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1876
Bellwether House
Savannah, Georgia
211 E. Gaston Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
Original Property Opened in 1876
Historic Hotels of America member since 2021
The Bellwether House consists of a spectacular pair of adjoining Italianate townhomes built in 1876 for merchants Henry Dresser and Samuel Palmer, who ran the largest hardware store in Savannah. It boasts the longest contiguous front porch in the city, providing ample room to lounge in the shade of Savannah's warm southern climate. Guests who stay at Bellwether House can enjoy all of the charm of this incredible historic property while also indulging in modern luxurious amenities.
Discover
- Discover the brilliant Italianate-style architecture of the restored Bellwether House. The Bellwether House is actually a pair of adjoining townhomes built in the Stephens Ward of Savannah by merchants Henry Dresser and Samuel Palmer during the height of the Gilded Age.
- Admire the renowned Forsyth Park just blocks away from the Bellwether House. Named after Georgia’s third governor, John Forsyth, this historic landmark dates all the way back to the 1840s when William Hodgson donated its first ten acres. The park’s most defining feature is its gorgeous fountain, which was originally installed on the eve of the American Civil War.
- Marvel at Savannah’s historic street-grid system that surrounds the inn. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, most the routes intersect to form verdant public squares within which many monuments of the city’s past reside. In total, 22 beautiful squares proliferate throughout the downtown that feature their own glorious statues. Among the most noteworthy include Tomochichi’s Monument in Wright Square, the Casimir Pulaski Monument in Monterey Square, the Sergeant Jasper Monument in Madison Square, and the Nathanael Greene Monument in Johnson Square.
Explore
- Explore the Juliette Gordon Low House, the restored home of the founder of the Girl Scouts. Her former home—an architectural treasure—is currently a museum and learning place for the advancement of girls. Learn about her remarkable life and legacy in the museum.
- Visit the beautifully restored Colonial Park Cemetery, the final resting place for many of the city's earliest citizens. One of its most famous inhabitants is Button Gwinnett, who was a signer for the Declaration of Independence. It's also a popular stop for the many ghost tours in what's been called America's Most Haunted City.
- Travel to Wormsloe Historic Site nearby. Now a series of historical ruins, the Wormsloe Historic Site was once the colonial estate of Noble Jones back during the early 18th century. In fact, Jones himself was one of the settlers to accompany James Oglethorpe to the “New World” when he arrived in the Province of Georgia during the 1730s.
Experience
- Experience the beautiful artwork on display at the SCAD Museum of Art. Part of the Savannah College of Art and Design, the museum currently displays artwork from both emerging and established international artists. But the institution assists the college’s students in their studies as well, offering them a resource to nurture their artistic talents.
- Attend a live performance at the historic Savannah Theatre, which opened its doors in 1818. Its current Art Deco appearance dates back to 1948, when it was fully rebuilt. See live theater performances, local musicals, variety shows, and concerts. Check out the lobby museum's historic artifacts, newspaper clippings, and photos of famous performers who have graced its stage through the years.
- Stroll among the many different types of flora that call the Savannah Botanical Gardens home. Owned and operated by Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, this terrific destination also features an amphitheater, a two-acre pond, and a historic site known as the “Reinhard House.”
Taste
- Taste some outstanding southern cuisine inside historic buildings that date back centuries. Some of the finest restaurants in Savannah—such as the Grey Market and Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room—serve all kinds of traditional fare, including grits, summer squash, and fried chicken.
- Savor a delicious cup of coffee while out exploring the historic streets of Savannah. A few amazing restaurants like the Collins Quarter and Mirabelle offer a wealth of delicious breakfast items to enjoy, ranging from peach cobbler waffles to banana French toast.
- Feast upon amazing seafood during a trip to this historic city. Given Savannah’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, many local fine dining establishments feature menus packed full of delicious items captured fresh from the sea. Common Thread is one such restaurant, which serves dishes like sea scallops and grouper.
- Enjoy an evening sabering. Experience the excitement of champagne sabering and see the slicing of the top off a champagne bottle using an authentic Laguiole knife (aka sabering sword!).
FEATURED ACCOMMODATIONS
Featured Offers
Best Available Rate
Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotels.org and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Stay Well at Bell!
Enjoy a rejuvenating stay at Bellwether House from Sunday to Wednesday nights and receive a complimentary hot bath at the spa with the exclusive wellness rate.
