The James Mulvey Carriage House Inn is a small, romantic retreat in Stillwater, a restored carriage house built in the style of an English country cottage on the grounds of a larger mansion. It has three themed suites with exposed beams, quilted throws, fireplaces and jetted tubs, and outside there is a shaded outdoor pool and a flower-filled garden. A breakfast café is within walking distance, as are the local sights, and the whole place has the secluded, couple-friendly feel that makes it a favourite for anniversaries and weekend escapes. With only three suites, the inn feels like a private cottage rather than a hotel, and the hosts can tell you where to go.
Location and getting around
The inn is within walking distance of Stillwater’s sights and its breakfast café, so you can explore downtown on foot. The riverfront, shops and the lift bridge are an easy stroll away. The historic hills where the trolley goes are nearby too. Ask the inn about parking and exact directions.
Rooms
Three themed suites mean you should choose carefully by theme and features, and book early because there are so few. Fireplaces make the suites cosy in winter, and the jetted tubs are a highlight. Because the property is small, there is no restaurant or lobby bar, so plan your dinners downtown. The pool is outdoors and shaded, so it is a seasonal pleasure.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners and travellers who want privacy and charm. It is not designed for large families, and children’s policies should be confirmed. Good to know: weekend and October dates fill months ahead, and a midweek stay gives you the best chance of availability. The inn does not suit guests who need lifts, staff on site at all hours or extensive amenities, so check before you reserve.
A small inn like this rewards advance planning: tell the hosts about anniversaries, dietary needs and arrival times, and ask for local recommendations for dinner, because the best tables in town book up on weekends. In winter the fireplaces and tubs make the suites a destination in themselves, and in summer the garden and pool take over. Either way, the pace here is slow and private, which is exactly the point.
Why stay here
- ✓Three themed suites
- ✓Restored carriage house
- ✓Shaded outdoor pool
- ✓Flower-filled garden
- ✓Fireplaces in suites
- ✓Jetted tubs
- ✓Exposed beams and quilted throws
- ✓Breakfast café within walking distance
Good questions
How many suites does the inn have?+
Three themed suites.
Does it have a pool?+
Yes. There is a shaded outdoor pool, which is a seasonal feature.
Is it good for couples?+
Yes. The inn is described as a secluded, couple-friendly retreat with fireplaces and jetted tubs.