Open Gates Bed & Breakfast

 Located in the heart of downtown Darien within easy walking distance of dining and shopping, the historic Open Gates Bed & Breakfast was built as a timber baron's home in 1876. Modern amenities compliment the historic Georgian architecture of this beautiful inn overlooking Vernon Square.

The Open Gates B&B is uniquely situated for nature-lovers and history-seekers alike. The coastal village of Darien, founded in 1736, overlooks the site where the mighty Altamaha River ends its journey into the Atlantic Ocean, culminating in one of the richest eco-systems in the world..

Explore the old-fashioned small town of Darien, with her rich pre-colonial and Civil War history. Stroll along the scenic Darien waterfront, watch the shrimp boats, and shop in the eclectic antique shops. Or walk with the kids to historic Fort King George, the oldest European fort in the United States.

The Open Gates B & B is conveniently located for those wanting to visit Sapelo Island, one of Georgia's most distinctive barrier islands.

Trained as professional biologists, your hosts at the Open Gates Bed & Breakfast  will arrange for guided nature tours of the river, the surrounding marshes and isolated islands, all of which abound with wildlife.

Built by a wealthy timber baron in 1876, the home offers spacious rooms with beautiful views of a memorial fountain, two historic churches, gardens, and our pool. A large cypress library offers a quiet comfortable setting in which to peruse the owners' extensive collection of field guides and books on local natural history.

Butler Island Sunset

Fort King George

A full-sized breakfast featuring local shrimp and grits or other hearty southern-style breakfasts, fresh fruit and homemade biscuits is offered. Complimentary evening cocktails encourage our guests to relax by the pool and share the day's adventures before heading out for a fresh local seafood dinner.

Before you leave, be sure to stop in the gift shop. The Gift Shop features an extensive collection of field guides, local art, and nature-oriented gifts.

Your hosts, Jeff and Kelly Spratt, along with their children Hank and Hannah, will treat you like family. Both Jeff and Kelly hold Masters degrees in Biology and have worked professionally with the preservation and conservation of habitat and endangered species on the Georgia Coast and around the world. They enjoy the opportunity to share their knowledge of the surrounding ecosystem of their chosen home with their guests. Hannah is becoming an accomplished young naturalist herself, while Hank is still pretty much interested in Spiderman.

Coming from the north:

I-95 south to Exit 49 Darien (Note: at any point south of Midway, feel free to get onto Hwy 17 south as it parallels I-95 and is a much prettier drive…)

• Turn left (east) off the exit ramp onto Hwy 251
• Go 1 mile then turn right (south) onto Hwy 17
• Go 1.3 miles into the small town of Darien.
• At big oak tree, turn left (north) onto Hwy 99, also called Adams St.
• Go 1 block and you will see Open Gates sign on right.
• Turn right at our sign. Our house is the big white house on the right.
• Pull straight in to park and come on in!

Coming from the south:

I-95 north to Exit 42 Darien (Note: Hwy 17 parallels I-95 and is a much nicer drive!)

• Turn right (east) off the exit ramp onto Hwy 99
• Turn left (north) onto Hwy 17
• Drive about 4 miles, crossing four bridges
• After you cross the Darien River Bridge (see shrimp boats), you will be in Darien. Pass the Texaco and the courthouse, both on your right.
• Turn right onto Adams St. (Hwy 99), just in front of big oak tree.
• Go 1 block and you will see Open Gates sign on right.
• Turn right at sign. Our house is the big white house on the right.
• Pull straight in to park and come on in!

Dining Room	Living Room
Cypress Library	Gift Shop

Start your day with local shrimp and grits, fruit, and homemade biscuits in the Dining Room. Meet the other guests, read a book, or just relax in our spacious Living Room. The Cypress Library, overlooking the pool, contains an extensive collection of field guides from around the world, as well as books of local historic interest. The library is an excellent site for workshops or conferences, accommodating up to 35 people. The Gift Shop offers a cheery selection of keepsakes.