The Newport House is an authentic Williamsburg Bed and Breakfast where you can immerse yourself in the colonial period without sacrificing comfort.

The Newport House was built to museum standards in 1988 from the 1756 design by famous architect Peter Harrison for an important plantation house near Newport, RI, that was destroyed on its 200th birthday to make way for a car-park. The Yorkshire-trained Harrison (1716-1775), a resident of Newport, designed over 300 important buildings in North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. He was the first global architect. Many commissioned his work out of gratitude for his having foiled a French invasion in 1745.

The Newport House is furnished totally in the period with English and American antiques and reproductions, most of which are available for sale (to guests only) upon request. Each spacious bedroom contains two 4-poster canopy beds and historically authentic blankets. All guests can enjoy their air-conditioned rooms in the warmer months and a private bathroom.

A full breakfast in the morning usually includes delicious dishes made from authentic colonial recipes, and an interesting historical lecture by your host.

Newport House has off-street parking and is only a five-minute walk from Colonial Williamsburg, the College of William & Mary and the Law School. Within a short drive are Jamestown (where English America began in 1607), Yorktown (where independence was won in 1781), the James & York River Plantations open to the public including Carter's Grove, Shirley, Berkeley, Bacon's Castle, Wilton, Nelson House, the ruins of Rosewell, the grounds of Westover and Brandon, and the Mariners Museum. Just to see the historic attractions of the area will take you over a week, but even if you have only a few days your hosts are experts at tailoring historic tours to fit your needs.

Newport House is only a few minutes' drive from Busch Gardens, Water Country, and the Williamsburg Pottery. The almost deserted salt-water beaches (water 70+ degrees F mid-May to mid-October) are only 40 minutes away by car. The Newport House hosts Colonial Country Dancing in their beautiful historic ballroom. You can watch or participate - beginners welcome. Guests are also free to play the harpsichord if it is not otherwise being used. Your hosts can arrange for you to rent colonial clothing, either for your entire stay or simply to go out to dinner at one of the colonial taverns. You are welcome to use the elegant living room with a cozy fireplace, stretch on a hammock between two pecan trees, or stroll through the Inn's gardens of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Newport House's true authenticity may amaze you. Like many of repeat guests, you too will want to experience a bit of history over and over again.

About Your Innkeepers

Cathy Millar is a Registered Nurse; her hobbies include gardening, beekeeping, needlework, and making 18th-century clothing.

John Fitzhugh Millar is a former museum director and captain of an historic full-rigged ship; he built full-sized operational copies of two Revolutionary War Ships for the Bicentennial, the 24-gun frigate Rose in 1969 (that caused the founding of the American Navy), and the 12-gun sloop Providence in 1974 (first ship authorized by congress for the Navy in October, 1775). (The Millars have no present connect with either ship.) John is also the author and publisher of many historical books -- autographed copies are available for sale at the inn.

Both are descended from people living in the Williamsburg area in the 18th century. Their son Ian was born in 1991. Also in residence is a pet rabbit, Napoleon Bunnyparts