Book Your Stay
The A.C. Thomas House is an elegantly furnished late Victorian Mansion in downtown New Harmony that has been converted to a wonderful Bed & Breakfast. With its eight Bedrooms and eight bathrooms, it is perfect for just about any visitor’s needs, whether they be the lone traveler come to experience New Harmony’s impressive arts, culture and history; a couple on a romantic getaway, a large wedding party, or a company or arts group, looking for a unique place to hold an unforgettable retreat.
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Choices include five Victorian bedrooms, each with its own bath; a Master Suite with one big open area, a reading space, dining area, kitchenette, and a washer and dryer; and the Gallery Suite, which has two bedrooms, one and a half baths, and a kitchen.
All guests can luxuriate in the late 19th century elegance of the common areas, enjoying the incredible woodwork, beautiful parlor, sitting room, dining room, library and kitchen. Outside, guests can relax in the large garden or enjoy some quiet time on the porch swing. Church Park is just across the street, and most other attractions are located within a few blocks.
The house was built in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Amon Clarence (A.C.) Thomas was a successful businessman who built a fortune through agriculture and then spent his later years as a philanthropist and unofficial ambassador for New Harmony and the surrounding county. More recently, it was owned by a Colonel Barnes who used it as his personal residence. The Colonel and his wife Judith were collectors who scoured estate sales and auctions all over the country to find just the right furniture and accessories for the mansion. They are responsible for the great majority of the furnishings – everything from the classic telephone in the library to the fine china in the cabinets to the lovely furnishings and fascinating upholstery and wallpaper. They converted the third floor and basement into suites with the help of a renowned New Harmony craftsman.
The house and all its furnishings were recently put up for auction by the Colonel and Mrs. Barnes and purchased by a group of friends led by Mary Beth and Michael Guard who turned it back into a bed and breakfast.
“Because of the variety of the types of rooms, there’s really something for everyone,” says Mary Beth. “It’s perfect for anyone who wants a beautiful space from which to visit New Harmony. Someone who is interested in history and wants to feel like they’re taking a walk back in time would love to stay in one of the Victorian rooms. The Gallery Suite is perfect for several people, or someone who wants to entertain because it is self-contained with two bedrooms and a kitchen. The Loft is perfect for someone who wants to have a special getaway, or has a project they need to work on with peace and quiet and all the comforts of home. It’s a great space for honeymoons or anniversaries. Groups such as wedding parties or corporate retreats can rent the entire house. For example, a writer’s colony has reserved it for their week-long retreat.”
