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Bloomsbury Inn
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  • Bloomsbury...sensational in any season!

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  • Bloomsbury Inn Video: Sensational in any season! Voted 1 of top 10 B&Bs in US.

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Description Rooms & Rates Packages Meals Location Reviews 346

  • Inn Details

    A trip is in the plans. We've got everything covered on our side and are set for your arival. We can't wait to see you and show you arround. Are you excited about escaping? We are excited about you visiting! Sensational in any season! Voted 1 of top 10 B&Bs in US and voted Top Innkeepers. Recommended by Southern Living; inspected and recommended by Select Registry and the South Carolina Bed and Breakfast Association. Bloomsbury, originally built in 1849 by James Chesnut, Sr. and Mary Cox Chesnut, was often times host to Mary Boykin Chesnut who wrote "A Diary from Dixie". Inside the lovingly restored home, with uncompromising attention to detail, a warm and welcoming retreat awaits you. Bloomsbury offers luxury accommodations...you will be pampered as you enjoy one of the most significantly historical homes of the South. Three miles from I-20

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    Katherine Lemay Brown, Colonel, USAF retired, is a 25-year career officer with extensive experience in the protocol/hospitality service industry. Dr Bruce Brown, Colonel, USAF, retired with 26 years of service. He teaches in the University of Phoenix distance learning doctoral program. The Browns have enjoyed living around the world, and their inkeeping-style reflects the best of their experiences. From the moment they stepped foot into Bloomsbury, Katherine knew they were home.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English


    Other Pets: 1 Porch Cat, Miss kitty Stray

    Features

    Type:

    • Other

    • Bed and Breakfast

    Property Noted For:

    • History

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Economical rates

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Amenities Basket

    • Bath robes

    • Board games

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • Coffee/Tea facilities

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • TV

    • Turndown Service

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • BBQ grill

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • DVD Player

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Washer/dryer

    Other Amenities:

    • Large Guest Rooms with Sitting Areas

    • Central heat/air zoned per guest room

    • Parlor, LIbrary, 2-acres of manicured gounds

    • A walk through history with the Innkeepers

    • Free Cat Petting, as she desires

    • Southern Hospitality

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  • Military Rate (active duty)

    1/1/2011 - 1/1/2013

    We are proud to honor all active duty members with a 10% discount.

    Mini Escapes

    1/1/2011 - 1/1/2013

    Historical homes make for perfect mini excapes...slip away for a couple of days to relax, refresh and enjoy history in your own backyard!

    Craft Workshops & Getaways

    1/1/2011 - 1/1/2013

    The old kitchen house of bloomsbury, with a walkin fireplace, is the perfect place for crafting, scrapebookings, book discussions...just relaxing.

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  • Hot Deal: Dump Those Winter Blues!

    • 2/15/2012 - 2/22/2012
    • Regular rate:$184
    • Savings:20%
    • Discount rate:$147.20

    Winter has arrived in historic Camden! Take a break from the damp/cold weather, and enjoy a large, well-appointed room: deluxe bed, private bath, full gourmet breakfast, afternoon social -- a beautiful escape in one of the top ten B&Bs in the Nation. www.bloomsburyinn.com

    General's Chamber

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $0/$169

    Mary Chesnut Chamber

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $0/$159

    Sweet Williams' Chamber

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $0/$149

    Sally Chesnut Chamber

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $0/$149

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    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3:30-8:30 pm    Check out: 08:30-11:00 am

    • Minimum stay: During peak periods, minimum stays may be implemented.

    • Deposit amount required: All reservations require a deposit of one night or 1/3 of the booking whichever is greater. Reservations are based upon one or two persons per room.

    • Cancellations: We certainly understand that changes of plans occur. As a small B&B, we trust that you understand our need for ample notice. A full refund will be made if notice of cancellation is given 14 days prior. For cancellations made within 14 days, a $45.00 service charge will be applied if the room is not rebooked. A gift certificate for the service charge will be granted.

    • Open all year round: Y

    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: No

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: Bloomsbury hosts a wine social.

    • Drinks available: L

    • Children allowed: Children over 12 are welcome.

    • Suitable for children: Limited

    • Childcare provided: No

    Discount type

    • Active Duty Military
      Percent off: 10%

    • Call the Innkeepers
      Percent off: 0% Days required: 0

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Gourmet 2 or 3 course

    • Time Served: 0800 - 0930

    • Serving location: Wraparound Veranda, Breakfast/dining area, Dining Room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    • Non-alcoholic Beverages

    • Wine/Cheese Plate

    Signature Dish

    Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy
    Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy have been a favorite in Katherine's family as long as her grandmother can recall. It is a southern delight which can be served upon request. To the person, every skeptic has enjoyed this true Southern meal.

