The Pillars of Plainfield New Jersey Bed and Breakfast Inn is a restored Victorian-Georgian mansion on a secluded acre of trees and gardens in the Van Wyck Brooks Historic District of Plainfield, New Jersey.

The moment you drive through the wrought iron gates you'll know The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast Inn is a special place. Surrounding the house are wildflowers, roses, dogwood, cherry trees, and the rhododendrons and azaleas for which Plainfield, New Jersey is famous. You have found a place to relax, hold a joyous outdoor wedding, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends in complete privacy.

Welcome To Our Home:

Whether you say "welcome" in English or "velcommen" in Swedish - you will agree that your hosts make you feel at home - in a more elegant way. The grand foyer, winding up three stories to a stained glass skylight lighted by night as well as by day - says "welcome" into a bygone era of luxury.

The dining room, where hot and cold dishes are served at every morning's full Swedish breakfast, says "welcome". With a changing menu tailored to the dietary needs and wishes of the day's guests - vegetarian, heart healthy, and some kosher - just a few of the ways Chuck and Tom let you know you are special. The Pillars Bed and Breakfast Inn is clearly geared to serve the business traveler - with breakfast starting at 4:30 AM (or earlier) if that's what you need!

Your host's extensive, eclectic library of books and magazines is a browser's dream come true. The living room's entertainment center includes a premium cable TV and CD so that guests can look and listen downstairs without disturbing their companion. Quiet hours start at 10 o'clock - when guests are asked to keep all sounds low enough not to be disturbing to other guests.

In the music room, besides the wood burning fireplace, desk and organ, there is an antique Morris chair, other easy chairs, and a "business center" with a high speed cable modem connection to the internet so that guests can download and print their e-mail or surf the net. Evening sherry, cookies, chocolates and soda are served here. The music room is "off the beaten path" so guests wanting private conversations typically find this room to be a quiet refuge for conversation or meditation.

Part of what makes The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast Inn different is the wonderful sense of being "in the country". The acre lot is surrounded by even larger properties with big old trees and bushes. Once things leaf out in the spring, guests affirm the slogan, "Sylvan Seclusion with Urban Access." Adirondack chairs nestle under the branches for quiet conversations or just relaxing. Birds and squirrels compete all around you. And there's lots of parking space for your car.

Each year there are major improvements in the yard and gardens. In turn, there is a tremendous upsurge of interest from couples planning weddings and receptions, as well as anniversary parties and showers. In July 2000 The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast Inn easily hosted a garden party for 750 guests. Brides say that they have visited all the "wedding factories" and want something more personal and private. The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast is the setting they are seeking.

The beauty of Plainfield is its combination of an extravagant expanse of space around the homes, yet with exceptionally easy access to Interstates I-95, I-78, I-287, The Garden State Parkway - and Manhattan by train. We are just thirteen miles from the Newark Airport! We are close to Rutgers University, AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Verizon, and various corporate headquarters in Bridgewater, Somerville, Murray Hill, Edison, Westfield and the Cranford areas. Guests traveling between the Washington, D.C. area and New England find Plainfield to be an easy on-off stop.

Our Van Wyck Brooks Historic District is the oldest and largest historic district in Plainfield, and has the largest homes. The other wonderful part of being here is the clean air and good water. Guests often go jogging in the early morning - remarking about the gorgeous homes when they return. Business guests particularly appreciate a respite from "cookie cutter" hotels.

Whether you are looking for fine dining, outdoor recreation, upscale or outlet shopping malls, sports venues, or just relaxing, The completely air conditioned Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast is able to meet - and hopefully exceed - your expectations. Chuck and Tom - and their Cairn Terrier, "Mac" - are eager to welcome you to their home.

