Imagine staying in a bedroom that was once occupied by Union troops who commandeered the house during the Civil War.  Imagine hearing whispers in the hall between the Union captain and the homeowner’s daughter as they fell in love and made promises for the future.  Imagine the careful actions of the homeowner and his family as they hoped against hope their home wouldn’t be burned to the ground when the soldiers left Tuscaloosa and headed to another battleground.

Bama Bed and Breakfast, campus location, was built in 1823 as a result of a 125-acre land grant signed by President James Monroe, 5th President of the United States.  The home has been continually occupied since that date but didn’t officially open its doors as a Bed and Breakfast until August 2015, just in time for football season.  Bama B & B also has a lakeside location hosted by Marc and Kim Roberts.  Kim’s parents, Bob and Yvonne Schwartz, are the gracious hosts at the campus location.

It is a very striking structure.  The front columns were originally ordered for a building on the University of Alabama campus.  But, when the columns arrived, they didn’t fit, so this home at 46 Sherwood Drive was the lucky recipient.

Exterior of the Bama B & B campus location with columns originally intended for a university building.

I drove in at 10:00 a.m. on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day just hoping to be able to park my car in their lot while I toured Tuscaloosa.  But, Marc, Bob and Yvonne greeted me enthusiastically and insisted that I go ahead and bring in my bags.  I was led to the Capstone Suite where a beautifully-decorated room awaited.  My friend, Dr. Beth Long, and I were then given a quick tour of the gorgeous home filled with antiques and period furnishings and accessories.

Marc, Bob and Yvonne giving a warm welcome.

I noticed that the dining room table was adorned with houndstooth placemats and elephant napkin rings and casually (well, maybe not TOO casually) mentioned that I was a big Auburn fan.  In an extremely thoughtful gesture, when I came down for breakfast the next morning, those had been removed and some blue floral ones were in their place.  Now THAT my friends is personal, caring service.

Dining room complete with houndstooth placemats.

Speaking of breakfast, it was prepared primarily by Bob because Yvonne had had foot surgery a few weeks earlier.  He did a great job.  Delicious food.  Yvonne’s specialty — cocoa syrup (aka chocolate gravy)  — was a happily-anticipated treat.  Yvonne also had homemade cookies waiting in the foyer.

Foyer table with tempting treats

While I was in my room, I noticed that every possible need of an overnight guest had been provided — including a make-up towel, Q-tips, current magazines, and free wi-fi, just to name a FEW.  Inside the spacious closet was a safe, a microwave, a fridge, a Keurig machine, and a small icemaker.  Wow.  The bed linens were luxurious and so, so comfortable.

Spacious bathroom featuring a clawfoot tub.

Yellow and blue Capstone Suite.

Marc and Kim, Bob and Yvonne genuinely enjoy having guests.  If you are planning to visit Tuscaloosa in the future, I heartily recommend that you give either of their locations a try.

Bama Bed and Breakfast  Explore their website for all the necessary details.