Movie Buffs: Do you remember the stately Victorian bed & breakfast that Bill Murray’s character stayed at in the movie “Groundhog Day” target=”_blank”>Groundhog Day“? Now you can spend the night in this same b&b in Woodstock, McHenry County, Illinois. Inn keeper/owners Karla Stewart Martin and Everton Martin completely renovated the home beginning in 2008 and opened the Royal Victorian Manor for business this summer.
We were welcomed by a roaring fire in the entry way fireplace which took the chill out of the overcast, drizzly morning. The Martin’s invited us in to their parlor where their niece Mghnon Martin treated us to several pieces on the violin. While living in Milwaukee, the couple decided to relocate and began a search across the county. When they saw this house in Woodstock, the Martin’s knew they found the perfect home.
Inn keeper/owners Karla Stewart Martin
The main floor of the house is warm and inviting. Visitors can lounge in the large parlor providing the mid-century leather recliner, dining area or the wrap around porch overlooking the gardens. Enjoy a restful evening in one of the five unique guest rooms each with a private bath.
Manor Suite
Guests will be sure to wake for breakfast as Karla selects recipes based on who is visiting. She told us guests often sit with them in the large kitchen and chat over coffee while they fix the meal. Breakfast is served in the large dining room.
The Groundhog Day movie was directed by Harold Ramis and stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott. The home was used for outdoor scenes of the b&b and interior shots of Bill Murray as Phil Connors the weather man looking out the bedroom window. Of course, the Martin’s have a copy of the movie you can watch during your stay. The home is available for bridal or baby showers, renewal ceremonies, corporate events and retreats.
Click on the picture below to see a video of our visit to the Royal Victorian Manor in Woodstock, Illinois.
Our trip was sponsored by the McHenry County Visitors Bureau and Royal Victorian Manor.
Royal Victorian Manor
344 Fremont Street
Woodstock, IL 60098
(815) 308-5432
http://www.royalvictorianmanor.com/
