ginger waffles with lemon curd, Amish butter and FRESH fruit! Their home is lovely and the porch is delightful; they are a fabulous couple!


    Durham in April

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
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    The azaleas were lush, the tulips bright in the spring sunshine, but above that all was the kind and particular service of Frank and Dolly. Breakfast was tailored to our needs, family coming in and out of Durham were graciously accommodated. If a friendly family type setting.....with loads of antiques from Dolly's days as an antique dealer...suits you, this is a great Band B.


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