The Newport House takes the prize for the most unusual bed-and-breakfast in Williamsburg, if not all of Tide water Virginia. It is a meticulous reproduction of a house that once stood in Newport, Rhode Island, designed by the Colonial architect Peter Harrison. The three-story, dormered structure, painted creamy yellow, stands just across the street from the William and Mary Law School on a small lot that contains an herb garden. It is furnished in period style, with English and American antiques and reproductions. Both guest rooms have canopy beds.
The owners, Cathy and John Millar, are practicing Colonial country dancers; they hold country dancing from 8PM to 10PM in the ballroom on Tuesday and, occasionally, Scottish country dances on Thursday. (They can also arrange for costume rentals.) Breakfast, from Colonial recipes, is accompanied by a fascinating historical lecture given by John, who also shares his video library of movies set in the 18th century with guests.
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