Location, location, location and beautiful historic restoration.  Those are key words where Hassinger Daniels Mansion B & B is concerned.  It is in the heart of bustling Five Points. The back parking lot is adjacent to the parking lot for Highlands Bar and Grill, and a Chick-Fil-A is on the other side of the driveway.  As a matter of fact, you can walk 3 blocks and pass dozens of shops and eateries.

Front exterior of the Hassinger Daniels Mansion.

Large verandah perfect for watching the world go by.

Sign by the front gate.

The mansion was built in 1898, and was bought by the current owners, Ira and Sheila Chaffin, in 2010. Mrs. Chaffin is an architect, and Mr. Chaffin is a sculptor and wood carver. They knew exactly what to expect in undertaking the remodeling and refurbishing, because they had done the same thing 10 years earlier with Cobb Lane B & B — their first venture into the World of Hospitality. Actually their two B & B’s are the ONLY B & B’s in Birmingham, and both are very successful.

Sheila Chaffin explains a fun game to some guests.

The rooms are comfortable with all kinds of architectural and period nuances — such as clawfoot tubs, glass transoms over the doors, fireplaces and decorative woodwork. Breakfast is hot and delicious. Afternoon treats and cold drinks are complimentary, and so is the wi-fi. You are likely to share breakfast in the large dining room with some very interesting people from all over the country, and the Chaffins are gracious hosts.  Because of the historic nature of this Victorian Queen Anne building, it is not required to be handicap-accessible, and because of Mrs. Chaffin’s allergies, they don’t allow pets. But, for sheer convenience and uniqueness, Hassinger Daniels was a good place for us to stay.

Chandelier in the Camelot room.

Stained glass in the stairwell.

As a bonus feature, Mr. Chaffin houses Chaffin Carousel Carving School in the basement, and guests are invited to go down and have a look.  We stayed in the Camelot room and actually had a full-size carousel horse in our large bay window.

A carousel horse carved by Ira Chaffin.

Fireplace and carved carousel horse in Camelot room.

To reserve a room, go to the Cobb Lane website because the website for Hassinger Daniels is under construction.

To know more, see my article in Trip101 about this B & B.