The 1800s-era Hutchinson House stands out like a cheerful dollhouse on the old-monied streets a few blocks from Faribault’s downtown historic commercial district.

The bed-and-breakfast offers five second-floor guest rooms (nightly rates from $109 to $199), each named for a former resident. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the three common rooms on the main floor, showcasing detailed woodwork and period furniture that re-creates a sense of the home’s original Victorian grandeur. Butler, a mellow English bulldog who lives on the premises, adds further character.

Owners and history buffs Tami and Doug Schluter are happy to take guests on a driving tour of Faribault, including the downtown area and the historic school campuses, but some may prefer to just kick back on the flower-filled wraparound porch or stroll the neighborhoods and downtown on their own.

Typical breakfasts entail cranberry-white chocolate chunk scones, “green eggs and ham” (an open-face stack of bread with prosciutto, poached egg, basil sauce, tomato and Parmesan), and a raspberry oatie, a sturdier version of a fruit crisp topped with vanilla yogurt.