Stonehurst Place

Built in 1896 by an Atlanta engineer for his family, the house that is now Stonehurst Place remained in the same family for 100 years. Then it was taken over by the current owners, who have outfitted the property with eco-friendly features and plenty of artwork. Hardwood floors are in beautiful contrast to modern black and white carpeting in the hallways. Two porches, a large one at the front and a screened one at the back, provide places to sit by the light of gas lanterns. The common areas have historic architectural details such as a brick fireplace or built-in bookshelves laden with volumes. The owners have amassed a collection of art and provide a paper copy of a self-guided art tour of the house in each room.

Though the calm, shaded street it sits on belies its true geographical location, this bed-and-breakfast is actually very conveniently situated a couple of blocks from Piedmont Park in midtown Atlanta. Most downtown attractions are about a half-hour walk away. There are several MARTA stations within a few blocks of the property; the airport is easily accessible via one of these (it takes about 30 minutes to reach from the hotel). There are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Four-poster canopy beds, tiled fireplaces, and marble bathroom vanities are just a few of the beautiful accents in these inviting rooms. Guests have commented favorably on such luxury touches as thyme bath salts and a decanter of filtered water with drinking glasses in each room. Some rooms have spa tubs and heated bathroom floors. All have LCD flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, iPod docks, air-conditioning, botanical toiletries, and hairdryers. Some have noted the room by the dining room has a tiny bathroom.

As some have noted, there are few facilities at Stonehurst Place. However, there are several places to relax and enjoy the beauty of the property. There is a garden with stone walkways and plenty of well-kept vegetation, as well as multiple sitting areas, including a screened-in porch with a coffeemaker and a guest computer. Several working fireplaces accent rooms with hardwood floors, and snacks made by the owners are an ever-present feature. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. Note that children under 16 are not allowed. 

This hotel was the first building in Atlanta to be approved and certified to drink rainwater. It has a very sophisticated collection system that gathers the water from the roof, and all of the water goes through a high-tech filtration system before entering the main house lines. When there's not enough rain the hotel uses the city water, which goes through the same filtration system. There are 10 solar panels on the roof that heat the hot water. Grey water is reused for irrigation throughout the yard and gardens.