Rooms:

The Van Wyck Brooks Suite:

Romance is in the air in the 2nd floor Van Wyck Brooks Suite. A queen bed with crochet canopy faces a fireplace and a TV/VCR console with premium channel cable. Guests describe this bed with a down quilt, as 'spectacular'. Classic Dot and Biltmore Lace Charisma® 360 Thread Count Supima® Cotton Bedding by Fieldcrest.® Besides a lounge chair a pair of cane back chairs provide an intimate conversation nook together with a work/game table with phone/modem hookup and private voice mail. The huge adjoining bathroom has a big old fashioned soaking tub and shower combination. Luxurious terry robes monogrammed with 'The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast Inn' wrap you in cozy comfort while you brew your early morning coffee (or bedtime herbal tea) using the in-room coffee service. The colors are pale yellow woodwork with a pale blue stripe wallpaper. The blue ceiling is highlighted by a Victorian style ceiling fan. The Northeast facing windows are covered with voluminous yards of white sheeting. Air conditioned.

The John Philip Sousa Suite:

John Philip Sousa had his first concert in Plainfield over 100 years ago, and we believe he would feel right at home in the suite that bears his name. The high queen canopy bed with a down quilt, an elaborate lace and fringe canopy and skirt dominates this largest of our bedrooms. Classic Dot and Biltmore Lace Charisma® 360 Thread Count Supima® Cotton Bedding by Fieldcrest.® Couples looking for a romantic setting appreciate the warm glow of the fireplace. Think of the Marine Band, which Sousa directed. Think of 'Stars and Stripes Forever' Think of red, white, and blue. Now you have a feeling for the John Philip Sousa Suite, with a patriotic eagle quilt and numerous other patriotic emblems on wall hangings - even an authentic Army bugle hanging next to a framed piece of Sousa's music. A brass candelabra hangs over the early American table (with private phone/voice mail, business center, modem hookups) and chairs in the alcove bay. A 'Victorian' ceiling fan sends cool breezes while you relax in the huge leather Lay-Z-Boy chair while you read by the fire or watch the console TV with premium channel cable and VCR. In the separate little dressing room there is a complete set for making coffee, tea, or cocoa and a very large full length mirror. The newly redecorated (very large) bathroom has ceiling and walls covered with clouds, as well as an old fashioned soaking tub and shower combination. Monogrammed terry robes, a hair dryer, and very old 'pumpkin pine floors' complete the picture of these 2nd floor rooms. They face south and east. Air conditioned.

The Clementine Yates:

Clementine Yates is the favorite of many guests. Six huge windows in two bay alcoves make this southwest 2nd floor bedroom unusually bright and cheerful. White wicker furnishings and antique pumpkin pine floors combine with white ruffled curtains to honor the 'spinster' (as the deed says) who remodeled the house in 1906. Sometimes it almost feels as if she's still here. A queen bed, coffee service, separate data port, private line with voice mail, ceiling fan, premium channel cable, terry robes, and an adjoining bathroom with a big old soaking tub and shower combine to bring a special ambiance to this 2nd floor room. Air conditioned.

The Captain's Quarters:

The Captain's Quarters, the first new room on the 3rd floor, sets the marine theme for the 3rd level of The Pillars of Plainfield Bed and Breakfast Inn. Pale yellow walls contrasting with Hunter's green wainscot and carpeting provide the setting for a queen sleigh bed with a down quilt, and a lovely Stickley cherry wood dresser. Burgundy silk swags highlight the north east facing windows. A big rocking chair, game/work table, coffee service, ceiling fan, private line with voice mail and modem connection, private bath with neo-angle handheld shower. A sign in the room says it all: 'If the Captain ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.' Other original art, including water colors, provide decoration. Air conditioned.

The First Mate's Quarters:

The First Mate goes First Class on the 3rd floor! Start with a full kitchen with everything a cook could want - glass topped electric stove, full refrigerator, and all utensils from a corkscrew to Cuisinart cookware. A little dining alcove has a desk area with private phone, voice mail, message center, and a separate data port. The private bathroom has a neo-angle hand held shower. The queen bed covers a superb mattress with a snowy white matelasse spread, covering a down comforter. A red Lay-Z-boy recliner allows the guest to watch premium channel cable or watch a video on the VCR. This complete studio apartment, facing south east, is ideal for corporate transferees and other long-term guests. Also included is a ceiling fan, terry robes, and hair dryer. Air conditioned.

