Pleasant Street Inn is located at 142 S. Pleasant Street in Prescott. For more information, call 877-226-7128. © Nick Berezenko >> Click on image to view it larger in a separate window.

By Jill Schildhouse

 PRESCOTT Innkeeper Jeanne Watkins is most likely the first person you’ll see when you arrive at Pleasant Street Inn Bed and Breakfast. She’ll be quick to hand over a set of keys so that you can come and go as you please, but at first, you won’t want to go anywhere — the green 1906 Victorian house is just that inviting. Nevertheless, Watkins will start playing tour guide by circling must-see local attractions on a colorful map. The inn, which is located in Prescott’s historic district, is within easy walking distance of Courthouse Plaza, popular restaurants, galleries, boutiques, museums and, of course, Whiskey Row.

Before Watkins purchased the house in 2003 — at its current location on the corner of South Pleasant Street and Goodwin — it spent 84 years at 232 S. Marina Street. In 1990, the city of Prescott chose South Marina for its new police station, so instead of destroying the 3,500-square-foot house, the city moved it four blocks to its present location. The interior was refitted with new plumbing and wiring, and the building as a whole was remodeled into a bed and breakfast. The 100-year-old molding, doors and staircase, as well as the 10-foot ceilings, were preserved to display the home’s history.

With two bedrooms and two suites, all with private bathrooms, you’re guaranteed a comfortable stay. Upstairs, the romantic Pine View Suite has a bay window, fireplace, full-size sofa bed and small TV in the sitting room, a king-size bed in the bedroom and a large, double-sink bathroom with tub and shower. The interior design is impressive, too, but most visitors find it hard to focus on the eclectic mix of Asian and Native American décor because they’re captivated by the thoughtful touches Watkins has peppered throughout the rooms to ensure that every need is met: There are terry robes in the closet, a bottle opener and glasses on a side table, a vase of fresh flowers, and a mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, although Watkins swears the tap water is delicious.

Because of Watkins’ hospitality, you might feel guilty for not wanting to pry yourself out of bed in the morning. But coming down the stairs to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sounds of piano music playing softly in the background is a worthy tradeoff. And biting into almond-topped french toast, sausage links and a medley of fresh fruit, while sharing tales of the previous night’s adventures with Watkins and the other guests, makes it easy to understand why this inn was destined to move to Pleasant Street. It doesn’t get any more pleasurable than this.