The White Garden Inn in Oxford, Ohio

When John and Linda Alexander opened The White Garden Inn Bed and Breakfast in 1998, the couple pledged to offer Oxford visitors more than just a lodging alternative. "I guess you can say our motto or creed is that 'you arrive as a traveler and leave as a friend'" John said. "We treat people like its their home." Linda added "It's just like staying with a friend or family."

This Victorian-style bed and breakfast located two miles form Miami University has found a niche in the community, leaving guests in awe of the unmatched service. "It is obvious to all who stay here that what lies within The White Garden In is warmth," lodger Brooke Rosance wrote in a guest room journal. "They say a home is a reflection of its owners- this is so true of you two, John and Linda."

The Alexander's have tried to think of everything to make their guests' visits memorable ones.
Five spacious bedrooms, all with their own private bath, extend throughout this 9,000 square foot home. Each room has a different garden theme that is accentuated with multiple antiques, hand finished wooden cabinets, patterned carpeting, as well as Linda's hand woven bedspreads and shower curtains. Names of the rooms include Autumn Rose, Butterfly, Periwinkle and Iva's Garden.

The fifth room, nearly 700 square feet, serves as a suite, featuring cathedral ceiling, working fireplace, a tub for two, ample seating and numerous windows that illuminate the immense room. This room was the temporary home of actress Geena Davis for a short period this past summer. "Our Guests named this room the Wow room, because when they walk in they always say "wow," John said. Even soft terrycloth robes for the guests are hung in each bathroom to provide maximum comfort during one's stay at the inn.

Linda rises early to begin preparing a full warm breakfast that often includes such treats as stuffed French toast, quiche, blueberry pancakes, soufflés and southwestern egg casseroles and an abundance of fresh fruit. A variety of coffees and juices also accompany the meal. All this served elegantly in a large dining room complemented by a six foot circular glass top table resting on a huge cypress tree trunk.

In stead of seeking solitude indoors, guest can take in a breath of fresh air on the Inn's wraparound verandah or gazebo that over looks many gardens scattering nearly all five acres of property. An all white garden lies directly in the backyard, which serves as the signature attraction.

So far the couple has received positive reviews form their guests because they commit to offer a close-knit relationship with their guests." Someone who stayed with us noticed that we had prints of a painting from the turn of the century and her grandmother collected the same paintings," Linda said. "Upon her next visit she brought us a stack of pictures and told me to pick a few from the collection. That's what makes us different. You wouldn't see someone staying at a Ramada or Day's Inn, giving the owners presents. It's just a different feel than typical lodging."

Innkeepers, John and Linda Alexander, have included these recipes in the cookbook: Maui French Toast, Southwest Breakfast Casserole, Blueberry Stuffed French Toast, "Cheesey" & Lemon Coffee Cake.

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.