Built in 1888, the Amethyst Inn at Sarah’s Garden is a Victorian property that is owned and operated by a husband and wife team. Before its purchase in 1992, it was a condemned building, once the home of Tomlinson F. Johnson, a former Savannah Theatre manager. The charming lilac-hued three-floor bed and breakfast features interiors filled with homey decor, antiques, 19th-century reproductions, and personal touches such as the owner's war memorabilia. Homey common spaces include a large living room with a fireplace and sectional sofa and a dining parlor featuring a banquet table and a fireplace. A lovely wooden staircase leads to the second floor, where there’s a sitting parlor with board games and books. The owners’ friendly cocker spaniel can often be found lounging on one of two porches. Guests -- most of whom are older couples -- are encouraged to relax in the modern kitchen that offers seating around granite counters, a flat-screen TV, and daily fresh baked goods.

Located near the Broad Street border of Savannah’s historic district, the inn is two blocks from the 30-acre Forsyth Park, making it convenient for walking as well as Segway or driving tours (with front-door pickup). The tree-lined neighborhood features charming 18th- and 19th-century architecture, but it’s a one-mile walk to the heart of the historic district. The Colonial Park Cemetery, Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace, and the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist are in walking distance. Several other sights are a short drive away, such as the Savannah History Museum and Georgia State Railroad Museum (both a five-minute drive), as well as City Market and the Old Fort Jackson (10-minute drive). River Street -- with restaurants, shops and a trolley -- is also easily accessible in five minutes by car. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport can be reached in about 25 minutes.

The inn's eight rooms and suites are infused with Southern charm, featuring garden-inspired names as well as antique furniture, Victorian reproductions, four-poster or sleigh beds, floral textiles, wing-back chairs, and ornamental fireplaces. Rooms offer free Wi-Fi, tube TVs, retro radios, ceiling fans, and bathrooms with showers or shower/whirlpool combos. Many also have fireplaces and porches, and some have private entrances. The two-bedroom Hydrangea is the biggest suite, with a sitting area with an electric fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen with an oven/stove, refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker. 

Setting it apart from other bed-and-breakfast properties in Savannah’s historic district, the Amethyst Inn at Sarah’s Garden has an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery and a furnished brick patio. Another small garden area offers patio furniture and a barbecue grill. A homemade Southern-style breakfast is included in the room rate, and there are various free cookies and baked treats available throughout the day. Pets are allowed at the inn for a fee, but guests must put unsupervised dogs in crates when they’re away from their room. The inn's office has a laptop computer and a printer, which can be used on request.