Historic Natchez B&B With True Southern Hospitality
by Tommy Ford

We love Natchez, Mississippi. It's a wonderful small city, a perfect getaway for any history buff, antique shopper, couple looking for a romantic weekend, or friends looking to hang out and have fun.

Six Guest Rooms Are Available At Linden

For our most recent Natchez excursion we were privileged to stay at beautiful Linden Bed & Breakfast located at 1 Linden Place, just off of Melrose Avenue. Situated on over seven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the family home of Mrs. Jeanette Feltus is a gorgeous retreat from the bustle of the city.

First, some history. Linden was constructed around 1800. The home enjoyed several additions and ownership changes until being purchased in 1849 by Mrs. Jane Conner. Mrs. Conner moved into the home along with her thirteen children. One can easily imagine the house and grounds bustling with the activity of such a large family. The west wing, added during this time, housed a kitchen along with a school for the Conner children. The children of the current owner represent the sixth generation of Conner descendents to reside at Linden.

Today, Linden continues as the home of Mrs. Feltus while also offering six comfortable and wonderfully appointed guest rooms. All rooms are centrally heated and cooled. Each is furnished with beautiful antiques, including canopied beds and all feature private baths.

Mrs. Feltus Sharing Fascinating Details About Linden With Guests

A tour of the house takes about 30 minutes and was included with our stay. If you're tempted to skip the tour, don't. It is an absolute must. Mrs. Feltus and her staff are extremely knowledgeable about every detail of the home and it's history. A beautiful 1820 piano takes center stage in the parlor. Convex mirrors and hurricane lamps helped spread candlelight throughout the room. We were especially interested in the silk embroideries that hung on the wall. The faces, hands, and feet of the figures in the embroideries were painted which adds to the charm of the intricate needlework. Many of the antiques that furnish the home are from the Federal period which featured, as Mrs. Feltus explained, the first decorative arts made by Americans after independence.

Mrs. Feltus Demonstrating A Linden Jib Window

It is important to recall that in the era when Linden was constructed such taken for granted modern conveniences as air conditioning did not exist. How did anyone survive in the humid south without A/C? The ingenious builders of Linden had many solutions. One such solution is the "jib" window, demonstrated by Mrs. Feltus. The wall beneath the window panes can be opened. When all of the windows and doors of the home were opened even the slightest breeze would circulate through the home.

Delicious Southern Breakfast at Linden

A southern style breakfast is served in the main dining room which features a 14 foot ceiling and a Hepplewight banquet table. Everything was delicious, especially the small "tea biscuits." If you've never had them, try them. With jelly, or by themselves they were the perfect addition to our eggs and country ham. The staff was very attentive throughout the meal, and were always quick to offer a refill or bring another helping of biscuits.

While you're enjoying breakfast take a look around the room. On the walls you'll find 1836 Audubon prints along with those of Alexander Wilson. Don't miss the coin silver dining set, or the fascinating antique espresso maker.

The History of Linden Dates Back to 1800

We have stayed at B&B's that were little more than fancy hotels stuffed into history structures. Not so with Linden. It seems that here every nail has a fascinating story to tell which the gracious owner and her staff are eager to share. Throughout our stay we were made comfortable and welcome. Mrs. Feltus seems to know everything about Natchez. She offered to make dining reservations and recommended other area activities. It's no stretch to say that the folks at Linden treat their guests like family.

Backyard and Grounds of Linden

For ourselves, Linden felt like home and we left refreshed. Our only regret was that we couldn't stay longer.

To make reservations for your trip to Linden Bed & Breakfast call 601-445-5472.

We would like to thank Mrs. Feltus and staff for their hospitality and for assisting with our feature.

Linden B&B Google Map
1 Linden Place
Natchez, Mississippi 39120