About the Richards House History

Built in 1883, this four story Stick style (a variation of the Queen Anne style) mansion was constructed as a showcase of wood and stained glass.

Occupied by the original owner’s family until its conversion to a Bed and Breakfast inn, the interior remains original, with only minor updating like wiring the original gas light fixtures for electricity. The house still boasts of eight varieties of varnished woodwork (some from South America), eight fireplaces, 15 different patterns of embossed wallcoverings, original chandeliers, hand-painted and embossed tiles, elaborate built-ins, and a dazzling display of over 80 stained glass windows.

The Richards House Bed and Breakfast Inn was established in 1989 by David Stuart. Michelle has been the innkeeper since July 1989.

Dave and Michelle Hosts

Note: The exterior still suffers from the brown concrete-based paint applied by a bridge painter (it was the first house he ever painted!) about 1960. It must be removed before repainting. Each time the original owners saved up the money to strip and repaint the house another catastrophe (the roof leaked and needed replacing or the water supply line to the house ruptured and required rebuilding the rear retaining walls) demanded the funds. The exterior was left to deteriorate but still shows all of its original details. Restoration is underway and we have already received awards for work done on the outside, so please don’t let the exterior deter you from seeing the fabulous interior.

Our Awards

The Richards House is the proud recipient of a number of awards and distinctions. Last year we received an America’s Favorite Inn Award (one of only 25 awarded in the U.S. and Canada) for exceptional hospitality, comfort, food and accommodations from America’s Favorite Inns, B&Bs, and Small Hotels. We also have been noted several times by America’s Wonderful Little Hotels & Inns as a consistent reader favorite (one of only two inns in the Midwest to be so honored). Even though there is a lot left to do on the exterior restoration, we have received a Preservation Award from the Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission for our work on the exterior of the building (one of only two privately owned buildings in Dubuque to receive the award that year). This year we are one of only 50 Featured Inns of the Week on Pamela Lanier’s Bed & Breakfast Guide Online.