Chesnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast

I booked the Mary Boykin Chestnut room for a last-minute anniversary getaway (had reserved at a chain, but found this gem online and could not resist). My husband and I were both so enchanted by the room and the hospitality offered by Gale and Sherwood (best breakfast in bed ever) that we nearly missed checkout. Historic, convenient to USC and the State House, and definitely worth every penny! We look forward to our next visit.

Gale and Sherwood were so hospitable and very knowledgeable about the history of the bed and breakfast Inn and of the area around Columbia. Especially enjoyed Gale's Ghost stories. We will definitiely be back. Perry and Nancy Asheville,NC

I want to send a personal thank you to Gale and his wife for a comfortable room, huge breakfast, and interesting conversation! I will certainly be back for a longer stay to explore the surrounding area. This was a splurge that I am glad I made.

Gale and Sherwood provide such a homely and relaxing environment. I am currently staying at the Chesnut Cottage Bed & Breakfast due to completing a one month USC placement in Columbia. Gale and Sherwood have given me a home away from home. The daily breakfasts are a delight and both Gale & Sherwood have gone out of their way to make sure I am comfortable and looked after and have even driven me to school on occasion! I could not recommend Chesnut Cottage highly enough; you will be sure to enjoy your stay!

What a fabulous B&B!!! We spent two nights here a couple of weeks ago and had such a wonderful time. The suite was tastefully decorated and VERY comfortable. Upon arrival, we were greeted with beverages, chocolate, granola bars and a 1800's newspaper! The room was very spacious and was equipped with everything we needed, lots of cozy blankets, various bathroom products, a hair dryer, and robes. But the best part about this place is BREAKFAST. Ohhhhh breakfast! Even though my husband and I are vegan, Sherwood (the lady of the house) threw down the most wonderful B&B culinary experience we have EVER had. This woman was born to cook. Both her and her husband went above and beyond taking our stay from business to pleasure. I would HIGHLY recommend this B&B. ~The Walkers

I stayed at the Chestnut Cottage while moving my son into an apartment for 3rd year at USC. I can't say enough about Gale and Sherwood -- best innkeepers ever! Besides the lovely accomodations and the fantastic breakfasts, they couldn't have been nicer! Gale even drove us in his truck to the local Lowes as we needed supplies for the apartment which wouldn't fit in our car - and, he lent us the tools to do the job! The cottage is now my "home in SC" whenever I visit my son!!

The inn keeper had some great stories about the house and Mary Chestnut.Be sure to ask about the ghost stories.The breakfast was great.

My daughter and I flew from Oregon to join our South Carolina clan for a delightful Christmas time at the Chesnut cottage. Gale and Sherwood extended to us "southern hospitality" in it's finest form with Sherwood's tasty breakfasts and Gale's extensive knowledge of local history. The rooms are filled with interesting furniture and memorabilia from the civil war period including the diaries of the original hostess Mary Boykin Chesnut. Of course the house was beautifully decked out for Christmas. Within walking are historical homes and museums to tour, in addition to the state buildings and memorial park. For avid walkers, Gale can provide you with a hiking map. All in all we had a wonderful Christmas in this unique setting with friendly and accommodating hosts. BTW, this is one of the few places that is dog friendly. Linda and Jessie Makohon

I personally love the history behind the Chesnut Cottage, and likewise me and my wife adore the hospitality of Gale and Sherwood. The rooms are quite nice, and breakfast is really, really good. We have taken at least two anniversary trips while staying at the Chesnut Cottage, and have stayed there on several other occasions. It is genuinely our home away from home, and when we go to Charleston we would rather stay in Columbia at the Chesnut and drive in for the day than to deal with anyone else. Great breakfasts, great museums, and great hospitality from great people ! Plug: You simply MUST take the state house tour and the state museum while you are there. It is FANTASTIC. Just ignore Mark and Maria.

Susan and I stay in B&B's whenever possible. The Chesnut Cottage is a real gem. A 1850 circa home, originally owned by General and Mary Bokin Chesnut, a confederant general and plantation owners of the midlands. Loaded with southern tradition, it also has the best of charm, high tech and hospitality. Located in one of the historical districts of Columbia S.C., it surrounded by fine dining, museums, night life and fun. The best part of this B&B are ther inn keepers. Gale & Sherwood are a real treat. They have that rare talent to know when you want to be included, and when you want to be alone.Take our sugesstion, include them if you can.From the fresh flowwers and fruit, to the speciality breakfast,(shrimp and grits, or fresh blue berry pancakes with hot peppered bacon, to bagels with cream cheese and lox, too good. We know, like us, one stay and you'll come back often. John O

I had a good hearty breakfast this Saturday morning. The eggs were delicious, and had ham and cheese mixed in. The wheat toast with apricot jelly filled me up, and the conversation was entertaining. Thanks, Gale!

I arrived at the Chestnut Cottage B&B right around noon. They were not yet ready for me – the room had not been changed over from the previous night. So, I waited in the garden for quite some time. The weather was beautiful and clear. It was not a normal humid South Carolina day. I realized at that time that clearly, I had not packed correctly. I had checked the weather on-line all week; it had said that it was going to be 80 degrees for the whole weekend. Well, it was getting warmer as I sat there. Turned out to be in the 90’s for the rest of the weekend. The B&B got out of making us breakfast the next morning since they do it between 8-10am and we were up and gone by 7am. They left us donuts and coffee. The following day the B&B made us some nice breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and fruit. It seems that the proprietor is handing the B&B down to his son and daughter-in-law. Gale barely spoke to us and spent most of the time up in the private quarters. I don't think that I would stay at this B&B again if ever I came back to Columbia. A little pricey, a little messy and a little desolate.

Chesnut Cottage is one of the best B&Bs we have experienced. Gale is a delightful and thoughtful host, full of excellent information about Columbia, stories about the house and its history, and gracious hospitality--he even mailed me a jacket I had left behind when we departed. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, and the house is located in the historic district, surrounded by other gracious old homes and historic landmarks. The boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson is across the street, and the beautiful state capital and University of South Carolina campus are a short walk. Gale and his wife serve a delicious breakfast and the conversation over breakfast was so much fun we wished we could have spent much more time. We are looking forward to return visits.

Wonderful visit! Beautiful, clean, comfortable. Great food. And really fun innkeepers

My husband and I enjoyed the charming home of Gale Garrett in the middle of downtown. The rooms are very well done with comfort and antiques. Every thought was given to helping us have a great visit and the breakfast was a feast! We will stay every time our travels bring us to Columbia!

I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Chestnut Cottage for several days. It was truly a step back in time and one of the most refreshing getaways I've experienced in years! The Innkeeper, Gale Garrett, could not have been more accomodating. He readily shared information about the history of the inn and directions to attractions in the city.The breakfasts were scrumptious and they are offered at a time convenient to the guests. While sitting on the front porch, soaking up the history of the property, I was greeted by many passersby who welcomed me to Columbia. I felt immediately at home with a warm welcome to the area. I highly recommend this Inn as a gem among Bed and Breakfast experiences.