Chestnut Charm Bed & Breakfast

My wife and I just came back from an anniversary stay at the Chestnut Charm Bed and Breakfast. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves., and saw a lot of interesting things in the area. By way of background, we are experienced travelers, in the States, and elsewhere – we have stayed in a number of different types of accommodations here, in Canada, and in most of Europe. We are veterans. Here are some specifics. Our suite in the carriage house was spotless, roomy, had a lovely balcony on it and was very clean and comfortable AND quiet. It was, as one reviewer said, a step back into another era. IF you’re looking for modern and new, go somewhere else; if you’re looking for a relaxing time in another era, you want to come here. The breakfast was home-made, good and was served in a sun room which had a lot of plants which, not surprisingly are in dirt, as most plants are (unless they are plastic) We did not feel “unclean” at any time The owner was very helpful and understood privacy. When we first sat down for breakfast, she asked if we wanted her to join us and, at that time, we said no, and she very nicely went away and checked back in again. She was very helpful with suggestions on where to go and things to see; and if she felt she was offering too much information, she would back off quickly. If you don’t like suggestions, just say no. We certainly did not feel like “teenagers” as one reviewer put it. In short, this is an older place with old furniture and charm; yes, there wasn’t internet service in our room, so if you’re trying to conduct a lot of business, you might want to go elsewhere – but frankly, it was our anniversary and that’s the last thing I wanted to be tempted to do (there is an adequate WIFI router in the main room which you can use to check emails). We recommend this place.

We stayed here this past weekend. It was lovely. When I called for the reservation Barbara also told me about several places to visit on our way there. One was Walnut Iowa. It is filled with shops! Some great antiques and other fun places! She also told us about a wonderful restaurant, Redwood in Anita Iowa! It was fabulous! The food was the best I’ve had in years and they treat you wonderfully! Our room had a fireplace in it connecting the bedroom and bathroom. The Jacuzzi was great and also has a nice big tub and shower on it ! We had a cute little balcony also. She made us and egg omelette that was yummy and the best apple cinnamon muffin! She was a great host and told us many interesting facts about the Victorian home we were at.

This beautifully restored mansion features a formal sitting room, a music room and a light-filled atrium in which our breakfasts were served with courtesy and flare. Chef Barbara's creativity and expertise were on display with every breakfast. For example one morning we had fresh asparagus wrapped into scrambled eggs served with Iowa bacon, great coffee and juice. Another morning it was cinnamon baked apple serve with her own maple syrup. We felt comfortable immediately in our spacious room, This was just what we were looking for. Our hostess Barbara is a noted professional chef as well as informed source of information about the town of Atlantic and the surrounding areas.We loved roaming the grounds of the estate with its giant shade trees, lovely gazebo and native plants. . Truly, this is no" cookie cutter" type of lodging. We discovered Chestnut Charm allowed us to immerse ourselves into a nostalgic, sensory and peaceful setting. We will be back.

First of all, the room was nice but several things did not work… the fireplace and the heater in the jetted tub. Second, the website said the room was $125 and we were charged over $250. Breakfast cost an extra $10 per person and it was not worth the cost. We will not be back

Have you ever visited a Victorian house museum? One where you pay admission and walk through but can't touch anything or stay overnight? Well -- this is a hidden gem where you can look, touch, and stay overnight. The main house is a largely original 1898 Victorian -- grand oak staircase, larger front parlor, beautiful bedrooms, some with the original, operating 1898 plumbing, and some with their own sitting rooms. Many antiques -- but it is an operating house, not a museum stuffed with antiques. Plus, there is a separate rehabbed carriage house with modern plumbing, if you wish, including two-person bathtubs (no, we didn't try the tubs). The owner prepared a wonderful breakfast -- fresh baked peach and blueberry muffin, a poached egg on toast baked in a cup, bacon, etc. Two acres to wander and look at the plants. Very quiet. Reasonably priced. Recommended. Our grandson is 15, but young children are not recommended. Check the web site. We were late, didn't arrive until 10 pm, and the owner sat up for us.

My girlfriend and I found this place after the hotel we originally planned to stay at for a friend’s wedding, was fully booked. It was the best thing that could have happened, because Chestnut Charm B&B was such a great experience! It definitely made our trip from out of state, so good. From check-in to check-out, we were very well pleased with our stay. Barbara was very kind, down to earth and hospitable. She treated us as though we were family. Our room, Gretels Garden, was very clean and so homey. The jacuzzi tub was extremely relaxing and definitely got a lot of use during our weekend stay. The surrounding area, complete with trees, flowers, plants, and various wildlife was serene. Barbara made some of the healthiest and tastiest breakfast we’ve ever had! The fact that she uses stuff from her own garden is great. The coffee alone was so pure and smooth. We have absolutely nothing bad to say. This place far exceeded some of the best hotels we’ve stayed at in our travels. If you are looking for something serene, cozy, homey, friendly, with a delicious homemade breakfast, then this is the place for you. If we are to travel back to the Atlantic, Iowa area again, we will absolutely be staying here again. Thank you Barbara for a great experience!!!! - Jeremy & Danielle

It is obvious that the owner is writing her own reviews as they are far from the truth. After I posted the truth about this establishment with pictures, she posted a five star review saying that her heart aches about the negative reviews. Said that they couldn't be far from the truth. Well current pictures do not lie. I would rather sleep with the homeless than stay there again. We stayed there in August of 2021 right before her raving 5 star review.