Clements Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Smyrna, Delaware

The Clements Mansion B&B, located in the center of historic Smyrna, is Delaware's newest and largest B&B. Construction on the Mansion began in 1862 for Mr. J.R. Clements, a prosperous businessman and landowner, and reportedly took 10 years to complete. Over the last 140 years, the Mansion has served as a private residence, doctor's office, apartment building, and stained glass business. The Mansion was purchased by the present owners in July 1999. The owners envisioned restoring the three story Victorian style Mansion to a state that was reminiscent of when the original Clements family inhabited the home. This was an ambitious plan consuming two years of extensive repairs and renovations. The entire inside of the home was renovated, repainted and wallpapered. The Mansion's exterior was extensively repaired and repainted. All 66 wooden shutters (ranging in height from 4' - 8') were removed and over 100 years of paint was stripped from the surface. The shutters were then shellacked, primed and repainted. The Mansion has six guestrooms that can accommodate two adults, including a caretaker's room. Four of the guestrooms feature a private bath while three guestrooms have a shared bath. The honeymoon suite has a full tub and a queen-sized bed. The Mansion is furnished with period antiques. The Mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, represents one of the finest examples of Italianate styled architecture in this area. On the first floor is a large parlor, library and dining room and the five guest bedrooms are located on the second and third floors. An intricately wooden spiral stairway at the front foyer ascends through the three floors of the Mansion to the cupola where guests can view the countryside. Large rooms, high ceilings with ornate plaster moldings and hardwood floors reflect the rich
luxury of the times.

Innkeepers: Dan & Darlene Areana, Jane Zak

Try Dan's recipes: Chocolate "No Name Cake", Cinnamon Baked French Toast, Morning Glory Muffins.

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.