Allen House Victorian Inn / Amherst Inn
Bed and Breakfast

The Allen House Inn Bed and Breakfast, located on three landscaped acres in the heart of Amherst, is one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Stick Style Victorian architecture.

Built in 1886 by Lysander H. Allen, a local wire goods manufacturer, the house was the life-long home of his son, Professor Harry Allen of Amherst College, and of Janet R. Strong, who prudently preserved the unique charm and original character of the house. Today, the AAA three-diamond rated Allen House has been featured as Bon Appetit's Historic Christmas Inn and in Boston Magazine as offering the "Best Victoriana" in New England.

The interior was restored with historic precision down to every last detail to reflect the Aesthetic Movement, the Victorian subculture that emphasized art in the interior decor. Aesthetic Movement decor, period art, fine antiques, and art wall coverings of period designers Charles Eastlake, Walter Crane, and William Morris are historically and artistically featured. The original hand-carved cherry wood fireplace mantels are catalogued by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The Allen House was also the recipient of the 1991 Historic Preservation Award.

Accommodations for guests include comfortable chambers with private baths, ceiling fans, high speed Internet access, and air conditioning. A full five-course breakfast is served in a casual, elegant atmosphere every morning at the Allen House and room service is available at the guests' convenience. Enjoy the savory delights of well-blended coffee, baked goods, and a delicious main entree as you plan your day.

The Allen House is pleased to announce the opening of The Amherst Inn. Another totally renovated Historical Victorian Inn, across from the Dickinson Homestead. This inn offers seven more rooms and suites for your lodging pleasure. Most room in this inn offer Queen beds and some have added accommodations that can sleep more than 2 guests.

Any time is a wonderful time to visit the Allen House Inn, a delightful Victorian bed and breakfast within walking distance of all that beautiful Amherst has to offer.

Amherst is one of New England's most picturesque college towns. Walk across the street from the Allen House and tour the Emily Dickinson homestead. Take a short stroll to Amherst College, The University of Massachusetts, fine galleries, museums, theaters, concerts, shops, and restaurants.

Visit nearby Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Smith Colleges; the Yiddish Book Center; Northampton; Yankee Candle Company; Historic Deerfield; and Sturbridge Village. Free transportation is provided to and from the nearby Amtrak train depot, bus station, and the colleges.

Within an hour's drive, you will find the Hancock Shaker Village, Norman Rockwell Museum and Chesterwood Studio, the Clark Art Institute, and the new Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Festivals abound in the area year round, including Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, Berkshire Theater Festival, and the Tanglewood Summer Music Festival.