Entire home

The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown

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A cozy living room with a wooden staircase, a chessboard on a round table, and a lamp on a side table.
A spacious kitchen with a wooden island, a dining area with a large table and chairs, and a view into the living room.
A Victorian-style house with a porch, brick facade, and a small garden area.
A wooden staircase leading to a second floor, a chandelier, a radiator, and a door with a window.
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, a built-in oven, and a dishwasher.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dogs and cats allowed
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Hannibal, MO
  • Place, Rockcliffe Mansion
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
    ‪11 min walk‬
  • Place, Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Quincy, IL (UIN-Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms

About this property

The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown

Recently restored to its former beauty, this Queen Anne Victorian features a grand oak staircase, original hardwood floors & woodwork, stained glass and spacious rooms. Elegant, yet furnished with a view towards simplicity and the comforts of home. Relax on the front porch and back deck: experience an authentic period home in a historic setting and feel a connection to Hannibal's past and local culture. Family Friendly. Pet friendly! Walk to Hannibal's thriving Main Street downtown restaurants, shops, museums or explore the waterfront on the Mississippi River!

The home was built by John Sydney, an employee of a prominent lumber company, in 1892. He chose beautiful woods to adorn his home which you can enjoy to this day! Located on Center Street, in the heart of the Maple Avenue Historic District - which contains a fine collection of 19th and early 20th century homes ranging from simple cottages to palatial mansions. Predominant styles are Italianate, Queen Anne, Second Empire and Colonial Revival.

The main level includes a well stocked Kitchen, gracious Dining Room, Living Room and Parlor, and powder room. A large deck is located off the Kitchen. There are 3 bedrooms upstairs, each with a Queen size bed, and private sink. The upstairs bathroom has a claw foot tub with a tub / shower combination. Second floor washer / dryer.

You are blocks away from Mark Twain's boyhood home, the Mississippi River and the many amenities of downtown Hannibal, the scene of many weekend events. Lots of local shops and local color! Great parks and open spaces are nearby, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area is filled with natural beauty ready for exploration.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
NOT CHILDPROOF. Bring own equipment
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 999 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Must be approved in advance. $75 fee per stay
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Lock the doors
Do NOT make or strip the beds. Housekeeping will handle
Leave NO trace of pets. Place pet poo bags or cat litter INSIDE a larger trash bag and put in exterior garbage can. NO LOOSE trash.
Checkout is 10am. Thanks for staying with us! Safe travels! -Anneliesa & Jim Smith
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Reservations and pet guests are subject to owner approval
Only authorized guests on the reservation on the property

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4277776
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Hannibal

Hannibal is home to this vacation home. Molly Brown Museum and Home and Bluff City Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sawyer's Creek Fun Park and Norwoods Golf Club.
Map
Hannibal, MO

What's nearby

  • Rockcliffe Mansion - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum - 11 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Molly Brown Museum and Home - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse - 14 min walk - 1.2 km

Getting around

  • Quincy Station - 30 min drive
  • Quincy, IL (UIN-Quincy Regional-Baldwin Field) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Arby's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪First Bite - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 999 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown?

As of Sep 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown on Jan 3, 2027 start from $254, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The John Sydney House - Family and Pet Friendly Historic Home Downtown located?

Situated in Hannibal, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Rockcliffe Mansion and Mississippi River. Bluff City Theater and Molly Brown Museum and Home are also within 15 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 24 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 24 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 24 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 24 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 24 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful, clean house with great charm.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rooms were clean and the decor was very well done! We loved our stay here and the hosts were responsive to all our needs.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home has been restored to its original glory. With a few modern upgrades. The kitchen was amazing and very well equipped. The beds were super comfy. We loved the back deck as well. Communication was effortless and immediate. We were there during a heat wave so the window units in the bedrooms didn’t quite do the trick. It also meant the upstairs hallway and bathroom were very warm. The original clawfoot tub converted to a shower was beautiful but not as effective as one might hope. We also adored the neighborhood cat, Morris. Thanks for a delightful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed the closeness to downtown. The house was a beautiful Victorian home. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
right in the historic district with a very nice neighbor
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The house was beautiful. So nice to see these old homes being restored and appreciated.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful place to stay. Full of Hannibal charm in a terrific historic area. Owners were prompt with replies and extremely helpful. Rooms are large, beds comfortable, and great kitchen. Walkable to restaurants and the Mark Twain spots. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Our stay at the John Sydney house was wonderful. It’s a historic building with charm and I’m glad we chose this home which supports the renovations of other houses in the area. Modern appliances, comfy beds, and pet friendly.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifully curated home full of charm! The host was incredibly attentive and responsive. Can’t wait to stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
We enjoyed the house. Lots of character.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wish we could have stayed longer

Beautiful, tastefully decorated and well stocked historic home within walking distance of tourist sites and restaurants. We were in town for a wedding and we truly enjoyed our stay. Great front porch and back patio.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The stay was fantastic! Although many attractions in Hannibal were canceled due to snow, there was plenty to do in the home for entertainment. We played many games and cooked a meal at home. Bedrooms were very clean and kitchen was stocked with all the essentials. We will definitely be back for some more fun and staying with Anneliesa and Jim at one of their many beautiful properties.
Playing spoons.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend getaway

