Historic Bell Hill Bed and Breakfast

On a hill in Union County, Illinois, just outside of Cobden, stands a home with a story embroidered into the fabric of the rural landscape it dominates. Like traveling to a different time, each day spent in this home resonates the rich history of the land and the people who loved it. Only a few families have owned Bell Hill over the last century. James Bell, the original owner, made a fortune in timber. Just after the Civil War, the growing towns and cities needed trainloads of lumber to satisfy the need. Mr. Bell met the demand with logs cut from vast tracts of southern Illinois forests which fed into his saw mills. The need was so great that at least one carload of Bell lumber was hooked to every northbound train. As you can imagine, Bell Hill has many stories. Julia invites you to experience the beautiful mansion and hear more about its fascinating past.

Facing the southern sky, Miss Bells Room holds court on the southwest corner of the old mansion. This dear room graces its guests with a working fireplace. Old meets new with an antique armoire embracing warm robes, slippers and other surprises tucked inside. Watch out, you may need the steps to assist you into bed. The old four poster is tall enough to be the bed in the story, The Princess and the Pea! Miss Bell's private bath is just down the steps from her room. This charming retreat is Asian in influence and delightfully accommodating with a whirlpool tub, classic black and white tile and lots of goodies. Don't forget to look out the window the view is spectacular! Room rate is $150 per night including a Southern Breakfast.

The General Grant Suite has a history. Like many old homes, traveling dignitaries often stayed with prominent citizens when the train stopped or as they journeyed. General Ulysses S. Grant stayed at Bell Hill. We all know General Grant was also President Grant, but, it is believed he was the General when he stayed here on the Bell property. This room has been recently remodeled. Opening a couple of closets into what had been the servants bedroom, now opens into a delightful bathroom complete with a whirlpool tub and your own private little balcony. Many guests have remarked about how they have had the best nights sleep ever in this room. It could be the memory foam mattress or maybe the wonderful aura of the ones who have been here before. Use your imagination, anyway you look at it you will fall in love with this room. Room rate is $150 per night including a Southern Breakfast.

The Metiney room is drenched with sun from the southern sky. Peeking through the large old window one encounters a fantastic view. This room is lovingly arranged with antiques and a great memory foam mattress! Linens are carefully chosen to afford you a luxurious sleep. Your private bathroom is large and newly renovated. A beautiful piece of furniture was converted to add two sinks for your convenience. This bath has a magnifying makeup mirror so you can always know you look beautiful when you leave. Metiney's room opens into the Todd parlor which in turn opens onto the large balcony waiting to welcome you to the magnificent scene. Private and welcoming this room is totally romantic! Room rate is $150 per night including a Southern Breakfast.

The Ball Room Suite was just that, the ballroom. Many enchanted events were held in this room. Twirling around the chimney, mesmerized young ladies and gentlemen danced and dreamed of romance. The band was placed in the front dormer shaped like the owners name, a bell. This suite has an antique claw-foot tub in its bathroom nestled into the girls closet on the east side of the home. As you soak you may want to watch the moon come up over the carriage house roof top. A king size bed awaits the King and Queen of the third floor surrounded by beautiful old wood and many accents from travels around the world. Come step into another world and relax in this exotic refuge. Room rate is $150 per night including a Southern Breakfast.

4th consecutive night
Stay three nights and receive 50% off on your 4th consecutive night....(more)

Special Offers
Discount for two nights during the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) or extended stays....(more)

• Check in: 3:30 to 8 PM. Call to arrange check in time after 8 PM.
• Check out: 11 AM Monday thru Saturday and 10:30 AM on Sunday.
• Notice of Cancellation:
• Due to limited availability of our accommodations, cancellations affect us significantly. Therefore, we adhere to a cancellation policy.
• Cancellations after your deposit has been received will result in a gift certificate for your deposit amount, good for one year.
• Cancellations with less than 48 hours notice will result in a cancellation fee of 100% of your deposit without a gift certificate.
• No smoking in the house. Smoking will be allowed on the outside drive or in your car. A $35 charge will be added to your bill or credit card if this rule is broken.
• Children are welcome. There is one family friendly suite available. Notify us if children will be staying over.
• Breakfast before 8 AM will be continental Breakfast:
• You may have guests not staying at Bell Hill come and eat breakfast with us.
• Please be sure to tell an Innkeeper how many and what everyone would like to eat the day before the breakfast.
• We love pets but we do not accommodate them.
• The 3rd floor can accommodate 5 adults. The regular rate for two adults is $150 a night With each additional adult there is a $75 charge. For each child the rate is $50 per night. All other suites are restricted to 2 adults.
• Owners have all rights to change your suite to another if the need arises.
• The House's quiet hours are 10:30 PM to 8 AM. Please, in respect of your fellow guests, turn your TVs down after 10:30PM.

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