It's a wonderful Georgian B&B with huge, colourful rooms and period fireplaces.
The regal staircase in the hotel's lobby -- and the fact that some rooms have period fireplaces -- are added attractions.
The mansion remained in the same family for four generations, Mr. Henckels said, and retains all of its original details, including 10 period fireplaces, a curved grand staircase and elaborate molding and woodwork.
But later, when a magazine article inspired her to try letting it out to photographers and film production companies, the place turned out to have everything they needed: big open spaces, lots of light, atmosphere and interesting photogenic features (period fireplaces, garden statuary, and pale but interesting walls are popular with fashion clients).
The paneling came from a castle in the south of France, and the Empire-period fireplace, he said, was built for one of Napoleon's residences.
The keep had relatively advanced fireplaces and flues for this period, the fireplace in the main chamber being exceptionally large and decorated with stone columns and carved capitals.
There are two separate suites, including a library, baby grand piano, 24-hour butler (though it escapes me why one would need a butler at 3 a.m ., flick-of-the-switch fireplace, period French furnishings, witty and festive oil paintings, and a bathroom that is so luxurious you may never get around to visiting Yosemite National Park at all.
CONS: The renovation is completely modern; no period details or fireplaces remain.
Stained Glass Manor, 2430 Drummond Street, Vicksburg, (601) 638-8893, www.vickbnb.com, has four rooms plus a carriage house, all with period pieces and fireplaces.
Although the house had lost period details, including fireplaces, during a 1970s renovation, it otherwise had "all the requirements," Ms. Chasanow said, including ample space and a good location.
