Cynzia Sanchez and Edward Toledano had a vision of creating a place to slow down, relax, breathe, and be in the moment. Discovering the beautiful home located in Maxeys, Georgia, that was built with 10 railroad cars of brick in 1920, they embarked on the creative adventure called the Gillen House Bed and Breakfast. Escaping the big city of Atlanta and all that that comes with living in a place with seven million other people, they were both ready to make a lifestyle change. Cynzia was co-owner of a successful moving company that has been in business 30 years, and Edward had a marketing and sales career that spanned 25 years. Combing their desires for a life of creative living and enjoyment of being with others, they took the plunge and have created an oasis in the country of east Georgia. Cynzia is an accomplished artist, with a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), and an Architectural Degree from Georgia Tech. Her creative needs were not being met in the city, and a country escape to allow her to pursue art career is a main reason for the opening of the Gillen House.

The Gillen House is a place to relax and escape. We offer four comfortable guest rooms, three with king beds and one with a queen. Each room is appointed with comfortable furniture, relaxed colors, and wonderful artwork. All rooms have full en-suite bathrooms When you stay at the Gillen House, breakfast is included, and each day allows for new menu offerings. Evening dining may be arranged by request when making your reservation. The property consists of 2 acres of grounds including a pecan orchard, vegetable & herb garden, pond and golf putting green. Enjoy relaxing on the back deck with the sounds of the waterfall or upstairs screen porch to enjoy a wonderful sunset. Located in Maxeys Georgia, the Gillen House is a short drive east of Athens. In addition to the enjoyment of the house and property, there are many great things to explore in and around the area.

Maxeys was established in 1834 and was first known as Shanty, then as Salmonsville. Eventually it was named in honor of Jesse Maxey, a landowner on whose property the town had developed. The Georgia Rail Road Company built a railroad line in 1841 that ran from Athens to Union Point running through then then named Shantytown, so named because of the "shantys" along the line where the train would stop. Jesse Maxey had initially encouraged the railroad to come through the area by giving land for the right of way. The town was incorporated in 1907, and was a booming cotton town during the early 1900's due to the healthy agricultural economy and pioneering spirit of the people at that time. Today, Maxeys has begun to come back to life with many new residents and the renovation of some of the old buildings in the towns center.