Country Charm Bed and Breakfast, located in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, is the perfect place for a quiet retreat. It sits on five wooded acres that were once part of a plantation, and has a four-acre private stocked fishing lake. It's surrounded by nature, but is only minutes from world famous Cajun restaurants for excellent dining, music and dancing.
Innkeeper Eric Gassiott kindly took the time to answer the following questions about why he loves being an innkeeper, the history of his inn, and what makes Breaux Bridge so special.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper?
We enjoy meeting new people from all around the world and introducing them to the history, culture, music, and food that make Louisiana famous.
2. How long have you been an innkeeper?
We have been innkeepers for five years now, and enjoy all aspects of the B&B lifestyle--especially as we have made many friends that return a couple times a year.
3. What was your inspiration for your inn? Did you have a certain vision for it?
Our inspiration is in our location--we are "tucked away" at the end of a country road, surrounded by historic live oaks, a scenic pond, beautiful flowers--just an escape from the every day "hustle-and-bustle." People love feeling close to nature when they come visit us. Of course, we are close to a variety of sites and restaurants that visitors are sure to enjoy, too.
4. Why did you choose this inn and this city?
As Breaux Bridge is the city where I spent most of my childhood, I know that it is rich in history and culture and that the people here are warm and friendly. For the truest experience of "joie de vivre" (joy of living), Breaux Bridge is the place to come and experience Louisiana from the Cajun perspective. When my wife and I discovered this property, we realized that it was a little slice of paradise and that places like this one don't come around often. It was purchased several weeks later!
5. What sets your B&B apart from others?
Our amenities for guests are plentiful and our property is simply gorgeous! Whether you choose to lounge under the oaks, have a bonfire with the family, utilize our newly-constructed outdoor kitchen pavilion for visiting and dining, take a canoe ride, go fishing, or to just walk around the property and watch the owls and birds in their natural habitat, you are sure to find delight and relaxation in Country Charm.
6. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
To gain a greater understanding of our area, we highly recommend choosing a B&B--especially Country Charm! Getting to meet locals from the area who can provide guests with favorite places to visit and dine cannot be matched at a busy hotel. The pace is more relaxed at a B&B and you receive greater attention. Our rooms are comfortable and guests tell us how "at home" they feel while visiting us.
7. Does your B&B have any special history?
Our B&B is located on property that was once part of a large sugarcane plantation called the Magenta Plantation. Our home sits underneath several protected live oaks dated over 250 years old and recorded in the Live Oak Society. Our private home was built in 1832 and was moved from Lafayette to Breaux Bridge in the late seventies. While our home has experienced some remodeling, the facade of the home is a great example of a traditional, Acadian-style home.
8. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
Breaux Bridge is the Crawfish Capital of the World and home of the World Famous Crawfish Festival. It is a nice little down town with antique shopping and small cafes. There are many great restaurants where you can enjoy the authentic Cajun cooking and hear music being performed. Many of our guests enjoy going on swamp tours at Lake Martin and visiting Avery Island.
9. Do you have any food specialties (for breakfast or otherwise)?
We offer a generous continental breakfast in the rooms and are happy to accommodate travelers with certain preferences. And for the guests that do not want breakfast, we can gladly make separate pricing arrangements.
10. Do you have any special offers coming up?
We always offer military discounts of 10% and we are open to discussing pricing arrangements for people with longer stays.