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 […]
About Gillen House B&B
Take a ride in the slow lane
The Gillen House Bed and Breakfast opened in April 2019 as a place to relax and escape from the everyday routine of life. Offering four comfortable guest rooms, with full en-suite bathrooms each appointed with comfortable furniture, relaxed colors, and wonderful artwork. When you stay at the Gillen House, a gourmet breakfast is included, and each day allows for new menu offerings. Evening dining may be arranged by request when making your reservation.
The property consists of 2 acres of grounds with a manicured lawn and extensive flower gardens, a pecan orchard, a vegetable & herb garden, a turtle pond, a bocce ball court, and a golf putting and chipping green. Relaxing on the property is easy with many spaces to prop up your feet and enjoy the country pace. The back patio with the sounds of the waterfall or the upstairs screen porch to take in a wonderful sunset are some of our guests’ favorites. Located in Maxeys Georgia, the Gillen House B&B is a short drive east of Athens. In addition to the enjoyment of the house and property, there are many great things to explore in and around the area.
Proprietors & Staff
Cynzia Sanchez and Edward Toledano had a vision of creating a place to slow down, relax, breathe, and be in the moment. Discovering the beautiful home located in Maxeys, Georgia, they embarked on the creative adventure called the Gillen House Bed and Breakfast.
Escaping the big city of Atlanta and all that that comes with living in a place with eight million other people, they were both ready to make a lifestyle change. Cynzia was co-owner of a successful moving company that has been in business 30 years, and Edward had a marketing and sales career that spanned 25 years. They both desired a life of creative living and enjoyment of being with others and they took the plunge having created an oasis in the country of east Georgia.
Cynzia is an accomplished artist, with a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and an Architectural Degree from Georgia Tech. Her creative needs were not being met in the city, and a country escape to allow her to pursue art career is a main reason for the opening of the Gillen House. She now has her studio in the house and also displays her work throughout the house as her Gallery.
Edward has a creative focus in art as well. His work is mainly photography and art made with found objects. Additionally, his love of the outdoors and landscape architecture was a draw to the wonderful piece of land with mature plants and trees.
We have four wonderful cats who are on property. Waffles(17), Ricky Bobby (3) and Binx (5) and Monday (2). They stay in our quarters or outside, and they all would most likely allow for a few pets and rubs.
Cynzia and Edward both have the desire to share their home with friends and guests, while having the opportunity to be a part of a community that is welcoming and caring. They invite everyone to come and Enjoy the SlowLane for a while.
Affiliations
The Gillen House is proud to be affiliated with prestigious organizations and businesses that share our commitment to excellence and community engagement. As a distinguished member of Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North America, we stand as part of an exclusive group dedicated to upholding the highest standards in the bed and breakfast industry. Our support extends beyond our walls, as we actively contribute to our community by endorsing the annual parade and sponsoring the Rails to Trails Firefly Bike Trail—a 40-mile bike and walk path where we proudly serve as the midpoint. Furthering our local ties, we are deeply involved in Oglethorpe County, a community we are honored to support and be a part of. Additionally, as a founding member of the Women’s Art Guild of Oglethorpe County, we celebrate the vibrant arts scene in our region. Our commitment to fostering connections extends to the Chamber of Commerce, and through Cynzia Sanchez Studios, we showcase the fusion of artwork and architectural design, creating a unique and enriching experience for our guests.
Cynzia Sanchez – Portrait Artist
Sanchez’s artistic prowess seamlessly navigates the realms of contemporary realism, skillfully oscillating between portraiture and the abstraction of the human form. In her nuanced exploration of diverse subjects, Cynzia’s portfolio encapsulates the breadth of human and animal experiences. In portraiture, she endeavors to encapsulate the very essence of the soul, whether it be human or animal. When delving into landscapes, Cynzia’s artistic inclination leans towards simplification, acknowledging the inherent perfection of nature. As a mother, she has acquired the delicate art of balance, and as a woman, she delves into the intricacies of societal expectations, investigating the psychology behind the transformation of self to conform. To witness the captivating spectrum of Cynzia’s artistic expression, visit her gallery at www.cynziasanchez.net.
History of the Gillen House
In 1838, at the age of 20, Andrew Gillen Sr. came to America from Ireland and settled in Pennsylvania for two years, then moved to Penfield, Greene County, Georgia in 1840. He was a drainer by trade, having learned that profession in Ireland. He was a Catholic when he came to Georgia but soon after arriving joined the Baptist church. Sometime around 1850 he moved to Oglethorpe County, planting his family’s roots in Maxeys, Georgia. The Gillens have been connected with the business life of Maxeys and its vicinity almost since the formation of the town. Gillen Sr. acquired many acres of land and became a well-to-do planter. One remarkable thing about his life is that he never entered a courthouse – as he didn’t believe in court – thinking it was not right that everybody should obey the law. He married Elizabeth J. Tuggle in 1852 and had four children; Samuel Thomas, Patrick H, Andrew J, Franklin D.
Andrew J.Gillen Jr. – Builder of the Gillen House in 1920
Andrew J. Gillen Jr. was born in Maxeys in 1862. He was one of the leading merchants in town. He promoted the development of Maxeys by selling lots and building homes to attract new settlers. He established a large department store known as The Gillen Department Store, carrying a full line of ready-to-wear, shoes, and millinery, in addition to all kinds of farm equipment. He served for several years on the county Board of Education.
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