| The Carolina Bed and Breakfast
Carolina Bed and Breakfast, Helena Montana's historic Bed & Breakfast lodging in the heart of the Rockies.
A hotel room is a hotel room. If you are looking for something new, you want to stay somewhere that is a story unto itself. Experience the Carolina; luxury, comfort and quiet in the heart of Helena's historic district.
The Carolina Bed and Breakfast is the perfect Helena Montana destination for your bed and breakfast stay, intimate escape, vacation, or wedding! Whether you are looking to elope or have a grand weekend event we can help you through every step of the way. Your family and friends will cherish the intimate space, amazing food and of course the stellar views.
The Carolina Bed & Breakfast is ideally appointed for the vacationer or business traveler with six exquisite bedrooms featuring private phone lines, overhead fans and cable TV (air conditioning will be added in the spring). The spacious third floor includes a spacious 2-bedroom suite with library and living area. The third floor conference room can accommodate 20 and includes a business center. Across from the Governor's Mansion, the Carolina is a short walk from St. Helena Cathedral and architecturally - rich downtown Helena. A full breakfast is served including fresh fruits and pastries followed by an entire breakfast such as our farmer's omelet. Complimentary airport pick-up can be arranged.
Directions: Carolina Bed & Breakfast is located in the heart of Helena's historic district. The Carolina is across the street from the original governors mansion and is within a very short walking distance from St. Helena Cathedral, the Holter Museum and architecturally - rich downtown Helena. From the airport: Exit on Skyline Drive then turn left on Washington. Make a right on Cedar Street proceed to Montana Avenue (get in right lane), then turn right on 11th Avenue. Continue on 11th to Ewing, turn left on Ewing (you will see the sign that says 5 blocks to Governor's Mansion and St. Helena Cathedral is also on the corner of 11th and Ewing. Proceed 5 blocks.
The History of Helena Montana
This magnificent mansion, located in the heart of Helena's historic district, was commissioned by railroad contractor Peter Larson whose home was located across the street and would later become Montana's first Governor's mansion. Mr. Larson commissioned the home in 1904, it was completed three years later in 1907 and presented as a wedding gift to Larson's daughter Mable and future son-in-law Charles B. Power. Charles was the only child of Thomas C. Power, Montana's first senator and business mogul. Charles and Mable, their two children and five servants lived in the home until 1914.
In addition to the Power name, the home's abstract of title reveals a virtual who's who of early Helena society, including Wellington Rankin. Wellington, a prominent lawyer and rancher was brother to suffragist, activist and first U.S. congresswoman Jeanette Rankin who remains one of the most notable women in American history and brings continued notoriety to the home. The Rankin room is named in honor of Jeanette, who favored this northeast guestroom when visiting. Another family of particular interest were the Chevaliers, prominent ranchers near Great Falls who spent their winters in Helena and resided in the mansion throughout the school year so that their children could attend school. There were eleven children in all, either of school age or younger. The youngest and sole survivor of these children visited the Carolina in 2002. It was her first visit since childhood and what a delightful lady; she was at the time of her visit over 90 years of age. She clearly recalled the home and shared her memories through the eyes of a child, what a special experience that was for her as well as myself.
Although often referred to as the Rankin home, the home is officially listed on the National Historic Registry as the C.B. Power Mansion. The grand design reflects a variety of the emerging turn-of-the-century trends and influences, most apparently that of the Arts and Crafts movement. Magnificent woodwork throughout the house especially showcases the masterful craftsmanship and timeless beauty of this era.
Extensive efforts to restore the home to it's original glory were undertaken in the early 1990's by former owners Mike and Debbie Corak. Their dedication to this effort received National recognition, when in 1998 the home was featured on Bob Villa's Restore America. Additional remodeling efforts began when the home was purchased in 1999 by Colleen Cox and her husband with the dream of establishing a bed and breakfast. In addition te extensive personal touches to better reflect her personal style, Colleen added several bathrooms. Thus each of the seven guestrooms boasts a private bath which beautifully compliment the home. A second "commercial" kitchen was added and one of the two carriage houses was remodeled into a truly beautiful conference area.
The following are links to national bed and breakfast websites in other areas complete with room rates and local attractions similar to what we've provided you here for Helena Montana.
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