All photography provided by Jared Chambers

Since 1906, 300 Clifton has been welcoming guests to one of Minneapolis’ most storied addresses.

From its days as the grand home of industrialist Eugene Carpenter, to its restoration as a boutique Bed & Breakfast, 300 Clifton has been at the center of the city’s history and hospitality for over 130 years.

 

Our Mission

At 300 Clifton, we believe our Bed & Breakfast should be more than just a place to sleep—it should be an experience. Our mission is to preserve the elegance and character of this historic mansion while creating an inviting and memorable stay for every guest. Whether it’s the charm of our wood-paneled library, the warmth of one of the roaring fireplaces in the winter months, or the peaceful gardens tucked behind the iron gates amongst the bustle of the city, we aim to make every moment feel like a step back in time.

““300 Clifton is a rare blend of luxury, history, and genuine warmth. ”
— Minnesota Monthly

why we matter

  • Architectural Transformation
    Originally constructed in 1887 in the Queen Anne style for C. M. Douglas, the house underwent a dramatic remodel in 1906 by architect Edwin H. Hewitt. The renovation converted it into a Georgian Revival-style mansion—removing wrap-around porches, adding a hipped roof with dormers, and creating a symmetrical façade.

  • Artistic and Civic Legacy
    Eugene J. Carpenter, a prominent lumberman and arts patron, lived here from 1905 to 1948. He played a pivotal role in founding the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, employing innovative fundraising strategies to bring the museum to life.

  • Scale and Design
    The estate spans about 20,000 square feet with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and sits on nearly an acre. A large carriage house anchors the property to a bluff on its north edge. Notably, all three original fireplaces are still functional, the home still has many of it’s original furnishings, the master wing is still intact with large bedroom with sitting area, his and hers dressing rooms and large balcony overlooking its one-of-a-kind formal garden to the east.

  • Innovations Ahead of Its Time
    Architect Hewitt incorporated advanced features such as a French drain system, room-by-room pneumatic temperature control, and a passive cooling system using concrete porches—highlighting forward-thinking design for the era.

  • Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
    After the Carpenter family sold the house in 1948, it was subdivided into apartments and later served as office space. In 1973, David Beide intervened to save the mansion from further decline—listing it on the National Register of Historic Places and repurposing it within the “Clifton Court” office complex.

  • Cultural and Heritage Significance
    Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, the mansion was also locally designated as a historic landmark in 1978. It remains one of Minneapolis’s most architecturally and historically significant residences.

  • Survivor Against the Wrecking Ball
    300 Clifton narrowly escaped demolition multiple times—including intervention in the 1960s and early 2000s. In the early 2000s, neighborhood efforts raised $60,000 for a new roof to prevent collapse

  • Living Museum & Boutique Stay
    Fully restored since 2013, the mansion now operates as the only bed & breakfast in Minneapolis. With its original floor plan and period furnishings returned—including artwork, woodwork, and many antiques—it offers guests an immersive historic experience.

  • One and Only
    300 Clifton is the largest and only intact turn of the century estate in Downtown Minneapolis