Ashley-Drake Historic Inn and Gardens - Bed & breakfast in Franklin - 668 E Jefferson St, USA

We had a wonderful relaxing stay. Kim and family were kind and gracious hosts. Our rooms were charming and comfortable. We were surprised by the variety of selections for the full service breakfast. It was homemade and delicious! The location was great. We could not have been happier with our stay. Be sure to check out the candy and ice cream shop at the historic train depot down the street.

My boyfriend and I stayed in the Garden room. The house has so much character!! Beautiful room with nice touches throughout. Even a rag on sink for makeup removal...nice bc I usually hate to stain up white wash clothes! The tub is gorgeous but being in theme with age of house, it is small so if you are tall and want a soak,.you may be scrunched up! The breakfast was amazing and kept us full till dinner. The owners are very welcoming and helpful! Wouldn't hesitate to stay again if I need a night away!!

While traveling on business, I found myself in Franklin and needed lodging. The Ashley-Drake Inn was one of Googles suggestions. It was in fact the best suggestion.||||The Ashely-Drake Inn has a comfortable charm that is rare. I could not have enjoyed my time there more. The Inn is situated in the absolute best location for enjoying the town - everything is in easy walking distance, there are walking paths at the college across the street and a park behind the Inn. The owner, is as charming as the Inn - Kim Smith is a delightful soul with a kind face, an infectious laugh and a generous nature. As a geologist, I am used to spartan digs and solitude. So being greeted by a relentless smile and indulged with friendly conversation was a wonderful shock. Although I was the only guest that night, she insisted on baking me cookies. I was touched.||||One of the things that really added to my enjoyment of the Inn was that Kim tracked down the photos of all the previous owners along with their photographs and their stories. Their photos hang on the wall along the stairs. Knowing the names and stories of those who have called the house their home since 1897, added a special dimension to the experience.||||The only regret that I had about my stay, is that I did not bring my wife. She would have loved it.||||I not only recommend the Ashely-Drake Inn, but also its owner and operator - Kim Smith. She is an absolutely delightful soul with a warm heart.

The other reviews are correct - delicious breakfast, comfortable bed, helpful hostess, walking distance to everything. But we were greatly disappointed by the overgrown, neglected gardens and outdoor areas. So much potential, sad to see for avid gardeners like ourselves. Owner Kim says it is a family business, but she was an obviously overworked one-person owner who handles reservations and bookkeeping, cooks breakfast, cleans rooms, does laundry...and helps out in their nearby candy store. A great innkeeper, but she needs help in maintaining the property.

We stayed here when in Franklin for a wedding and really enjoyed both the place and the inn keeper. The breakfasts were amazing and the rooms beautifully kept. Much more interesting (and affordable) than staying in the big chain hotels. The family also owns a candy shop just down the road from the inn. That's a great place to visit as well. I really can't recommend this place highly enough.

I love this house and how well Kim decorates it! They are wonderful hosts and make a great breakfast. You will love it! It's also close to the downtown area, and has plenty of space to make it feel like your home away from home.

Everything here seemed like it was from the late Victorian period. Even the salt and pepper shakers. It made for a very authentic feeling. Perhaps the only downside is that in the hostess's eagerness to display all the cool things she had, she left very little drawer top space in the bedroom for items. The hostess was very friendly and helpful in terms of directions and places to visit. The breakfast was most filling and satisfying. Snacks left out for between meals were also fun. We were visiting Bloomington for a graduation, so it was nice to have a place where our family could comfortably gather away from the maddening crowd. We enjoyed a day trip to Columbus, IN for the fascinating architecture. Access to Indianapolis was less than an hour away. In the early spring in the midst of a rainy, flooding period, the gardens were a bit out of shape, but I could tell they had promise.

Clean,comfortable,and quiet...this is an ideal place to stay in Franklin. Kim and family are gracious hosts. Plenty of books,movies,and snacks if you cannot sleep. Breakfast was hearty,filling,and delicious. Also,if you leave something behind..Kim will mail,it to you! She is a gem.