A cozy bed & breakfast retreat in Maxeys, GA, just outside Athens
Discover a haven where you can unwind and break free from the monotony of daily life. Our charming bed and breakfast, the Gillen House, invites you to experience tranquility in one of our four cozy guest rooms, each boasting full en-suite bathrooms, plush furnishings, soothing colors, and captivating artwork. Your stay with us includes a delightful gourmet breakfast, featuring a daily-changing menu to ensure a culinary adventure. For those seeking an intimate evening dining experience, simply request it when making your reservation.
Nestled on a sprawling 2.5-acre property in Maxeys, Georgia, the Gillen House offers a picturesque retreat with manicured lawns, vibrant flower gardens, a pecan orchard, vegetable and herb gardens, a turtle and fish pond, and a golf putting and chipping green. Numerous inviting spots allow you to relax and savor the unhurried pace of the countryside. Whether it’s the soothing sounds of the waterfall on the back patio or the breathtaking sunset views from the upstairs screen porch, our guests often find their own favorite spots to unwind.
Conveniently located a short drive east of Athens, the Gillen House not only provides a delightful escape within its walls but also serves as a gateway to exploring the wonders of Athens, Lexington, Greensboro and the surrounding areas.
Rooms
About our Bed & Breakfast Inn
Our proprietors, seeking a tranquil escape from city life, discovered their haven in Maxeys, Georgia – the Gillen House Bed and Breakfast. Formerly entrepreneurs in Atlanta, their artistic pursuits and passion for hospitality found expression in this idyllic country retreat. Together, they welcome guests to experience the serenity of Gillen House, where the lush landscape and the company of four charming cats enhance the slow-paced charm they call the SlowLane.
Amenities
While immersing yourself in the enchantment of our inn, a plethora of carefully crafted amenities awaits, ensuring an enhanced and tailored experience for every guest. Immerse yourself in the allure of our establishment, where a harmonious blend of hospitality, meticulous attention to detail, and a Southern touch eagerly anticipate your arrival. It is with genuine excitement that we anticipate the pleasure of hosting you and creating a stay that is both delightful and memorable.
Events
At the Gillen House, we take immense joy in transforming special occasions into unforgettable moments. Our idyllic setting, enveloped in the tranquility of nature, provides the perfect backdrop for hosting weddings and a variety of gatherings. Whether you envision exchanging vows in our lush gardens, celebrating with friends and family on our manicured lawn, or toasting to milestones on our charming patio, our versatile spaces cater to the unique essence of your event. Let the Gillen House be the canvas for your cherished memories, where every celebration is a masterpiece.
Things to do in the area
Check out our personalized blog!
How we got here
Let’s move to Northern Scotland to open a restaurant and art Gallery in the wonderful town of Dornoch! That was our direction in late 2017 and early 2018. The process was underway to completely change course and embark on a great adventure in a foreign country! Change. The most constant occurrence in our lives. It […]
Looking for the best place to stay in the Maxeys, Athens area? See what our previous guests say!
Lexi & Silas2023-11-06Our stay was amazing!! Edward and Cynzia (and their kitties) are the best hosts and wonderful people! Will be staying here again :)
Owen Jones2023-10-10Where to start? I stayed here with 3 friends for a night of cards, beers and laughter before heading to Durhamtown off-road resort the next morning. Our hosts, Edward and Cynzia were very responsive via email and were there to greet us upon arrival, which was early! Our rooms were all ready and, after a brief tour and history of the building, we were shown to our rooms. The rooms are all different, decorated with a nod to the original style but with a modern twist. The bathrooms and showers are all modern and beautiful. The beds are FANTASTIC! Very comfortable indeed. I had booked dinner there and it was all cooked to perfection and enjoyed with our hosts in the dining room. Plenty of attention to detail made this meal a very welcome and enjoyable one. The entire house is riddled with artwork by the very talented Cynzia and it was a joy to see something very different than the usual prints you see at a B&B. There has been much effort put in to restoring this old house and it shows. No detail too small and the grounds are also a fantastic place to relax, party, putt, eat etc. Edward even delivered us a charcuterie board while we sat outside enjoying the sun. Our entire stay was fabulous and definitely exceeded expectations. They have thought of everything and made sure to let us know that nothing was too much trouble. I’d go back again in a heartbeat. I’d even adjust my plans to “be in the area” so I can stay there again. Thanks for a great stay!
