Monmouth Historic Inn, Natchez

Location

Something of a historic landmark, the Inn sits on the region’s second highest hill. Walking down from this perch will bring you to the Mississippi river’s oldest settlement, Natchez. Dating back before New Orleans, take a walking or horse-drawn carriage tour through the city centre with its fantastic river view backdrop. Closer to the hotel, Monmouth Inn’s gardens, finalised in the 1980s, were created by Bill Garbo, a noted Mississippi horticulturist who specialises in recreating antebellum gardens. Along with the gardens, its acres of woods are ideal for attracting birdlife year round.

Accommodation

Along with their individual charm, rooms come with their own view of the Inn’s manicured grounds. All rooms are decorated in high antebellum style with dark wood furniture, oversized beds and plush seats. Deluxe Suites, complete with four-poster beds, are located on the Monmouth’s walking trail meaning direct access to the croquet lawn and fishing pond; some have bathrooms with spa tubs. For a complete study in period charm, the Antebellum Rooms are housed in the circa 1818 Main House and are furnished with antiques, high ceilings and some original furniture.

Dining

All stays include a hearty southern cooked breakfast along with a starter of fresh fruit and a choice of yogurt, muffins and homemade granola. At Restaurant 1818, you’ll dine under chandeliers in what were originally the men’s and ladies’ parlours. The a la carte menu features such gastronomic delights as French cuts of milk fed veal, fillet of beef and arugula salads. For a more casual setting, the Quitman Lounge and Study – itself added as a wing of the Main House in the early 1850s – serves a range of Southern favourites.

Facilities

Learn about the Inn’s 200-year history on a twice-daily tour or take a carriage ride through the historic downtown Natchez as you get into the antebellum spirit. You’ll also enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres served before dinner along with fishing in the Inn’s lakes and croquet on its lawns. Equipment is provided.