The Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast

The Belknap House is the perfect place for extended stays or for families with children not easily accommodated at the Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast. The house includes three full bedroom suites with private attached baths. A fourth bedroom and bunk beds downstairs allow the house to accommodate up to 11 persons. You may rent an individual suite or the whole house; in either case, you have access to the parlors, full eat-in kitchen and rear deck on the main level that all offer spectacular views across the Mississippi River. In addition to family groups, the Belknap House is perfect for the traveler looking for an economical alternative to local hotels, who would prefer to stay in a piece of history on a bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi.

Total restoration of this historic property has just been completed under the direction of the State Historical Society of Iowa. Constructed in the 1850's, the Belknap House is among the oldest homes remaining in Keokuk, yet features completely modern amenities, including entirely new bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities for our guests. Today's guest will find the same high ceilings, high windows and grand moldings and even the radiators and pipes (yes, the boiler has been replaced) that graced the original structure. Central air has not been added, in order to retain the original look of the interior, but each bedroom suite and the main areas are comfortably cooled by window units. The flooring is a unique combination of marble in the entry, kitchen and baths, hardwood in the bedrooms and carpeting in the parlors.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Belknap House was originally the home of General William Worth Belknap, a prominent attorney who later became a well-known Civil War General and later General Ulysses S. Grant's Secretary of War. Belknap's career in Washington ended in scandal, as he resigned under threat of impeachment over allegations of improprieties involving Indian traderships. However, during the early pre-war period, Belknap enjoyed a quieter life with his mother in his new home constructed on the bluff at the bend of the Mississippi in Keokuk, Iowa. He was witness to a number of significant events in Keokuk history, including the Mormon migration of 1853, when thousands of Mormon pioneers camped on the bluff near Belknap's House and worked rebuilding the city's streets to earn funds for the journey west to the valley of the Salt Lake in Utah. His picture, along with recollections of this event are memorialized on a historic marker in nearby Triangle Park at the end of Keokuk's famous Grand Avenue.

The Belknap House is situated directly above Lock and Dam 19. Be sure to bring your camera as the home commands a "picture-perfect" view across the river to Illinois framed by the historic 1913 powerhouse on one side and the historic railroad bridge on the other. In addition, you can watch every barge and riverboat traveling up or down make its way through the locks.

All rates include full access to the parlors, kitchen, rear deck and front porch. Rates shown are per nightfor single or double occupancy for the entire length of stay and are subject to 12% hotel/motel tax.

Rates

• Single Room: $89
• Whole House: $250
• Extra Person: $20

Other Important Information:

• Please note that the kitchen includes all appliances and equipment and you are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
• We do request that food or drink be restricted to the kitchen and bedroom suites and that care be taken with regard to the antiques and other furnishings.
• Also, maid service is not included.
• Guests check in at the Grand Anne Bed & Breakfast (just a few blocks away).
• Payment is required in full via cash, check or credit card upon check-in so that you may leave at your convenience at the end of your stay.
• Guests are responsible for removing all belongings and leaving the kitchen and other common areas clean.
• Reservations for two or more rooms require a 20% cleaning deposit that will be fully refunded unless needed for beyond routine cleaning or to repair damage.
• By making a reservation, guests agree to be responsible for the full cost of any damage (irrespective of the amount of the deposit).

This huge second floor suite's tower bedroom and adjoining sitting room both look out across Grand Avenue to spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

Furnished with an eclectic mix of antiques and contemporary pieces, the room includes queen-size brass bed, television with VCR, library and attached private bath with shower. $144

This second floor cozy country French bedroom features an expansive view of the parklike grounds from the bay window and includes a queen-size antique carved Belgian oak bed with matching vanity, wicker table and chairs, original marble top sink and attached private bath with shower. $114

This second floor spacious room is furnished in Eastlake style with a magnificent queen-size walnut bed with eight-foot headboard, matching dresser, table and chairs and original marble top sink. A spacious private bath with tub and shower is attached. $129

This third floor suite features a large bedchamber with queen-size bed and sitting area, private bath with clawfoot tub/shower and separate TV room.

Additionally, guests have access to the adjoining "ballroom" now equipped with billiard table and sitting area. $124

The newest addition to the Grand Anne is the third floor Tower Suite. Both the bedroom with queen size antique mahogany bed and the sitting room in the cupola offer the most dramatic views of the Mississippi. The luxury marble bath with two-person jacuzzi tub and separate oversized shower makes this suite the perfect choice for honeymoons, anniversaries or other special occasions.

Guests have access to the adjoining "ballroom" with its billiard table and sitting area. $159

• Rates range from $119 to $159.


• All rates are subject to state and city taxes, are based on single or double occupancy and include a full gourmet breakfast.


• All rooms, except Carol's Lookout, can accommodate an additional guest on a rollaway for a charge of $25/night (including breakfast).
• Check-in 4 p.m. (other arrangements can be made if needed). Check-out by 11:00 a.m.


• Cash, personal checks and credit cards (VISA, MC, Discover, American Express) are accepted.


• Cancellation Policy:
  • Non-refundable Deposit of 50% of total stay required 3 weeks prior to arrival date for stays of 3 days or less.
  • Non-refundable Deposit of 25% of total stay required 3 weeks prior to arrival date for stays of 4 or more days.
• No smoking inside house. No pets. Sorry, but we are not able to accomodate children under age 12.