Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast Inn

Specialties

Our goal is to understand our guests and deliver a lasting impression that involves all five senses: the sight of unusual antiques and comfortable surroundings, the sound of soft music, the touch of plush towels, the smell of the freshly ironed sheets, and the memorable taste of our signature breakfast items. From guest feedback, we know that these unique impressions keep our guests coming back time and time again. We look forward to welcoming you to Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast Inn.

History

Established in 1995.

Willis Graves was a prominent political figure in Boone county government and served as county clerk; sometime in the 1830s, he built an attractive federal brick home that featured Flemish bond brickwork and federal style mantels. This was the future home of Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast Inn.

The inn opened for business in August 1995 after a complete restoration (before and after photos can be found on our website), and about ten years after purchasing the Federal house, the Swartzels made another purchase — for $ 1 — to salvage a second historic landmark. This time it was an 1850s log cabin, originally owned by farmer William C. Rouse. The cabin sat squarely in the middle of a proposed runway at the Greater Cincinnati/​Northern Kentucky International Airport. It was reassembled and renovated piece by piece and opened to guests in November 2004.

Meet the Business Owner

Nancy and Bob S.

Business Owner

For many years, Cincinnatians Nancy and Bob Swartzel routinely passed the Willis Graves home, without a glance, on their way to the Burlington Antique Show at the Boone County Fairgrounds. One day a «For Sale» sign appeared in the yard and they took a closer look. In December of 1991, the Swartzels bought the property and began renovation under the direction of Master-​carpenter Bob Brames. Brames and his wife Jean (who are Nancy’s parents) worked with Nancy and Bob as they all poured sweat and determination into the project. In August 1995, the inn opened for business.

By 2001, it had gotten to be too much for Nancy’s parents to run. The decision for Nancy and Bob to become innkeepers came at the perfect time. Years before, it would have been difficult to sell the house in Edgewood with so many memories of the years spent raising their children, but one day it became the right thing to do and they have created new memories at this welcoming inn on the edge of a small town.