The Essex Inn


  • The Essex Inn Video: Once used as Union headquarters during the Civil War, this 1850 Greek Revival Mansion offers grand accommodations and convenience to all that Tappahannock, the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck have to offer. Guests can play a round of golf; go fishing or cruising on the Rappahannock River; canoe up one of the many unspoiled creeks; bicycle in town or along beautiful country roads; visit one of the charming towns nearby such as Urbanna; Glouchester; Kilmarnock or Irvington; enjoy a wine tasting at Ingleside or Belle Mount winery or one of the other ten wineries in the area; go antiquing; or visit one of the many historic areas nearby such as Stratford Hall, Fredericksburg, Yorktown and Williamsburg. At night there are many gourmet restaurants in the nearby towns plus a local pub around the corner from the Inn and of course, Tappahannock's landmark seafood restaurant: Lowry’s.

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  • Inn Details

    Once used as Union headquarters during the Civil War, this 1850 Greek Revival Mansion offers grand accommodations and convenience to all that Tappahannock, the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck have to offer. Guests can play a round of golf; go fishing or cruising on the Rappahannock River; canoe up one of the many unspoiled creeks; bicycle in town or along beautiful country roads; visit one of the charming towns nearby such as Urbanna; Glouchester; Kilmarnock or Irvington; enjoy a wine tasting at Ingleside or Belle Mount winery or one of the other ten wineries in the area; go antiquing; or visit one of the many historic areas nearby such as Stratford Hall, Fredericksburg, Yorktown and Williamsburg. At night there are many gourmet restaurants in the nearby towns plus a local pub around the corner from the Inn and of course, Tappahannock's landmark seafood restaurant: Lowry’s.


    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeepers Description:

    Colonial history, Cuisine, Literature, Photography, Nature, Woodworking

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English


    Number of Cats: 1


    Features

    Type:

    • Historic Inn

    Property Noted For:

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Gay / Lesbian Travel

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings


    Amenities

    Guest Room:

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • DVD Player

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Fridge

    • Hairdryer

    • Internet Service

    • Ironing Board

    • Microwave

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    • Satellite/Cable TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Videos

    • Wi-Fi

    On Site:

    • Board games

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Library

    • Piano

    • Wedding Facilities

    • Wet bar

  • No results at this time

  • Queen Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $175/$185

    Our rooms have been individually decorated with antiques. The four- posted Queen beds are made from 300 year-old cypress wood. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include working fireplace; WiFi and DSL; Cable TV; High quality ironed linens,and towels; fluffy bathrobes, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons.

    Small Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      1 Queen

      1 Twin

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $185/$195

    Our small suites have been individually decorated with antiques. They include a bedroom with queen bed, private bath, full kitchen and living room with either a day bed or two comfortable chairs and a working fireplace. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include WiFi, Cable TV in both living room and bedroom,fluffy bathrobes, deluxe ironed sheets, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons. In 3 of the suites a third person may be accommodated for an additional $35 per night. We do accept pets (with approval -see pet policy on our website-.)

    Large Suite

    Suite maximum capacity: 3

    • Beds

      2 Queen

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $185/$205

    Our large suites have been individually decorated with antiques and are extremely roomy. They include a bedroom with queen or king bed, patio or balcomy, private bath, full kitchen and living room with sofa bed or day bed and a working fireplace. The private tiled baths have tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include WiFi, Cable TV in both living room and bedroom, fluffy bathrobes, deluxe ironed sheets, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons. A third person may be accommodated for an additional $35 per night.

    King Room

    Suite maximum capacity: 2

    • Beds

      1 King

    • Bathroom

      Private Bath

      Bathtub

      Shower

    • Nightly Rate

      (high/low season) $185/$195

    Our rooms have been individually decorated with antiques. The four- posted King beds are made from 300 year-old cypress wood. The private tiled baths have windows and tub/showers complete with bath salts. Room amenities include working fireplace; WiFi and DSL; Cable TV; High quality ironed linens, bedding, and towels; fluffy bathrobes, custom toiletries, hair dryers and irons.

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check in: 3 PM - 9 PM    Check out: 11 AM

    • Minimum stay: 2-night minimum stay required for suites only

    • Deposit amount required: A credit card is required to guarantee a reservation.

    • Cancellations: We have a seven-day (one week) cancellation policy and charge a $10 handling fee for cancellations. If your must cancel your reservation, please cancel at least 7 days prior to the first day of your reservation in order to receive a refund less a $10 handling charge. Certain weekends and group reservations may be subject to extended cancellation periods. Cancellations made by email will not be considered unless you receive an email reply from the inn. It is suggested that unless you hear from us by email after canceling, you backup your cancellation by phone.

