OUR
STORY
Step into a special place that embodies story-book charm,
honors history, and has a luxurious yet comfortable flair.
What’s in a name? Celestine Bed and Breakfast honors the legacy of Celestine Toliver Harrison who was born in Pensacola in 1908. Those who knew and loved Celestine describe her as a friendly person who never met a stranger. She loved to cook and made sure everyone in her presence felt loved and cared for. She and her husband, Vandybilt, had five children: Jean, Lois, James, Mary, and Horace. Members of the Harrison family have contributed to history in ways that range from serving our nation in the armed forces to desegregating Pensacola’s lunch counters and public schools.
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In the extensive renovation that transformed this property into a bed and breakfast, the proprietors – two of Celestine’s great-grands, Gerald Robinson and Cornelia Robinson Edwards – found creative ways to preserve history for generations to come. Guests are amazed by so many special touches at Celestine Bed and Breakfast. Each guest room is named for one of Celestine and Vandybilt’s children and designed with their aesthetic in mind. The home also features locally sourced one-of-a-kind antique pieces, including several that belonged to Celestine, herself. Cornelia curated a custom wallpaper, inspired by a French Toile de Jouy, which adorns the main stairway, immediately enveloping guests and peaking curiosity upon arrival.
Celestine Bed and Breakfast is in a class of her own. Built in 1888 by James Simpson Reese, a wealthy banker from Alabama, the home is situated in one of Pensacola’s most desirable neighborhoods. The community, known as "North Hill," is on the National Register of Historic Places. Explore the lovely neighborhood on an early morning stroll, and then walk one block over, to Palafox Street, also known as the Gateway to Pensacola. Here, you’ll find locally owned quaint coffee shops, unique clothing boutiques, craft breweries, and award winning restaurants. If sun and sand is what you crave, we are only a short drive to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
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After a long day of enjoying all the Gulf Coast has to offer, Celestine Bed and Breakfast is the ideal evening retreat. We are committed to ensuring that every guest experiences the love, connection, and history that encompass the Celestine Experience.
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"One of the defining features inside the B&B (as well as everyone's favorite) is the custom wallpaper along the stairwell, which was carefully curated by Cornelia over the course of nearly a year and a half. Serving as a storytelling aid to transport guests back into another time, each of the intricate black and white images depict personal milestones and old Pensacola landmarks that anyone who has lived in the area long enough is sure to remember."
- Pensacola Magazine