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    Additional food services

    • Fresh Baked Sweets

    • Wine/Port Decanter per room

    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    Hot Apple Soup
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 30 mins

    Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy
    Serves: 8
    Prep time: 45 mins

    Main Dish

    Praline Peppered Bacon
    Serves: 12
    Prep time: 25 mins

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  • Location Type

    • County Seat

    • Historic Area

    • Downtown

    • Small town

    City

    • Columbia

    • Distance to city: 30 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From I-20, exit 98 (US Hwy 521) Proceed North on US Hwy 521 for 3.2 miles Turn East (right) on Chesnut for 0.2 miles Turn North (left) on Lyttleton St for 0.1 mile Bloomsbury is located on the West (left side) of Lyttleton...the white fence and historical marker #49 mark the location.

    Airport

    • Columbia, SC (CAE-Metropolitan) 35 miles

    • Directions to property:
      I-26 to I-20 East From I-20, exit 98 (US Hwy 521) Proceed North on US Hwy 521 for 3.2 miles Turn East (right) on Chesnut for 0.2 miles Turn North (left) on Lyttleton St for 0.1 mile Bloomsbury is located on the West (left side) of Lyttleton...the white fence and historical marker #49 mark the location.

    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Lake

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Steeplechase - Springdale Course and Museum

    • Fine Arts Center of Kershaw

    • Kershaw-Cornwallis House - Revolutionary War Park

    • Historic Boykin

    • SC Equine Center

    • Kershaw Motorsports Park

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Zoo

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Quiet Veranda Relaxation

    • Historical Driving Tour

    • Antique Shopping

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Tennis courts

    Visit B&B Site
    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    Beautiful Inn

    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 
    • Dining 

    My husband and I love to stay at B&B's and the Bloomsbury Inn is by far the best. Catherine and Bruce do a great job of making you feel at home. Everything was perfect from the room to the delicious breakfast. This Inn will exceed your expectations.

    Southern Grandeur

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • First time staying at a B&B

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

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

    If you have ever wanted the experience of life in an antebellum mansion, your dream is now within reach. The beauty, glamour, and comfort of a bygone era beckon. You will also be pleased to have every thoroughly modern amenity at your fingertips. Open the door to Katherine and Bruce Brown's Bloomsbury Inn and step into the life of privilege and luxury of South Carolina's famed Chesnut family, which included a leading planter, a U.S. Senator and Confederate General, and the author of one of the most revered works in American literature: Mary Boykin Chesnut. Do not be intimidated if any of this is new to you; your hosts will put you at ease with a congenial afternoon social and the tour of the mansion after breakfast will answer your every question on life in the old South, Bloomsbury, and its famous previous residents. The food is delicious, the hosts gracious, and the house luxurious.

    Perfect getway...

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

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

    This was our second time to stay at Bloomsbury. Bruce and Katherine are wonderful hosts and their home is absolutely beautiful. A perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or have a romantic getaway!

    Wow.

    About the reviewer

    • Between 36-45 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

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

    Definitely the best B&B experience we've ever had. You turn in the driveway and enter another era. You can just feel the history as soon as you set foot in the door. Although it is a grand historic home, it has been so cleverly modernized we never once got the feeling we were trading off modern conveniences for the privilege of staying in an old home. The hosts are wonderful. Not a detail is left out, neither in service, food, nor or comfort. They make you feel as if it is your home, too. Their full tour of the house & retelling of it's history is worth staying there all by itself. The restaurants our hosts recommended were all top notch, and we marveled at how reasonable Camden's dining are cost-wise. We are probably jaded as to the quaintness of the town itself, since we already live in a history & horses small S.C. town. The town did not thrill us as much as we'd have liked. The site of the Revolutionary War battle of Camden is a disappointing, and while Historic Camden, a restoration village on the site of the original settlement tries hard to please, it is very minimal. However, Camden itself is so close to Columbia that we could see staying there without feeling as if we are marooned. We definitely plan to return to Bloomsbury for an overnight or weekend getaway. The Inn itself is the lure. You cannot do better!

    Wow! Don't pass this up!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Almost never stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway

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

    Reception at 5:30 - 6:30 not to be missed. Bruce and Katherine wonderful and gracious hosts. Generals Room warm and comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic and the best presentation I believe I have ever experienced; both food and Bruce's resitation of the house and family history!

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Hot Deal: Dump Those Winter Blues!

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Award Winner: 2010 - 2011
Award Winner: 2009 - 2010
Award Winner: 2008 - 2009
Award Winner: 2007 - 2008