The house is beautiful and historic. We wanted to soak in some local history. Verpleased
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this historic home. From the moment we arrived, everything felt warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully prepared.The house itself is full of charm and character, yet incredibly comfortable and well-equipped. The kitchen truly had everything you could possibly need—whether you’re making a quick breakfast or a full dinner, it’s all there. We also really appreciated the abundance of towels and all the little touches that made our stay feel easy and relaxed.One of the highlights was the sweet resident kitty, who added such a cozy and unique touch to the experience!Communication with the hosts was excellent—they were responsive, helpful, and made sure all of our questions were answered quickly. The check-in process was seamless, and the app was very easy to use, which made arrival stress-free.Overall, this was a fantastic stay, and we would absolutely come back. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a charming, comfortable, and well-managed getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Comfortable home not far from Main Street. This lovely house has been restored with historic charm plus modern conveniences. Plenty of space to spread out and relax, and we would have liked to stay a little longer. Owners are extremely attentive to their renters and assist when needed. We enjoyed taking walks in the neighborhood with so many stately old homes. Thank you for being pet friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location for Rialto Banquet Hall reception

The location was perfect and we loved the architecture/woodwork of the home. Lots of space heaters throughout home to keep us warm on a cold weekend. Beds were super comfortable. Nice touch with the coffees and snacks left for us.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just right

We had seven adults including one who couldn’t manage stairs well. All of us were very comfortable and had a lovely stay in this historic home while exploring Hannibal. The kitchen was well stocked, sheets and towels were soft and smooth, additional dining chairs were in place prior to our arrival and everything was clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy

Almost there.

A lot of beautiful work has been done on this historic house. (A notebook with some history would be fun.)There was a couple issues. Upon entering we were hit with a very strong.” old house” smell. A ozone machine or plug-in air fresheners would be great. We got a little used to it.Also, the large house was cooled by small window air conditioners. Two downstairs and one in each upstairs bedroom. we were really worried if it would be too hot to sleep. We did ok, but the upstairs hall and bathroom were stifling. There was an issue in the neighborhood and we couldn’t park in front. We had to leave through the small backyard that was totally unkept. We had to be careful not to fall down.There was a couple trash cans there but they had it look like construction stuff them. It was unclear which one was for the city.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We pulled up, parked on the street in front of the house and walked up to the porch. Our kids were so excited to stay at this gorgeous house. So were we, actually. We entered the inviting living room and the kids sat down to play chess immediately. We wandered through the house, admiring all of the fabulous woodwork and other time period details. The home was so welcoming and like stepping back in time. We loved it! We showered in the claw-footed tub, did laundry in the washer and dryer and ate ice cream on the private back deck. We loved feeding Morris the cat. This stay was such a memorable part of our trip!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was terrific. Close to downtown and points of interest. Kitchen was well appointed with an amazing gas range which made cooking easy. Host was gracious and quick to respond with answers to questions. Beds were so comfortable!!!! Especially the brass bed in the room next door to upstairs restroom. Would definitely recommend this property to anyone wanting a clean and comfortable stay in Hanibal.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The stay was Great. Highly Recommend
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

About the host

Hosted by Anneliesa Barta

Host profile image
Your hosts are Anneliesa and Architect Jim Smith. We are passionate about historic homes and great Design. We love restoring homes in places of importance in American history and creating special places for guests and tenants to visit or stay awhile! Some of our homes are over 120 years old; our restoration efforts ensure that they will be valued assets and in use for future generations.

We believe that Design has the power to affect you deeply, fosters positive experiences, brings people closer together and is key to a great stay. By renting this home, you help fund our ongoing renovation efforts. We thank you for trusting us with your accommodation needs.

Why they chose this property

The neighborhood is one of the oldest areas of Hannibal - the Maple Avenue Historic District - which contains a fine collection of primarily 19th and early 20th century homes ranging from simple cottages to palatial mansions. Predominant styles are Italianate, Queen Anne, Second Empire and Colonial Revival. The John Sydney House is located on Center Street, the heart of the district, just a few blocks walk to Hannibal's thriving Main Street with shops, museums, restaurants and downtown waterfront. As a guest in this home, you have the opportunity to experience an authentic period home in a historic setting, and feel a connection to Hannibal's past, its place in time and local culture.

What makes this property unique

This Queen Anne Victorian home was built by John Sydney, an employee of a prominent lumber company, in 1892. He chose beautiful woods to adorn his home which you can enjoy to this day! The home has retained many of its original features - its grand oak staircase, woodwork, stained glass, pocket doors. During its recent renovation lead by Architect Jim Smith, we preserved many of the home's original features and blended them with carefully curated antiques, rugs, artwork, as well as modern comforts and conveniences. The home is furnished with a view towards simplicity, harmony and the comforts of home.

Languages:

English

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