In This Post: When you’re looking for where to stay in New Bern, North Carolina, opt for the homey, historic experience of The Jarvis at 220, an immaculate bed and breakfast. (This post is in partnership with The Jarvis at 220. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own)
The Look: Outfit Details Here
As much as I enjoyed exploring the town of New Bern itself, I loved the Bed & Breakfast we stayed at just as much. Charming hosts, thoughtful decor, and homemade breakfast (I’d do anything for another stack of blueberry lemon pancakes!) made a stay at The Jarvis at 220 the perfect bonus getaway to add on to the end of a week in the Outer Banks with my family.
Built in 1903, Denise and Michael Gleason have since turned this historic home into an immaculate Bed & Breakfast and event venue that preserves history while extending an elevated, modern, and welcoming atmosphere. Just walking into the house, I could tell that every piece of decor and design element was intentional; I felt like I was opening the door to a story.
It was even more meaningful when I later found out Denise did all the decorating herself. I loved learning that many of the design choices were influenced by Charleston, a city I have recently fallen head over heels for. Having always been inspired by Charleston’s historic homes, she was determined to bring some of the coastal city’s fresh, sympathetic style to New Bern.
Each room has its own voice, but still contributes to the overall flow of the house. We had the privilege of staying in the Bruin Suite, which was complete with soft Robin’s Egg blue walls, a decorative fireplace, and a cozy seating area. The extra comfortable bed sits in front of a top to bottom bay window which still features the original 1903 curved glass, a signature element of Herbert Simpson, the initial architect of the house. Then there was the bathroom that made me feel like I was at a spa! The stone shower floor felt like it was giving my feet a massage every time I stepped on it, which even further added to the luxury of the space.
I also enjoyed how many spaces there are throughout the house meant for relaxing outside of your room. There are three lovely living rooms, a garden patio, a homey veranda, and a really cool hangout space in the basement called the Cellar Door, which is a 1,000 square ft pub with a pool table, board games, Foosball table, and 3 large screen TVs! Aside from the outstanding fresh breakfast, other notable amenities include snacks, bikes to borrow, comfy beds, free high speed internet, and a great location within walkable distance to everything New Bern has to offer.
While I can’t recommend it enough that you make a point to stay at the Jarvis at 220 for a night or two during your lifetime, it’s also an incredible event space. The property is quite unique because of its versatility. Whether the bride just needs a place to get ready or the couple is looking for an all-in-one experience for all the festivities, The Jarvis at 220 can cater to their needs! The property can host accommodations for up to 8 people (or more with the help of neighboring B&Bs) and seating for up to 200 people during the ceremony. Within the same location, the Cellar Door offers a photogenic spot for the boys to get ready, the open patio lends a beautiful atmosphere for the reception, and the space is even a convenient option for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, too!
The Look: Outfit Details Here
The Jarvis Suite (featured in the images below) is the largest room and has every important feature a bride needs in the room that she’s getting ready for her big day in – beautiful lighting, a huge bathroom, elegant decor, and a special place to hang her gown. When the entire property is booked, it becomes a place to call home for the weekend, lending a comfortable, intimate experience for the couple and their guests.
Despite how breathtaking the property itself is, my favorite part of staying there was truthfully the owners. I felt like I was staying with family, not hosts I had just met! I’m not sure if I’ve ever encountered anyone more genuine than Denise and Michael, and their efforts expended far beyond Southern hospitality. They are both so thrilled to have their daughter Megan (who works at the property) on this journey with them. She is equally as delightful and was even sweet enough to move my car for me so that I wouldn’t get a ticket!
Not just anyone could design a property as unique and personal as this, so I was incredibly eager to hear the story behind it!
It all began back in the Spring of 2017, when the empty nesters came down to New Bern to celebrate a friend’s birthday celebration. While making casual conversation at the get-together, a life coach and business broker said to them, “You need to move to New Bern and buy the B&B I have listed”. The next thing they knew, they were looking at a property (which was actually 4 houses down from the one they ended up purchasing). Having said nothing to each other on the walkthrough, over a bottle of wine poured into paper cups overlooking the water, Denise turned to Michael and said, “Okay, what do you think?”. Michael, who Denise proclaimed is the Devil’s advocate to the nth degree, said, “I think we’re buying a Bed and Breakfast and moving to New Bern”. The couple knew they were in for a long, uncharted road ahead (Michael was three days into his retirement from his career as a special education teacher and Denise was a flight attendant), but neither one of them wanted to ignore all of the signs showing that this was the right next chapter for their family.
In the beginning of September in 2018, they hosted their best friends as their first guests. Just five days later, Hurricane Florence hit. Shockingly, the property survived with 8 inches of ground water in the basement being the only damage. Despite the stress of being in the midst of launching a new business, Denise and Michael were determined to help those in need by housing two families displaced by the storm. Just a few short weeks later, The Jarvis at 220 officially opened in October.
Honestly, I was shocked to learn this B&B hadn’t even been open for a year yet because it seemed like everything came naturally to them. The thoughtful details, collaborative efforts, creative approaches to business, and comforting experience are at the level that you’d expect from hosts who have been doing this forever. Oh, and they have an adorable fluffy friend you get to hang out with, too! This is River.
Getting to this point hasn’t been without its challenges. Together, they have conquered a hurricane, the anxiety of knowing what to do next, running out of money, fighting to find a banker that believed in them, and renovating one of the bathrooms in just 20 days, along with so many other unexpected obstacles. They weren’t afraid to lean into each other and the community to make this dream happen, and they’ve learned a lot along the way.
On working with your significant other, Denise shared with me, “I never thought I’d be able to work with my husband as a business partner” and advised to “be supportive to each other but keep your sense of humor as well – that’s extremely important. Don’t forget that’s your best friend.”
On success and the power of networking, Michael expressed, “Share knowledge with people and pay it forward. Accept advice when you get in and pass it along because it comes back to you. Accept help and give help. Don’t be afraid to fail.”
Denise and Michael aren’t just out to have a successful business in New Bern; they’re committed to contributing to the welcoming, entrepreneurial spirit that’s already a part of this quaint town. Check out my Exploring New Bern post to read about the creative partnerships they’ve facilitated between The Jarvis at 220 and other local businesses! They are the kind of people that bring out the positivity, compassion, and happiness in you from the moment you start talking to them. I can only imagine the impact they’re having on New Bern by bringing their personalities to the area each and every day! It was a delight to meet them, and I plan to do everything I can to make another trip down to New Bern someday!
