RESERVATIONS

Reservations
Menu

Hello

Welcome To The Goodbread House

Enter as strangers

Leave as friends

Your Gateway To Cumberland Island National Seashore

Plan Your Day Trip

Stay A While...

and bring your best friend

Days at the Goodbread Inn begin with a sumptuous breakfast…

and end with a satisfying sigh.

White picket fences join stately magnolias…

in a seductive symphony of the Old South.

Romance lives and adventure awaits.

The past is calling, and making memories is the order of the day.

Come experience the serenity of a gentler era and the warmth of community.

Previous
Next

There is just something about St. Marys…

History

The Goodbread House sits in the center of the quaint waterfront village of St. Marys, Georgia, America’s second oldest city, and the. gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore. Downtown St. Marys is listed on the National Historic Registry. The history of St. Marys dates back to a time when Guale, Timucuan, and Yamacraw Indians roamed the area, living off the riches of the land. First came the Spanish Occupation in the late 1500s. The English claimed Georgia in 1663. And in 1787, the British Colonial Council decided St. Marys would be a desirable site for a city. So 20 men got together and agreed to pay $38 each to make a permanent settlement at what was then known as Buttermilk Bluff. Thus, St. Marys was born

The Sandiford-Goodbread House was built in 1870 by Samuel Burns, who sold it to Ralph Sandiford, who in turn sold it to steamboat captain Walton Goodbread in 1901. The Goodbread (Gutbrodt) family had come to Philadelphia from Germany in 1731. Descendents of Phillip Goodbread Sr. migrated south during the war, eventually settling in Camden County. They fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and served in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. In 1918, Kate Brandon Bagwell and her sisters, Sallie, Semora, and Ethel, bought The Goodbread House to house the overflow of the Riverview Hotel, a neighboring Inn just steps from The Goodbread House formerly run by Jerry Brandon and his wife, Gaila, former proprietors of The Goodbread House. More recently, The Goodbread House served as Dixon’s Boarding House, serving family-style lunch and dinner to locals and visitors alike. It was renovated in the early 1980s, and today retains the charm of its original 1870s architecture.

 

