Getaway: Bellwether House, Savannah, Georgia

By: Erin Byers Murray

There’s a cozy charm to Savannah, its moss-draped live oaks, meandering squares, and cobblestoned streets exuding warmth and welcome. Bellwether House, a 15-room boutique inn set in two historic townhouses a few blocks from Forsyth Park, carries that throughline, offering personalized hospitality. The building’s original Italianate, high-ceilinged grandeur has been restored, making for a luxuriously refined look and feel that’s also sustainably minded. Many suites include balconies that look out onto Gaston Street, while garden suites offer private access to the bricked courtyard where guests can relax into Adirondack chairs beside the fire pits or participate in a complimentary yoga class. Add in afternoon tea each day and a nightly Champagne sabrage and toast, as well as an all-day barista, and it’s just the place to make Savannah feel like home.

The Neighborhood Around Bellwether House

Bellwether House sits two blocks from historic Forsyth Park, which is home to a Saturday farmers market, and it’s just a handful of blocks from downtown and the many museums, hotels, restaurants, and bars that now pave the way to the riverfront.

The interior of Bellweather House. A corner table made of wood. The walls look like grey waves.

The Digs

One very long front porch spans the length of the building, welcoming visitors to sit a spell. Inside, rooms offer a stripped-down, coastal appeal thanks to linen comforters, woven sisal accents, and unassuming fine art along the walls (see if you can spot the Dalí or Picasso). A mix of king and queen suites are available with and without balconies—our pick is room number 10, a garden suite that features a broad, two-person shower wrapped in green tiling. A small spa room can be booked for a menu of customizable services, including a scented soak in your own private copper tub.

The Food Scene at Bellwether House

This is not the place to skip the first meal of the day—included with the room, brunch comes from chef Ryan Whyte-Buck, who honed his craft in Portland and New York before landing in Savannah. He puts an Indian spin on the menu here with dishes like tomato egg bhurji and syrniki, a fluffy, cottage-cheese enriched pancake. Tea service from 3 to 5 p.m. daily involves a selection of teas, coffees, and finger sandwiches like curried chicken, which arrive on an elegant crane statuette.