When Naomi Perryman, a former nurse and interior designer, decided to open a bed and breakfast, the house in her mind couldn't be found. She specifically wanted an inn providing a home- away-from-home setting for business travelers. Her husband, Jim, produced plans to transform Naomi's envisioned bed and breakfast into a traveler's oasis in Columbia's Historic Preservation District.
The construction of Richland Street Inn began in 1992. Nine moths later, Naomi proudly welcomed her first guests--she's had few spare moments (or rooms) since. The Perrymans reside on the premises.
The exterior of the Victorian style home features a gazebo, connected to the corner of the porch, a balcony, and two levels of decorative spindles between hand-hewn columns. The handsome entrance introduces the inn's ribbon motif, artistically incorporated into the transom and side lights. Custom-designed and made by a North Carolina artist, the stained glass transom features a lavender Victorian bow with the bow's streamers gracefully cascading down each sidelight.
As soon as one steps into the wide hallway, he knows he's in an extraordinary place. In addition to receiving The Historic Preservation A- ward in 1994, The Richmond Street Bed and Breakfast proudly displays four coveted จจจจ awards, bestowed by SC's AAA, for the four of the five years the inn has been in business.
Guest rooms bear the names of living South Carolina governors. Beautifully appointed with an eclectic mixture of polished antiques and traditional furnishings, each room includes a private telephone line and modem, cable TV, working space--all with the business traveler's convenience in mind. Guests are tempted by a jar of assorted candies, next to their bed, in addition to minted chocolates placed upon their pillow at turn-down time. Ribbon-wrapped Richland Street stationery rests upon the night stand. Bathrooms include hairdryers, personalized toiletries, terry cloth bathrobes and colored towels embroidered with Richland Street's ribbon logo and name.
In addition to finding business necessities available for usage (such as a facsimile machine), guests of Richland Street Bed and Breakfast find a wide array of niceties as well. The inn owns a white stretch limousine, with the inn's name on each door, providing limo service for those desiring it. In addition, a security system, a totally smoke-free environment with electrostatic air filters, and sautomatic motion security lighting (in the off-street parking area) provide an overview of how Naomi spares nothing when it comes to providing the ultimate in accommodations and services at her inn. Complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, and ice are always available for guests in the commodious gathering room, and Naomi serves freshly baked cookies each afternoon between 4-6 p.m.
There's no better way to start a hectic work day than with one of Naomi's varied, Continental deluxe breakfasts. Even though her breakfasts may taste too good to be low-fat, Naomi adheres to health-conscious food preparation. For an extra charge, breakfast may be served in one's room or on their adjoining porch.
Whether a place is needed for producing one's work or propping up one's feet, Richland Street Inn offers a stellar combination--one which will draw you back again and again whether you're beckoned by business or not.
NOTE: Reviewed in the Spring 1998 issue of The INNside Scoop by Maxine Pinson. Copyrighted 1998.
INN: Richland Street Bed & Breakfast;
LOCATION: 1425 Richland St.; Columbia, SC;
TEL.: 803-779-7001;
FAX: 803-256-3725;
ACCOMMODATIONS: 7guest rooms; w/private baths + 1 suite; Rooms for physically impaired: Yes;
PARKING: Off-street, well-lit;
BREAKFAST: Deluxe continental;
RATES: $79-$140;
CREDIT CARDS: All major;
SMOKING: No;
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS: Harper's Restaurant (252-2222);
PUBLICATIONS: Southern Inns; Travel Host
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