COBDEN - A rich past and scenic view create an atmosphere ideal for the Historic Bell Hill bed and breakfast, but owner Julia Todd said it's a business that almost never happened.

Close to 15 years ago, when Todd moved to Southern Illinois from Nashville, Tenn., she had blueprints and plans to buy a plot of land and build her own home. An interior decorator by education and trade, she had renovated many historic homes in the Nashville area and wanted to do something different in Union County.

"I told my mother if I ever bought another old home to commit me because she would know I had lost my mind," Todd said.

A friend encouraged her to check out the Bell Hill property, originally built in the 1850s by lumber tycoon James Edward Bell, and though she went into the visit thinking there was no way she'd buy the house, she changed her mind before even stepping through the front door.

"There was just something captivating about it, and I couldn't stop thinking about it," she said. "It drew me in. It's as if it was calling me."

After living with her family in the house, which was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1890s, for about 12 years, Todd made the leap about two years ago and converted parts of the historic structure into a bed and breakfast. Four rooms are now available for rent, including a room where general and former President Ulysses S. Grant slept and a former ballroom.

Rates are $150 per room plus tax, with additional costs of $75 per additional adult (more than two) and $50 per child age six or older. The third-floor ballroom suite can easily hold six people, Todd said.

"I've just made the best friends and new family that I could possibly have hoped," she said.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com

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