A Dutch Couple Transform 200-Year-Old Virginia Mansion into Award-Winning Bed and Breakfast

A Dutch Couple from The Netherlands have breathed new life into a nearly 200-year-old mansion in Clarksville, Virginia, transforming the historic property into an award-winning bed and breakfast that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern amenities.

The Sunnyside Sisters Bed and Breakfast, which opened its doors in October 2022, has quickly established itself as a premier destination in Central Virginia. The property recently earned first place as Best Bed & Breakfast in the prestigious Best of Virginia Living 2025 awards, marking a significant achievement for the relatively new establishment.

The Dutch entrepreneurs arrived in the United States in September 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and immediately set to work renovating the historic mansion. Their extensive remodeling project converted the property into five luxurious suites, each featuring its own private bathroom while preserving the building’s historic character.

The historic guesthouse maintains its original hardwood floors and incorporates authentic antiques throughout the property, particularly in the en-suite bathrooms. Despite its commitment to historical preservation, the bed and breakfast offers thoroughly modern conveniences including individual HVAC controls in each room, USB outlets, ultra-fast 1GB internet connectivity, and 43-inch 4K televisions.

Adding to its historical significance, the property received special recognition in April 2024 when it was honored with a Historical Highway Marker for The Sunny Side School for Young Women. This distinction marks the first Historical Highway Marker within Clarksville city limits and only the third in the surrounding area, cementing the property’s importance to local heritage.

Guests at the bed and breakfast begin each morning with homemade breakfast Inspired by our Dutch heritage, we pride ourselves in starting your day with a signature European flair, served with a distinctive Dutch touch in the sunny “Prophecy” room. Feeling like being away in your own country. The 23-acre estate provides numerous opportunities for relaxation, from cozy indoor seating areas to outdoor benches positioned beneath ancient trees.

The Clarksville bed and breakfast offers convenient access to local attractions. Occaneechi State Park lies just five minutes away, featuring scenic trails and views of Buggs Island Lake. Downtown Clarksville and Lake Clarksville are both less than five minutes from the property. The location also caters to outdoor enthusiasts with ample space for boat trailer parking and proximity to the 18-hole Kinderton Country Club.

Additional amenities include complimentary on-site parking and access to a walking trail, the ¾ mile Sunnyside Loop, that leads to the historic Johnson-Carrington cemetery, allowing guests to explore the area’s rich history on foot.

The transformation of this historic mansion into a luxury bed and breakfast represents a unique blend of Dutch hospitality and Virginia heritage, offering visitors an exceptional lodging experience that honors the past while embracing modern comfort.