Stephanie Meer2023-09-27Have no worries of booking at Gillen House. The property is immaculate there is not a weed or piece of dust to be found. The house is charming with beautiful woodwork, great decor, large rooms and everything is CLEAN and COMFORTABLE including the sheets. The food is wonderful an the hosts are lovely. Book with confidence.
Kara Smith2023-06-06My husband and I stayed at the Gillen House Bed and Breakfast to celebrate our anniversary. The property is beautiful, both inside and out. Rooms are large and lovingly decorated in unique artwork, primarily by the owners, as both are artists. They did a major renovation to update the main structures and bathrooms but kept the charm of the hundred year old home. After arrival and tour of the home, we enjoyed a delicious dinner al fresco. The bed was comfortable and breakfast was outstanding. Edward and Cynzia's hospitality is top notch. We only stayed one night, but left feeling like we were long time friends.
David B2023-05-28The Gillen House was a highlight of our recent trip to the southern Appalachians! It is located in the small, quiet central GA town of Maxeys about an hour east of Atlanta, removed from all the hustle and bustle of the city. From the moment we arrived, the hosts Edward and Cynzia were very welcoming and professional, while also making you feel like you’re with family. The property itself is the beautiful historic home of the prominent businessman and developer in the area 100 years ago. Both Edward and Cynzia are very accomplished experts in their own complementary areas in culinary skills, groundskeeping, architecture, art, renovation, etc which together make for an impressive property and culinary experience. They gave us an interesting, informative tour of the property and we enjoyed an optional dinner which Edward skillfully prepared and presented. We then enjoyed coffee outside under the pretty Georgia night sky in the peaceful backyard. Their spacious (a couple of acres) backyard has a vegetable garden, fish & turtle pond, wildflower garden, large area for special events such as weddings and reunions, and numerous thoughtfully placed seating areas for groups or secluded couple’s conversations. The home has been skillfully restored, updated to modern standards while preserving the historic integrity. We stayed in the Azul (Blue) room and it and all the rooms were beautifully furnished and had comfortable mattresses and ample amenities. There were complementary snacks and drinks, and even a drawer stocked with items you might have forgotten to bring. Cynzia is an accomplished artist and the house is decorated with her artwork. The included breakfast the next morning was once again a special presentation with fresh fruits and locally sourced items. We can’t say enough about how nice, relaxing, and enjoyable our stay was. Whether for an intimate couple getaway, a quiet escape from the city, or as a venue for special events, Gillen House is a superb choice!!!
Jamie Stephens2023-04-09My husband and I stayed at Gillen House for one night on our way to watch the Masters Golf Tournament. I wish we had stayed longer. Edward & Cynzia were wonderful hosts. Both are talented artists, and their work is displayed throughout the house. Knowing our plans, special "Masters" treats were prepared for us. The food they prepared was excellent. The grounds were beautiful and welcoming. We hope to come back soon.
Jim2022-11-01Easygoing good people, delicious food and relaxing atmosphere. We were treated like family. Thank you Edward and Cynzia Jim and Lynn
Cricket2022-09-08Gillen B&B pays attention every little detail…. From extra chargers, to sound machines, to filtered water…. You will want for nothing during your stay. The hosts are delightful and engaging. We highly recommend the b&b - it’s impeccably clean, super comfortable, and very relaxing.
Emily McClatchey2022-08-20I don’t know what kind of feng shui magic Cynzia and Edward piped into this place, but I have never in my life had such a relaxing visit anywhere in the world. I slept as well as I did before I had children 11 years ago, and I am considering booking another visit imminently simply for the sleep. The only downside is that while I am sleeping I can’t be cozying into one of their many perfect nooks with a book, exploring the beautiful gardens, or catching a breeze on the front porch with a crisp glass of white wine and their to-die-for crackers with tapenade. Had a lovely and delicious dinner with some other guests who seemed equally enchanted as I was with this gem of a place- what a memorable stay that beckons me back ASAP. A MUST STAY.
Cristina Ott2022-08-10We had the pleasure of staying here this past weekend, the history and the beauty of this home is impeccable! Each antique piece of the home has a story behind it. Edward and Cynzia were amazing hosts! We had a lovely dinner when we arrived and got settled in. The art in the home is created by Cynzia so it’s like walking into a gallery/studio! Highly highly recommend this Bed & Breakfast! Best one we have ever been to! We learned so much about the town and the home! We got to meet their sweet house mates! The view’s and the scenery give off such a homey vibe! We definitely plan to come back and stay here anytime we are in Georgia!
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