History of Sylvia’s Irish Inn:
Sylvia’s Irish Inn is one of Urbana’s finest examples of the Queen Anne style of Victorian architecture. It was designed by Rudolph Zachariah Gill, an 1887 graduate of the University of Illinois in architecture and engineering, and was built in 1895 for Dr. Austin Lindley, a prominent physician and surgeon for the Big Four Railroad in Urbana. For a time, Dr. Lindley
used the first floor as his office and the family lived on the second floor. In September 2003, Ernie and Sylvia Sullivan purchased this historic house and have continued the restoration and appointment of the property. If you are arriving by train or plane, we will pick you up. You are five minutes from the heart of the University of Illinois via the Green Street bus line that stops right at our front door. There are several restaurants within walking distance. We also have a bike you can use if you are feeling athletic and would like to pedal around our lovely town. Our house is your house while you are here and we want you to make yourself at home. Curl up under an afghan in the parlor or library and sip a cup of tea while you enjoy a good book or a quiet moment of reflection. Or keep in touch with the world by browsing the Internet. We will make every effort to make your stay comfortable and relaxed. English Garden Room – Queen Room
Decorated with an English Garden in mind, this room will transport you to a place of simpler times and pleasures. From the vintage four-poster bed to the many European antiques and collectibles the English Garden Room is a breath of fresh air and a great place to relax and rest after a long day. You’re going to love this room. Animal Room - Queen Room
Soothing tones and clever decorating make the Animal Room a true guest favorite. You’ll enjoy the wonderful antiques that adorn this space including the spacious mirrored armoire and the quaint writing desk. The room is set at the front corner of the house and enjoys wonderful light at all times of the day. Red Romance Room – Queen Room
The Red Romance Room is a dramatic room with rich appointments and a deep red wall covering. Complete with many antiques and other fine details, including custom window treatments and a one-of-a-kind bed scarf, the Red Romance Room is ideal for cozying up to the one you love. All of our queen rooms are accessible by stairway and are not well suited to small children given the proximity to other guests. Dr. Lindley Suite – King Suite
The Dr. Lindley Suite is located on the third floor of the main house. It is stairway accessible and includes plenty of room for any couple, or couples with children. The room is wonderfully appointed with beautiful furniture, many of which are antiques; lofted beamed ceiling architecture, stained glass windows, and dramatic lines. Carriage House Suite
The Carriage House Suite is our self-standing unit geared to long-term visitors or people with small children. Set apart from the main house by a charming brick paved courtyard, the suite is simply charming. The spacious living area with ample light and beamed ceilings make the Carriage House a cozy spot for discerning travelers. Enjoy your meals at your convenience as the Carriage House includes a fully stocked kitchen for your use. Long-term guests will appreciate the tiered pricing structure and self-sufficiency of the wonderful unit. Breakfast is not provided in the Carriage House; the unit has a kitchenette with a fridge, commercial hotplate, and combo microwave/convection oven. The Carriage House is rarely available for short-term reservations; it is booked primarily for incoming faculty at the University of Illinois for one to five month periods.