Reviews

Paulina A.
Paulina A.
Atlanta, GA
Read More
We stayed at the Goodbread House on our journey to the famous Cumberland island. We were greeted upon arrival and the service was impeccable, true Southern hospitality. The room and bathroom was so spacious and I was pleasantly surprised. The entire experience felt like we were staying at a friends house because it was so quaint and personable. They have happy hour in the parlor and front porch where you can mingle with other guests and enjoy red or white wine with assorted pastries. The breakfast was delicious and beautifully plated on formal china. We were offered an omelette, yogurt parfait, and banana bread-- so good. We really enjoyed our stay!
Galit P.
Galit P.
Naples, FL
Read More
Always a pleasure staying at The Goodbread House. The owner Mardja is so adorable and hospitable. Every time we visit Beautiful St Mary's we look forward to staying here. Breakfast is always great and made with attention to detail.
M.C.
M.C.
DeBary, FL
Read More
The absolute cutest bed and breakfast I've stayed in. Clean and quirky with all room having a different romantic couple theme-Rhett and Scarlett's, Ricky and Lucy, Gable and Lombard, etc. Mardga, the innkeeper was gracious and sweet. Breakfast was "Martha Stewart" worthy !!" Front porch great place to meet other travelers and exchange stories. Seems we all were separated by 6 or less degrees!!! Quaint , quiet friendly little town that made me feel like I was in a Hallmark movie!! Short drive to Amelia and Fernandina Islands. Definitely on my list to return !
Andrea W.
Andrea W.
Marietta, GA
Read More
We came to this beautiful in on St. Mary's Main Street close to the ferry terminal because of the reviews we read. I hope that the review that I am leaving will lead you to this quaint and charming place; from the small details such as homemade delicious desserts, plus nuts and apples or a glass of wine in the evening, or orange juice and coffee in the morning.. Be amazed by the culinary talent of the innkeeper, our breakfast was one for the books! this is a quaint Victorian inn with personality and character. This small town will steal your heart, with its wonderful stories and wonderful people. You will want to come back over and over again over the years and visit the people that you meet here. It was a short stay but the perfect escape from a hectic everyday life to the tranquility of a time from the past
Pam B.
Pam B.
Ocoee, FL
Read More
What a gem. We arrived and were greated by Felicia. Were told that there was complimentary wine (red and white) in the parlor and that our friends were on the upsatirs balcony! It felt like home. We stayed in the Lucy and Ricky Suite. What a delight! Our friends stayed in the Rhett and Scarlet Suite. Each room decorated according to the names. We were asked if we were going on the boat to Cumberland Island the next day and were told that they would order a lunch for us. And the lunch was delivered in insulated bags...sandwich, condiments, chips, crackers, and apple and a bottle of water...(PS Cumberland Island does not have commercial businesses). Breakfast was hot, savory and sweet, fruit, juice, coffe or tea! It was just an incredible place. Please don't go there so I can go whenever I want to!!! 🙂 Just kidding...DO NOT MISS THIS GEM! Why aren't there 6 STARS???
Laura B.
Laura B.
Marietta, GA
Read More
We had a wonderful stay at the Goodbread House! We loved the kitschy Victorian-style decor. There were a lot of thoughtful touches (complimentary drinks/snacks in the parlor, golf cart ride to the Cumberland ferry) and the breakfasts were great. Our hosts were very accommodating and friendly throughout. All around a wonderful trip!
Sue
Sue
bringfido.com
Read More
What a great old Victorian home! Our hosts (and their sweet dog) made sure we and our dog felt at home right away. Mardja even called us when we were on our way there to see if she could book ferry tickets for us, and when we arrived she took time to tell us about the nearby restaurants. In the morning they brought our breakfast out to us so we could eat with our dog on the lovely front porch. Thoughtful in every detail, and very dog friendly!
Anna A.
Anna A.
Oakland, CA
Read More
We spent two weeks at the Goodbread and had an amazing time! Everyone was so warm and courteous, our room was beautiful and comfortable, and the food was delicious. The porch is the best place in town to have a drink and enjoy the gorgeous weather.
Triple C.
Triple C.
Braselton, GA
Read More
We absolutely adore this place and have stayed multiple times. We were able to book with her impromptu later in the evening and we decide to pick up dinner on the way to. Marja (sp?) set the table for us with candles on the veranda so we could thoroughly enjoy our takeout. Our dog is always welcome and the breakfast is incredible. The B&B is also walking distance from the Cumberland Island ferry which makes it easy to make reservations. This place is a home away from home and we look forward to staying again soon.
Ricky H.
Ricky H.
NV, NV
Read More
The Goodbread House is a quaint little bed and breakfast. We stayed here when we went to visit the island. The woman who runs the place (Mardja) is very sweet, considerate, and helpful. She took care of all of our accommodations for getting to and from the island as well as having lunches made for us to take onto the island. When we woke up to go to the island we came downstairs to see a full spread of coffee, juice, real eggs, sausage, grits and more. The second morning we ere there we had homemade vanilla blueberry pancakes. Every evening in the main room there was wine available with some sort of desert or snack. I would recommend this p[lace to anyone who is coming out to visit.
Deborah B
Deborah B
@529DeborahB
Read More
If you are looking for papmered, comfortable stay in St Mary's, on your way to Cumberland Island for the day, you want to stay at the Goodbread House Inn. We ere in the lavish Scarlett and Rhett room, one of the comfiest beds ever! A lion claw old-fashioned bathtub (very comfy also!), and especially prepared breakfasts to start the day. The sign on the front says, "Come in as strangers, leave as friends" and truly, sharing a glass (or 2, or 3!) in the cozy parlor with other guests allowed us to meet new friends and share our travel experiences. Definitely recommended!
dougk77
dougk77
@dougk77
Read More
"We were heading back to Cumberland Island (GA.) and wanted to be within walking distance to the ferry departure and the ambiance of St. Mary's, GA. After revewing options/reviews - we came acrross the Goodbread House Inn and Breakfast. The reviewes were correct noting the owners were two of the most delightful and helpful people we've met in some time. We do want to acknolwedge the entire staff for all they did including a special breakfast. We personally appreciated Bill's assistance and his insights about St. Mary's and Cumberland Island too. The accomodations were very comfortable as stayed in the Guinevere and Lancelot room which included access to a lovely outside balcony (great rocking chairs too) We strongly recommend staynig at the Goodbread - notingit was also home once to a "local pirate!"
Previous
Next

Your Host

Mardja Gray

Goodbread Proprietor and Host Mardja is the perfect combination of an Iron Butterfly and a Steel Magnolia. Mardja's passion for pampering her guests and making them truly feel at home is renowned. As a Certified Myers-Briggs Specialist, she has the unique talent of making an immediate connection to a guest's personal style – how they like to communicate, and other individual preferences. Mardja's personal mission is to send every Goodbread guest home with a burning desire to come back real soon, and The Goodbread House's envied history of repeat visitors bears out her successful track record of doing so.

Come, stay a while

Location:
209 Osborne Street
St. Marys, Georgia 31558
(912) 882-7490

© 2005-2023 All Rights Reserved | Website by Marshland Marketing

Cumberland Island Getaway

It has always been our pleasure to assist you in planning your trip to Cumberland Island.

We Have You Covered!

We have always been happy to help with planning your trip to Cumberland Island, from securing your ferry tickets to making certain that you have a healthy picnic lunch to take with you.

Contact us with your dates and we will sort out all of the details!

(912)882-1418

Menu

(912)882-7490

Where To Find Us

Contact Us

We are always happy to answer any questions or address any concerns.

Gift Certificates

Could there be a more spectacular gift than that of escape, romance and tranquility? The Goodbread House offers Gift Certificates of various denominations with a promise to make this gift to your special someone the most enchanting gift ever. All gift certificates can be personalized to your liking!

Call 912-882-7490 for details.