Peace radiates from The Stone House in Chester, Illinois, and a cool Mississippi River breeze washed over us as we walked up to the door. This bed and breakfast was a Presbyterian church built in 1846 and has been lovingly restored by innkeeper Sandra Starr. There is a patio on the main level with a wide view of the river and an even more splendid view from the top floor porch. From our suite, I set up a temporary office in the window looking out on the famous and eternal river while my husband relaxed on the sunny porch reading novels. The Stone House is tastefully decorated in neutral colors with art from Egypt, line drawings by American artists, and other artifacts. Our bed was so very comfortable with the best quality bed and bath linens, organic amenities like lavender soaps and everything we could possibly need. The breakfasts were outstanding and unusual: a palate-pleasing pesto strata one morning with delicious ham and oatmeal pancakes with walnuts and home-made sausage the next. Both days, fresh fruits and juices were plentiful and added lovely color to our breakfast tables. The constancy of the river and a hostess who radiates welcome and peace made our trip to The Stone House an oasis of relaxation and comfort and a place where one’s creativity can soar!
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