Since 2006, Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast has operated as a bed and breakfast business under the management of Donald McGlynn and Douglas Mauro. The inn has three accommodations that are available year-round for guests to occupy, and a complimentary breakfast is served every morning to patrons. Akin to many of the other homes and sites that comprise Natchez, the property is prominently known for its historic character, as it dates back to the mid-1830s. Considering its history, location, and amenities, the establishment has notably won the Travelers' Choice award from Trip Advisor eight times in total. Donald and Douglas intend to offer a quality experience for every visitor and strive to create a welcoming atmosphere at the inn.
Located in the southern region of the United States, Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast occupies an acre in the city of Natchez near the border shared between Louisiana and Mississippi. One of the business owners, Douglas Mauro, remarks, "Natchez is the second oldest city in the U.S., after St. Augustine; the city is about 308 years old." As such, many of the establishments—including Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast—bear historical significance, which is evident in some of the buildings' architecture and décor arrangements. An example of this that Douglas notes is the "original 1848 French wallpaper" in the dining room of the inn, and he further comments that this wallpaper is the same as that of the White House in Washington, D.C. Douglas characterizes the general style of Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast as "a boutique B&B" or "an Antebellum home," with a variety of antiques and vintage items adorning each room.
A total of three guestrooms are available to visitors of the bed and breakfast, and despite the historic nature of the inn, a fair amount of modern amenities are provided to everyone, including satellite TV, free WiFi, and memory foam mattresses and pillows. Douglas observes that the main suite tends to be the most popular accommodation compared to the other two rooms due primarily to its amenities and size. In addition to ceilings that reach roughly 14 feet, this unit is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, granite shower, fireplace, and an original bath that, according to the owners, dates back to 1850. The upper level of the home comprises a two-bedroom suite with a private bathroom, which Douglas says is often reserved by families. Apart from the accommodations, Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast features a number of common areas for guests to enjoy during their stay, namely the dining room, parlors, and library. Common areas can also be found beyond the walls of the inn, as verandas are located at the front and back of the establishment. Douglas notes that the Mississippi River can be seen from the front veranda, and rocking chairs are arranged for visitors to observe the view. Fish ponds and gardens decorate the grounds as well.
"We're famous for our breakfast," Douglas remarks, as he explains that they serve an assorted selection of items every morning that are made from scratch. French toast, crème brûlèe, and several variations of Eggs Benedict are a few options that one can expect to be served at Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast. The meal typically consists of a savory dish with a sweet dish on the side. Fruit and homemade buttermilk biscuits are other notable items that visitors may receive. Breakfast is served sit-down style in the dining room at around 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. However, the owners can be flexible with the serving time, considering that patrons' itineraries vary. Guests should also be aware that dietary restrictions and food allergies can be accommodated, provided that the owners are given advance notice. Along with this breakfast, every night at 5:00 p.m., visitors can participate in cocktail hour, which generally involves wine with cheese and crackers.
As previously mentioned, Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast is situated in "one of the most historic cities in the United States," in Douglas' words. He partially attributes the success of the business to the historical significance of Natchez and the inn itself, as the property is found among churches, mansions, "500-year-old crepe myrtle trees," and a cemetery that are all primarily known for their historic background. Natchez Trace Parkway is a particular site that pertains to this as well, and Douglas says that this route extends 440 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. The owners acknowledge that this route is most commonly visited by motorcyclists and bicyclists, as commercial vehicles and trucks are prohibited from driving along this trail. As for the mansions, the construction of these buildings was prompted by the relatively high quantity of millionaires that resided in the city around 1835, as noted by Douglas. "They tried to outdo each other with their mansions," he explains, resulting in Natchez's present-day collection of such homes. Furthermore, Natchez is home to Mary's Basilica, an establishment that Douglas and Donald consider to be "the finest example of Gothic architecture in the country." The owners also suggest their guests visit the nearby Presbyterian church, where a photo gallery is featured. Aside from the historical sites, Douglas and Donald describe the city as the "hunting and fishing capital of the country," with a number of national parks within the vicinity of Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast. For those who take an interest in Natchez's dining options, some of the specific restaurants that the owners recommend to their patrons are Frankie's on Main, Dunleith Historic Inn, and Monmouth Historic Inn.
Donald McGlynn and Douglas Mauro, the owners of Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast, intend to make the property "a home away from home" for everyone who stays there. With the hopes of focusing on the quality of hospitality, Douglas affirms that they "try to never say no" when guests have needs within reason. Moreover, the owners make an effort to be welcoming by offering homemade chocolate chip cookies and a complimentary private tour of the inn to allow people to learn more about the history of the building. They can also provide a visitor's guide with a map of the nearby attractions and restaurants in Natchez. "We want everyone to have a great experience, and we want them to come back," Douglas expresses.
The innkeepers additionally believe that the location of the home contributes to this kind of atmosphere that they hope to create, as its position in a residential district offers seclusion to some degree while still being near the more urban parts of Natchez. In other words, Douglas says, "Even though you feel like you're in the country at our property, we're just two blocks from Main Street." One person commented in a review of their stay about the minimal noise of the bed and breakfast and its surroundings, as they stated, "[It was] very quiet, even with guests upstairs, and any prep for breakfast wasn't heard through to our room so we woke refreshed and relaxed to start our day."
Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast can be the setting for a small wedding. While events are not frequently held at the establishment, the city of Natchez tends to organize gatherings for people to attend, with one of the most popular being the hot air balloon festival along the Mississippi River. Douglas also mentions that concerts occasionally take place on the bluff.
Everyone staying at Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast is expected to abide by a few policies enforced by the innkeepers. Smoking is not permitted inside the home; however, a patio with an umbrella table serves as a designated smoking area outside of the building. Pets are restricted from accompanying visitors during their stay to avoid bringing allergens into the rooms. On account of the historic nature of the bed and breakfast, children under the age of 12 cannot be accommodated at Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast. According to Douglas, the demographic of those who stay at the inn is chiefly constituted by travelers over 40 years of age. On some occasions, families occupy the units, though the owners typically receive a considerable amount of retirees. The innkeepers also notice that the majority of visitors are international travelers, and a significant number of returning guests have been seen at the property as well.
Dating back to 1835, when it was originally constructed, Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast was initially a private home for William A. Beatty and his wife, Elizabeth. One of the current owners of the business, Douglas Mauro, says that this establishment, among several others, "survived during the Civil War because Natchez surrendered, so there was nothing destroyed." As such, Douglas remarks that "everything in the home is original to its time; the originality of it is what people love." Likewise, he says that "downtown Natchez is as it was in the 1830s" as well. In the 1930s, the houses in the city underwent a historic preservation process, and many years later, restoration took place at Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast in 2004 when the current owners took over management. It wasn't until 2006, however, that the property began operating as a bed and breakfast business. Douglas and Donald take pride in being the "third owners of the bed and breakfast within a 200-year duration." While the owners were not originally planning on running a bed and breakfast business for retirement, the two have found that their favorite part about being the innkeepers is "meeting the nicest people from all over the world."
409 S. Rankin St
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Donald McGlynn and Douglas Mauro
