Bed Chambers at the Bloomsbury Inn
Inspected and Recommended by the South Carolina B&B Association.
Historic Bloomsbury limits itself to the number of guests it hosts each evening. Few Bed and Breakfasts can match the personal attention, intimate atmosphere, and concierge service guests receive. Attention to detail and quality of culinary arts are placed first for our guests. That is why Bloomsbury was selected as one of the top ten bed and breakfasts in the nation. Arrive at Bloomsbury and experience as Mary Boykin Chesnut said “Bloomsbury…home again.”
Bloomsbury hosts large bed chambers, 20' by 20' and 20' by 14', in
the primary home, elegantly appointed with fine furnishings and top amenities. Each
bed chamber features a comfortable sitting/reading area, a decorative fireplace
with the original 1830 mantel, and a private 1930's antique Italian marble
bathroom. Each bed chamber has been personally designed for your personal
comfort to include individually thermostat-controlled central heat/air.
The General’s Chamber
James Chesnut was the youngest of 13 children in a wealthy South Carolina family who owned five square miles of plantation land. His parents, James Chesnut, Sr, and Mary Cox Chesnut, built Bloomsbury in 1849. An 1837 graduate of law, College of New Jersey “Princeton”, James served 12 years in the South Carolina legislature before becoming a US Senator. He resigned his Senate seat after the 1860 presidential election to return home to serve on the committee that drafted the South Carolina secession ordinance. After Bull Run he served on the staff of President Jefferson Davis. In April 1864, James received a field duty assignment and was appointed a Brigadier General. Following the war, he resumed the practice of law and returned to his beloved wife, Mary Boykin Chesnut, and Camden, South Carolina. This 20’ by 20’ room features a king-sized bed, large sitting area, writing table, lighted world globe, all season fireplace and private bath. $169 all inclusive. Check Availability
The Mary Chesnut Chamber
Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of James Chesnut, was a woman of society in the best sense, noted for her personal warmth, great wit and acute mind. In her daily journal, 48 thin volumes, which eventually became A Diary of Dixie, she brought life to the daily tribulations and human dimensions of the Civil War. In this very house, 12 June 1865, she wrote, “And yet from my window I look out on many a gallant youth and maiden fair. The street is crowded, and it is a gay sight…They call the walk in front of Bloomsbury the boulevard”. This 20’ by 20’ room features a queen-sized rice bed, a large sitting area, a private dressing area, all season fireplace and private bath. $159 all inclusive. Check Availability
The Sweet Williams’ Chamber
James and Mary Chesnut referred to Mary’s sister’s children as the “Sweet Williams”. The Sweet Williams were the favored nieces and nephews. They were frequent visitors. Mary wrote that the Sweet Williams were much like their Mother, Kate—most agreeable and of good character. This 20’ by 14' room hosts an iron queen-sized bed, comfortable reading chairs, all season fireplace and private bath. $149 all inclusive. Check Availability
The Sarah “Sally” Chesnut Chamber
Miss Chesnut, sister of James Chesnut, Jr., inherited Bloomsbury upon the passing of her parents. Although she lived many years in the home, she was most proud of her presence of mind and cool self-possession in the face of the enemy. Camden, South Carolina, 31 March 1865, one Yankee Officer came in while the house was seated for breakfast, “Rebels have no rights,” Miss Chesnut said politely. “I suppose you have come to rob us. Please do so and go”. The man jumped up in rage and left empty-handed. Following the war, Miss Chesnut sold eggs to maintain Bloomsbury. This 20’ by 14’ room is truly a garden fair, featuring a queen-sized bed, a comfortable sitting space, all season fireplace and private bath. $149 all inclusive. Check Availability
