Welcome

Old-Fashioned Hospitality with Modern Conveniences

Whether you are coming to the area for business, a family visit, a special occasion, or a quiet getaway, this is the place! Built in 1886 the Victorian Rose Garden is part of the historic district of downtown Algonquin. We are located 45 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. This small town setting may be the perfect spot for you with so much to offer……

Within a short walk there are choice of 9 restaurants. You can enjoy small shops, the Fox River, walk or bike the Prairie Path/Fox River trail. Within a few miles, there is an abundant selection of restaurants, shops, fitness facilities, theaters and special attractions.

Upon your arrival you will find homemade goodies waiting for you. A small refrigerator in the upstairs “nook” holds complementary soda and water, and a place for a “doggy bag”. In addition to your guest room, you are welcome to enjoy common areas on the main floor. Play the Petroff grand piano in the parlor, read a book in the Great Room, share a cup of coffee in the kitchen. During pleasant weather, we hope you will enjoy the garden and relax on one of the porches or the patio.

History

In 1886, James Philp Esquire built this Victorian home and sold the property to his son James Harvey Philp for the grand total of $10 – plus love and affection, as a wedding gift for James H. and his bride Emma. In 1916 the home was sold to the Dammyer family who lived here for 54 years, followed by the Buttner family for 3 years. The fourth owners became Don and Sherry Brewer who moved in with their 3 children, Teresa, J. Richard, and Alicia in 1974. An award winning “Historically Sensitive” addition was built onto the home in 1982. The house was plaqued by the McHenry Historical Society and the Algonquin Historic Commission in 1994. In 2005, the Philp house was one of twenty-three homes featured in the book Historic Homes of McHenry County.

June 3, 1995 the James H. Philp house officially became the Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast. Sherry continues to host some of the nicest people who travel here from all over the world.