1847 Mansion- Events|Film|Photo|Recording|Concerts

About the Space

This 85ac pre-Civil War, historical estate was built by the James Bell family in 1847 and was converted to a Bed & Breakfast / Wedding & Event Venue in the early 2003. The mansion is located in the heart of Shawnee Hills Wine Country and presents the most breath-taking panoramic views in the Mississippi Valley. Our historic mansion home is the perfect backdrop for a corporate retreat, class reunion, family reunion, birthday celebration or a romantic wedding. Whatever you're celebrating or creating, we have the perfect space for you! This property can be made available for filming, photography and would make the ultimate destination recording studio for artists, bands, songwriters etc. looking for a place to write, record and renew creative energy. Just three hours north of Nashville, two hours south of St. Louis and Evansville, and just five hours south of Chicago, Historic Bell Hill can also serve as an intimate music venue for touring artists. We have plenty of on-site parking and accommodations for cast and crew. This listing is to reserve the ENTIRE house, homestyle cooked meals can be added to your package. If you are planning an event, that is a separate contract and would need to be arranged accordingly. We kindly ask for 24 hours to review your booking request to insure we have adequate staff available and do not have any other conflicting events. The front columns of the home and interiors give the Home a bit of a French provincial feel. The carriage house and barns make excellent additional backdrops for film or photography. A little more about the estate, we are full of History! Built in 1847 by James Bell, only a few families have owned the house over the last 178 years. James Bell, the original owner, made a fortune in timber. Just after the Civil War, the growing towns and cities needed trainloads of lumber to satisfy the need. Mr. Bell met the demand with logs cut from vast tracts of southern Illinois forests which fed into his saw mills. The need was so great that at least one carload of Bell lumber was hooked to every southbound train during the reconstruction era. In the 2nd story, General Grant Suite has its own history. Like many old homes, traveling dignitaries often stayed with prominent citizens when the train stopped or as they journeyed. General Ulysses S. Grant stayed at the mansion. We know General Grant was also President Grant, but it is believed he was the General when he stayed on the Bell property. This property is also known to be associated with the Underground Railroad. In the main barn, you will find a door that displays writing and names from runaway slaves who passed through on their journey to freedom. This area of the Shawnee National Forest is known to have to some of the most flourishing apple and peach orchards in the country. In the summer and fall, guests enjoy incredible peach and apple cobbler with fresh fruit right off the trees of Flamm’s Orchard and Rendleman’s Orchard. ​Our family invites you to experience the beautiful mansion and hear more about its fascinating past.