Manderley Bed and Breakfast is a Victorian bed and breakfast in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It has four guestrooms of distinct layouts and designs, though they are all Victorian in style. The house also has a gentlemen's parlor, a library, and a chicken coop with eight chickens outside. Stained glass art created by the owner is featured throughout various parts of the house's interior. Some of the property's amenities include complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and off-street parking. The bed and breakfast owner, Andrew Parker, also offers information about Milwaukee attractions, dining locations, and events. Some of these attractions include attending Milwaukee Bucks or Milwaukee Brewers games.
Manderley Bed and Breakfast is a bed and breakfast located in an urban area of downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The house has four guestrooms—Millie's Room, Bessie's Room, Franceska's Room, and Sophie's Room—each styled and decorated with "fully restored Victorian" decor, yet each room is individually styled within the theme, according to the owner. For instance, they differ in colors, layout, and amenities, though each room has a queen bed, private bathroom, and shower. Additionally, Millie's Room has a whirlpool tub, and each accommodation except Franceska's Room has a fireplace. Stained glass made by the owner, Andrew Parker, is featured throughout the rooms and the rest of the house.
Additional common areas throughout Manderley Bed and Breakfast include a gentlemen's parlor and a library. The land parcel belonging to the bed and breakfast is nearly one acre, and the outdoor space has backyard gardens and a chicken coop that houses eight chickens. The backyard also has a few fountains, with one containing koi fish. With such areas in place, Andrew describes his bed and breakfast as "a place to sit back and relax." Some of the bed and breakfast amenities include free Wi-Fi, refreshments, and off-street parking.
Breakfast at Manderley Bed and Breakfast includes several options, though Andrew notes that his french toast is well-known among his visitors. Andrew prepares the food each day, and he affirms that he can arrange accommodations for people with food allergies or dietary restrictions, though he asks that they advise him in advance. Eggs from the chicken coop are also served each morning at the table. Breakfast is not served at any specific time; rather, "whenever [guests] like," according to Andrew.
Because Manderley Bed and Breakfast is near downtown Milwaukee, Andrew says there are a variety of things to do. Among those activities, he lists going to Milwaukee Bucks basketball or Milwaukee Brewers baseball games. He also explains that, out of the 150 restaurants downtown, about 120 are non-chain establishments. His recommendations include India Garden, Daddy's Soul Food & Grille, and Café Benelux.
Andrew, an owner of Manderley Bed and Breakfast, explains that his property is a "romantic stay" aimed at people looking for a "special getaway." He continues, saying he wants guests to feel comfortable and "treat [the house] like their own home." To help with this atmosphere, Andrew gives his guests tours of the house while assisting them in accommodating themselves and pointing out things that may interest them. He can also give visitors directions to attractions or events in Milwaukee, saying, "We're basically their concierges." Finally, Andrew states that he often interacts with his occupants if they want to.
Andrew believes Manderley Bed and Breakfast is most known for its history and french toast. Visitor reviews also seem to highlight the building's Victorian style and its owners' hospitality. For instance, one reviewer said, "The attention to detail was quite nostalgic. It's refreshing to see a bed and breakfast go the extra mile and create a period-correct ambiance. The owners were quite hospitable; they made sure that we were comfortable, and if we needed any accommodations, we were more than welcome to ask [them]." Another former occupant said, "We really loved the inside of this beautifully rebuilt, intricate wood throughout and artfully decorated home. The hosts, Andy and Maria, were very gracious and fun to talk with and gave us some great advice about things to do. [...] The breakfast was amazing, and the fresh eggs were delicious."
Manderley Bed and Breakfast's most significant policy prohibits pets from entering the house. Regarding the property's operations, Manderley Bed and Breakfast is open year-round. Andrew says its busiest season is from July through September, mainly because a greater number of people travel to Milwaukee during the summer. His primary demographic is couples of various ages, and many guests visit repeatedly, according to Andrew.
Manderley Bed and Breakfast was built in 1886 for David and Adda Howie. According to the property owner, Andrew, David was a coal merchant and a Civil War veteran, and Adda was, in Andrew's words, "instrumental in Wisconsin becoming the Dairy State." She was also an author and lobbyist. The house was converted into a rooming house after World War II. New ownership took it up in 1978, though they sold all its "Victorian details." It was converted into a manor until 1990 when the house was abandoned. Currently, Manderley Bed and Breakfast is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the David W. Howie House.
The house's current owner, Andrew, acquired Manderley Bed and Breakfast when it was about to be torn down in the 1990s. He had been looking for a bed and breakfast when he came across the property. After restoring the home over the next seven years, Andrew and his wife opened it as a hospitality business in 2000. Andrew explains that he had to restore the entire house before opening it, even updating the electrical work and plumbing. Being a stained glass artist, Andrew added many of his works to Manderley Bed and Breakfast, including the bedrooms and the chicken coop. He plans to remodel the house next door—which he also owns—to add it to the current bed and breakfast.
3026 West Wells Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53208
United States
Victorian
Andrew Parker