    • Open all year round: Y


    General Policies

    • Smoking allowed: No

    • Guest pets allowed: Limited

    • Drinking allowed: Yes

    • Drinking description: Wine and Beer are available

    • Drinks available: Y

    • Suitable for children: Limited

    • Childcare provided: No


    Discount type

    • active duty/full time military
      Percent off: 10% Days required: 2

  • Breakfast

    • Type: Gourmet, Three course

    • Time Served: 8 :30am - 9:30

    • Serving location: Dining Room


    Complimentary Perks

    • Non-alcoholic Beverages

    • Wine/Cheese Plate


    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian


    Additional food services

    • Afternoon snacks, tea, beer, wine


    Recipes

    Breakfast-Brunch

    ESSEX INN POTATOES
    Serves: 12
    Prep time: 11/4 hours

    Crab and Grits
    Serves: 12
    Prep time: 40 minutes

  • Location Type

    • Riverside

    • Small town


    City

    • Richmond

    • Distance to city: 52 miles

    • Directions to property:
      From Richmond Take I-64 East to Route 360 East (Mechanicsville I-64 exit #192 or I-295 exit #37). Follow Route 360 East to Tappahannock - 38 miles and continue thru the commercial district, across Hoskins Creek into town. From Washington, D.C. Take I-95 South to the Massoponax (Rt17 South/Rt1) exit #126. At the exit ramp make a right following Route 1 South for approximately a mile. Take a left turn onto Route 17 South. Follow Route 17 South to Tappahannock - for 47 miles. From Virginia Beach Take I-64 West to Route 17 North exit. Follow Route 17 North for 70 miles to Tappahannock, continue thru the commercial district, across Hoskins Creek into town.


    Airport

    • Richmond, VA (RIC) 50 miles


    Area Attractions

    • Amusement Park

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Stratford Hall

    • Yorktown/Jamestown

    • Williamsburg

    • Fredericksburg

    • Outlet Stores

    • Picnic area

    • River

    • Vineyard

    • Winery

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Kayaking

    • Massages

    • Historic Programs

    • Civil War Sites/Historical sites

    • Festivals

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Swimming

    • Water sports

    • Overall 
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    • Services 
    • Value 
    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Write a review

    Can't wait to return!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 26-35 years old

    • First time staying at a B&B

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


    • Overall 
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    Have another review on TripAdvisor so I'll make this one brief...this was the best experience in lodging I have ever had, bar none. The room (Upstairs Quarters) was spacious and secluded, gorgeous, clean, cozy, with the most comfortable bed EVER. The innkeepers and the housekeeper were amazing, polite, gracious and helpful. The Inn was beautiful and Tappahannock is a perfect place to unwind. Just amazing. I would recommend the Essex Inn to anyone.


    Great location for touring Northern Neck region

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling on vacation


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
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    We stayed at the Essex in while on a historical tour road trip in Virginia. It's the perfect spot for touring some of the historical sites in the Northern Neck region of VA, and for touring the Chesapeake Bay wine trail. We stayed in the main house in the Green Room. Their website described this room as having a partial view of the river from one of the windows (you could not see the river at all over the rooftops of the neighboring homes). However, the room was nice and spacious. Bob and Janice, the innkeepers, were very gracious and accommodating when we unexpectedly needed to do some work while on our vacation and print some documents. The innkeepers serve a sweet snack in the afternoons and spring water, beer, wine, pretzels, and mixed nuts are available for the enjoyment of guests. The breakfast both days was delightful!


    A river idyll

    About the reviewer

    • 55+ years old

    • Stays at B&Bs once a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling to visit family


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
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    • Cleanliness 
    • Dining 

    Sparkling clean, light-filled rooms with beautiful colors & furnishings. Interesting antiques in house, but not an "old house" feel. Very gracious innkeepers & delicious food. Comfortable, quiet garden, views of river & old town.


    A must stay

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Stays at B&Bs twice a year

    • Typically stays in premium lodging

    • Was travelling for an event


    • Overall 
    • Guest room 
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    We just enjoyed a wonderful weekend at the Essex Inn. We felt like we were visiting family. Bob and Janice are attentive and gracious hosts. The breakfast was amazing. We definietly plan to return!! M & JL Sciancalepore


    This Inn needs to be on TOP of your list!

    About the reviewer

    • Between 45-55 years old

    • Frequently stays at B&Bs

    • Typically stays in moderate lodging

    • Was travelling for a weekend getaway


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

    I have stayed at many B&B's and this one tops my list because of its charm and friendly Inn keepers, cleanliness and charm plus the food. They offer wine, beer, sodas and home made goodies in the evening as part of your stay but the best part is the breakfast. The selection and variety the chef chooses will totally please you. I have stayed with them many, many times and am a customer for life! Do not miss this gem!


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