The Ivy - An English Bed & Breakfast

We arrived just in time for tea in the drawing room, where our host introduced us to another couple staying there. It was such a wonderful welcome and a good reward for the day of driving we had done! Our room was charming, with robes and slippers for each of us and a clean and very attractive bathroom. Nice snacks on the landing, plenty of ice cold water in the fridge. We walked through the beautiful historic area of Warrenton to get to a great very local restaurant, George's, then just a ten-minute walk back to the Ivy. Then a good night in the surprisingly comfortable bed. In the morning we were treated to a full English breakfast: egg on toast, ham, two kinds of sausage, beans, mushrooms and grilled tomatoes. And, of course, more good chat with our host and the other guests. One caution: the ride to The Ivy from the highway takes you past some run-down areas with ramshackle old buildings. We were a little anxious during that, but as soon as we hit Warrenton the beauty of the old trees and gorgeous historic homes put our minds at ease. If we can work coming this way in the future, or anywhere near it, we would love to visit again.

We were delighted with our visit to this lovely house, with a spacious, wrap-around porch. Our room was a comfortable, well-appointed guest room with bath. Amenities were plentiful including comfortable bathrobes,slippers, linens, and a Coffeemaker outside the bedrooms. The common rooms on the main floor were decorated with Historic relics from the owners family, and a delightful collection of Royal English China. Karen and Michael serve an authentic English breakfast, served by our hostess at the formal Dining table. They also serve High Tea by special arrangement. The Ivy Inn is a unique and wonderful stay.

After an exciting wedding reception in the area, we retreated to the tranquility of the Ivy B&B! Parking was very adequate and our room was charming, very comfortable, and clean. The chirping birds were welcoming at dawn and coffee was available outside of our room. We were served a very fine “English breakfast” on antique English china. WiFi and abundant power outlets were offered. Hosts Karen & Mike were very polite, accommodating, and conversational – all very enjoyable. We highly recommend for a stay in Warrenton, NC.

We've stayed in B&B's in England and the USA, and Karen and Mike are not kidding when they say that The Ivy is a genuine English B&B even though it's right here in the USA. We had often traveled through Warrenton NC on our way to the Carolina beaches and commented on what a pretty town it was, so decided to take a motorcycle trip down there and explore it a bit. We chose The Ivy as a place to stay based on its historic appearance and good reputation, and we were very pleased with our stay. Breakfast each morning is a true "Full English" (there's only one right way to do it and Karen knows what it is!), and the afternoon teas are genuine English also. The house is a beautiful old Victorian era home; the beds are comfortable, the bathrooms up to date but in keeping with the house, and the parlor and porches are inviting, and a good place to sit and watch the world go by. Warrenton has an amazing number of old homes still standing. Some are restored as show-places, some are still being used as family homes, and some beautiful old houses needing work are on the market for a very small amount of money, ready to be restored. It's worth a couple days just to walk around and look at them. There's a nice restaurant and a couple of coffee shops within walking distance of The Ivy. We took full advantage of Karen and Mike's hospitality and very much enjoyed it .... we hope to be back soon!