Christopher Dodge Bed and Breakfast: Providence, Rhode Island

Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island.
Benefit Street in Providence, Rhode Island
The entrance to the Old Courthouse on Benefit St.
The entrance to the Old Courthouse on Benefit St.

By Shelley Seale
Senior Writer

There are some places in the United States that allow you to feel as if you’ve truly stepped back in time. Offering glimpses into bygone eras, these places give us an entirely different experience from our modern everyday lives.

Benefit Street in Providence, Rhode Island is one of those places. Dating from the 1700s, this “Mile of History” has one of the largest concentration of colonial homes in America. From beautifully restored cottages to imposing Federal style homes to huge, opulent mansions — a walk along this street is a treasure.

The historic Christopher G. Dodge House  is located right in the middle of this bygone glory, at 144 Benefit Street. Stepping through its doors, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a more gracious era.

The Property

Built in 1863 by Alpheus Morse, Old Court was originally a rectory. It sits next to the historic Rhode Island Courthouse, which currently houses the Rhode Island Historical Preservation Commission. Italianate in design, the Christopher Dodge reflects early Victorian styles including the passion for ornate Italian mantlepieces, plaster mouldings, and twelve foot ceilings.

Filled with antique furniture, chandeliers and memorabilia from the nineteenth century, the Dodge Bed and Breakfast is a refreshing reminder of the sophisticated styles of a century past.

The Rooms

A bedroom in the Christopher Dodge Inn in Providence, RI.
A bedroom in the Christopher Dodge Inn in Providence, RI.

Each of the ten rooms has been carefully designed to reflect period tastes; yet still offer every convenience of Twenty-first Century. The charm and decor harken back to simpler times, with antique Victorian beds which have been modified so that they are as comfortable and spacious as modern day beds.

All rooms have private baths, television and telephone; some have wet bars. Each room possesses a personality and a charm all its own. Ranging from the ornateness of Rococo Revival to the intricacy of Eastlake refinement, the Old Court encompasses the best of nineteenth century decors. Some rooms overlook the Capitol and downtown Providence.

A bedroom at the Inn in Providence, RI.
A bedroom at the Inn.

Amenities

Complimentary wi-fi and onsite parking are provided, and there are always a tray of baked goodies, along with tea and coffee selections, available for guests.

Breakfast is served every morning in the beautiful dining room on the first floor. You can enjoy croissants with butter, pastry, juice and a full home made breakfast as you sit in the midst of elegant surroundings.

Where It’s At

Dining room at the Old Court House Inn.
Dining room at the Old Court House Inn.

The location is the heart of Providence. Created in the mid-18th century “for the benefit of all,” the colonial thoroughfare on which the Dodge sits shows off an enviable collection of 18th and 19th century wood-frame houses.

Although the street gives the appearance of being a museum mile, it is actually a vital urban neighborhood enhanced by on-going preservation efforts since the 1950s.

Beautifully restored houses, churches and museums overlook the city’s historic waterfront. A three-minute walk puts you in the center of downtown Providence or in the middle of the campuses of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design.

Insider Tip

Self-guided and guided ($15) walking tours of Benefit Street and “A Guide to Providence Architecture” available from the Providence Preservation Society. website

Benefit St Providence RI, one of many brick sidewalked streets of this pretty small city.
Benefit St Providence RI, one of many brick side walked streets of this pretty small city.

Details:

144 Benefit St
Providence RI 02903
Phone: 401-751-2002
Website:

Providence Tourism Info
Rhode Island Tourism Info

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