City: Indianapolis, IN

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (317) 822-4299

Address: 1224 N. Park Ave.

Description: Turn back the hands of time and stay in an 1870s home in historic Old Northside Indianapolis. The DeWolf-Allerdice House is close to attractions but far away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The three-story Italianate Inn features a country estate–like setting, yet is minutes away from major attractions, downtown Indy, and the Indianapolis International Airport. The inn offers three guest rooms on the second floor and an executive suite encompassing the entire third floor. All rooms are furnished in an eclectic mix of Victorian and modern-day decor. Caroline DeWolf was the original owner who designed and built the home around 1871. A Scottish immigrant, Joseph Allerdice, bought the house in 1891, and his family lived there until 1923. Joseph and a partner established the Indianapolis Abbatoir Company, which dealt in hides, wool, pelts, fur, and tallow. Joseph eventually became president of the firm, a role he held until 1921 when illness forced early retirement. At that time, the business had about 600 employees and was the largest of its kind in the country. The inn’s guest rooms reflect its heritage. Joseph’s Room is the master bedroom and offers a queen-size sleigh bed, sitting area, private bathroom with a claw-foot tub, and shower. Caroline’s Room welcomes guests with a full-size antique four-poster bed, writing desk, sitting area, and shared bathroom with claw-foot tub and shower. Named for one of Joseph’s nine children, Ruth’s Room has a queen-size four-poster bed, sitting area, and shared bathroom with claw-foot tub and shower. The Ovid Butler Suite on the third floor has a private bathroom with queen-size and full-size beds, a small meeting area, two daybeds in the lounge area, and a private bathroom with tub and shower. The DeWolf-Allerdice House also features a parlor with fireplace and TV, keeping room, veranda, dining room, and English-style gardens. A European-style breakfast buffet is offered during the business week, with leisurely family-style breakfasts served on the weekends.