The Second Mate's Quarters:

Solid maple twin beds give this Southwest 3rd floor bedroom versatility in sleeping arrangements. Antique copper/ecru coverlets set off the light blue walls. A desk with business center meets the needs of the business traveler. Private phone with voice mail, a ceiling fan, coffee service, hair dryer, terry robes, Television with premium channels, and an especially light and bright bathroom with unusual handmade tiles give 2nd mate a special appeal. The neo-angle hand held shower seems to be everyone's favorite. Air conditioned.

The Third Mate's Quarters:

Sage and cabbage rose carpeting and walls fit perfectly with the gold drapes and elaborate gold antique chairs in 3rd Mate's third floor room. In addition to the queen brass bed with night table, there is also a large work/game table with coffee service, and in a little alcove there is another desk with private phone, voice mail and modem connection. Terry robes, premium channel cable, ceiling fan, hair dryer, and a comfortable private bathroom with neo-angle hand held shower complete the picture for this north-facing room. Air conditioned.

Location:

The Pillars of Plainfield New Jersey Bed and Breakfast Inn is conveniently located thirteen miles west of the Newark Liberty International Airport. Travelers on I-95 can easily access Plainfield from I-78 on the north and I-287 on the south. Visitors to the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Science Center, Ellis Island, the Meadowlands and Medieval Times, as well as Rutgers University athletics, stay at The Pillars of Plainfield New Jersey Bed and Breakfast Inn.

Those wanting a convenient alternative to New York City hotels enjoy Plainfield's commuting train line into Manhattan. Business travelers appreciate home-like hospitality and The Pillars Bed and Breakfast Inn cable modem access while they are working in the Central Jersey Corporate community. The Pillars of Plainfield New Jersey, has a choice location!

Directions:

Please use these directions rather than online services such as Mapquest or Yahoo maps or rental car company instructions.

From Brooklyn or Staten Island:

Take 440 south across the Verrazanno Narrows Bridge. After the Outerbridge Crossing 440 south becomes 287 north. Go approximately 10 miles to the Dunellen Exist (#5) from I-287. It is also called Rt. 529 north. Go 1/10 mile north to the Gulf Gas Station. Turn right. Go 2.5 miles north on the New Brunswick Road till it ends at 7th Street. Turn right on 7th. Go 1.7 miles (4 lights) to Central Ave. (Large Colonial brick church with tall white steeple on the corner). Turn right on Central. Go 2½ blocks, crossing 9th Street. The road bends. The Pillars Inn is the third house on the right after 9th Street. It is a large "square" house with 14 pillars on a wrap-around front porch. The driveway is on the far side of the house. Park in the back yard.

From Manhattan or Newark Airport:

Take I-78 approximately 20 miles west to Exit 40 (Plainfield). Follow County Road #531 South. It will take you down the side of a mountain into a traffic circle. Notice the blue hospital arrows to Muhlenberg Hospital. You cannot cross Rt. 22. As you approach Rt. 22, the arrows will take a left turn on a bridge over Rt. 22. Be careful here lest you miss your turn! This turn will come about 1½ blocks after the Mobil Gas Station. The sign is on the left side of the road. If you do miss the turn, go ahead and take Rt 22 and do a U-turn as soon as you can to come back to the Somerset St. Exit. Continue across the bridge and (left at end of bridge) into North Plainfield. Follow the blue arrows 1½ miles south on Somerset St. (continues as) Park Avenue to 9th Street. This 5-point intersection has a library, a church, and a big Victorian house. Turn right on 9th and go 3 blocks till it ends on Central Ave. Turn left. The Pillars Inn is the third house on the right, a big square house with 14 pillars on a wrap-around front porch. The driveway is on the far side of the house. Park in the back yard.

From The Northeast::

Take the Turnpike or Garden State Parkway to I-78 and follow the above directions from Manhattan.

From The Northwest:

Take I-78 to exit 40 and follow the above directions from Manhattan

From The Southeast:

Take 440 south/I-287 north from the Garden State or Turnpike (exit 10) and follow the above directions from Brooklyn/Staten Island

From The Southwest:

It looks inconvenient, but Expressways make it the least complicated and quickest - follow the directions from the Southeast.