Nestled in The East End Historical District
with Galveston's richest
collection of 19th century homes, the Garden Inn is located at 1601 Ball
Street. 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 Garden Inn was featured on the Spring 1999 Galveston
Historical Foundation Spring Homes Tour, the Spring 2000 Clean Galveston Garden
Tour, and the 2001 East End Historical District Christmas Candle
Light Homes Tour.
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. At sunset, changing colors filter through amber-stained glass located on the staircase landing, creating a warm welcome for all that enter.
With or without the fireplace burning, the library is cozy and inviting. Relax on the comfortable couch with a good book, watch television or a video, play a CD or enjoy a game. The original stained glass windows in this room take on a special hue of their own as the day ends and the sun sets.
Eyes are drawn to the cherry wood fireplace in the
parlor. Furnished with antiques, the parlor is a comfortable place for
visiting. An escape to the veranda via 9 1/2-foot walk-through windows allows
the visitor to smell the sea, to enjoy gulf breezes, watch the birds, hear the
breaking waves on the nearby beach.
Awakened by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, guests are served a delicious breakfast in the beautiful sun filled dining room. A light breakfast is served Monday - Friday mornings, a three course gourmet breakfast in prepared on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. Breakfast may consist of eggs, potato dishes, homemade breads, biscuits or muffins, fresh fruit, juice, coffee or tea, and always a surprise dessert. 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.*
Off street parking is provided for guests of The Garden Inn.
* Texas Highways listed the Garden Inn as one of the bike friendly bed & breakfasts in Galveston.
The Garden Inn |