The 9 Most Picturesque Bed-and-Breakfasts in the Country

It’s the bed-and-breakfast you can, frankly, give a damn about--the estate was the inspiration for the Twelve Oaks residence you might remember from Gone With the Wind. Located just outside Atlanta, this Georgian estate built in the traditional antebellum style is both elegant and homey. Go ahead and picture yourself eating homemade strawberry-shortcake pancakes on the sun-drenched wraparound porch.

From the French-inspired rooms to the garden patio, this quaint inn exudes a quintessential New England vibe. The 12-room bed-and-breakfast is located just a stone’s throw away from the restaurants and shops on Main Street. The rooms don’t exactly come cheap, but then again, you’re on Nantucket.

Don’t be intimidated--the rooms are opulently decorated with fireplaces and antiques, but the Cliffside Inn remains friendly and down-to-earth. With a view of Newport’s First Beach and just a few miles from Newport’s Cliff Walk, this Victorian mansion is your ticket to exploring the estates you might recognize from The Great Gatsby.

The Zero George, which dates back to 1804, is the epitome of Southern charm--with a modern twist. Yes, the interiors are absolutely Architectural Digest-worthy, and yes, its sprawling estate contains three residences and two carriage houses, but it’s the food that will have you swooning. Oh, and you’ll be making it yourself in the on-site culinary school. Well, that’s optional.

Vacation officially begins when you sip some bourbon in the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail at this Springfield manor. Built in 1851, the mansion sits on 15 acres of lush land that includes an orchard, wildflower-lined walking paths and even an alpaca farm. Alpacas, people.

The Washington House Inn dates back to 1846, when the historic town of Cedarburg was founded. With wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool baths and daily Wisconsin cheese and wine happy hours, this comfortable and quaint inn is the retreat from city life you needed.

This Greek Revival-style mansion certainly bears resemblance to its D.C. namesake, and it contains all the splendor you might expect--a sweeping staircase, gold ceilings and stunning antiques. You’ll also eat like a king (or democratically elected official), with meals made from local ingredients, like farm-fresh eggs from just across the street and seasonal berries.

Foodies, this 1930s inn deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Set on an organic, working farm with fragrant lavender fields, gardens and even an apiary, Los Poblanos focuses on organic, farm-to-table ingredients. The Inn even offers cooking classes on the first Sunday of each month where you can hone your culinary skills and cook your own meal. And for the non-foodies: Um, did you see that pool?

A Sonoma staple, this pretty pink bed-and-breakfast is the perfect place to call home during your wine country getaway. Conveniently located a short walk away from Healdsburg’s downtown restaurants and wine-tasting rooms, you can sip on some California reds and then return for a dip in the villa-style swimming pool. So get your drink on, and then come back to the B&B for some serious R&R.