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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 |
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