Romantic Getaway: The Garden Inn

The lace curtains danced aimlessly in the breeze as she gazed out across the yard where her children were playing. The hibiscus, in full bloom, provided splashes of intense color as a backdrop to the garden. The oak trees were already massive and they had recently added palm trees. Mrs. Mather reclined in a white wicker chair, a book resting in her lap and a glass of tea on the table beside her. The year was 1887 and she was totally delighted with her brand new Victorian home in Galveston. There was no way that she could have foreseen that 117 years later her home would be an elegant Bed & Breakfast called The Garden Inn and people would still delight in the unique lodgings in such a relaxed setting.

A journey through The Garden Inn begins as one ascends the steps onto the welcoming porch and enters through the original double Dutch doors. When the weather is mild, humidity is low, and cool gulf breezes are blowing, the windows are raised and the Dutch doors left open and guest enjoy sitting in the same spot Mrs. Mather enjoyed so long ago. At sunset, changing colors filter through the original amber-stained glass located on the staircase landing, creating a warm welcome for all who enter.

Awakened by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, guests are served a delicious breakfast in the beautiful sun filled dining room. For early risers, start the day with fresh coffee located right outside your door.

The exterior grounds are something to see! The gardens reflect the owners’ love of native plants, birds and butterflies. Swing in the hammock beneath pine trees. Curl up in a lounge chair and sunbathe. Enjoy the pleasure of the hot tub; relax those muscles, calm your mind and spirit, and heal your body through relaxation and quiet time. If exercise is the point, swim a few laps in the pool and work up an appetite for an evening meal in one of Galveston’s finest restaurants. Bicycles are available for touring the neighborhood or the seawall.

Each bedroom in the house is named after a Galveston flower, Rose, Oleander and Magnolia. You will find no phone or TV in your room, but you will find a TV and VCR in the library and a phone located in the entryway for you to use if the need arises. Let your mind drift to sleep as you rest your head on the down pillows provided on every bed. The bedrooms have central air-conditioning and heat for year-round comfort and a ceiling fan to adjust your room temperature to your desired level of personal comfort. Bring your favorite CDs; each room includes a CD player/alarm clock. The bedroom floors are oak and area rugs are numerous. Guestrooms are furnished with a mixture of antiques, family heirlooms, period furnishings and reproductions.

Ideal as a destination for your personal special occasion or the business traveler’s respite, The Garden Inn is an excellent place to be pampered. Located near the Seawall, the Historic Strand and the Post office Street shopping and entertainment districts, and UTMB, it is ideally located to meet all your holiday and special occasion needs.

Designated as a National Historic Landmark, The East End Historical District is a fascinating place to visit. Embrace a bit of Texas’ past by experiencing it overnight in The Garden Inn.

The Garden Inn is, architecturally, one of the most singular in the East End Historical District (according to Galveston Architecture Guidebook, 1996). The 1887 H.S. Mather home was originally identified as a High Victorian Chalet. Now it is an elegant bed and breakfast inn. The East End Historical District has Galveston’s richest collection of 19th century homes and the Garden Inn...

We hope that you enjoyed reading this excerpt from "The Garden Inn". If you would like to read the entire article and more, you can order a back issue of Jul / Aug 2004 where this article was originally published.

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