Harrison West is a community of parks, old Victorian homes and new apartments and condos. Like the Victorian Village, so often I wonder whether the people would randomly open their homes up so I could see what they do with the old Victorian homes on the inside. Harrison House Bed and Breakfast is one of those old Victorian homes in the community and is a member of the Short North Business Association and on the National Register of Historic Places, constructed around 1890. It is a pretty house, outlined in teal and light purple with gingerbread woodwork on the porch, on peaks and arches.
Inside, the furniture and décor may not be the original, but appropriate for the era of the house. Most of the furniture is antique. The style is classical Victorian, but still cozy enough to make you feel at home. Lynn Varney, the caretaker, always has complementary goodies for her guests. When I dropped by for a visit and tour, she had some scrumptious looking brownies just waiting for someone to eat them. If the baked goodies weren't enough, there are candy dishes everywhere filled with Hershey kisses and mints. The fridge is always stacked with snacks and beverages, including beer and wine. As the name implies, in the mornings Lynn prepares a full breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, tea and a gourmet entrée of eggs and bacon, quiche, French toast or anything else. Other meals the guests are on their own, and the guests come and go as they please.
Besides the pretty furniture, warm hospitality and good eats, there are some ghoulish secrets about the place. For those who are into the paranormal, this may be a place of interest for you. Apparently there are resident spirits of people who lived in the Harrison House so long ago. My camera decided it didn't want to work and so I couldn't take pictures of my own of the interior of the house. I thought it was the battery getting low. Or was it? A funny story involves a picture on the wall in the living room. Everyone always thought it was of a woman in the Victorian era. She appeared to be very unhappy, rather scowling. Then one day the picture "spoke" to one of the guests and told them it was actually of a man. Sure enough, they took a closer look at the clothing that they thought was feminine and it actually turned out to be masculine. Now the person in the picture looks much happier.
So, come to stay at the Harrison House and enjoy good company and hospitality. Relax in the comfy couches and chairs. Fluff up your pillows and snuggle under the blankets. Oh, and never mind the noises. They won't hurt you. Sweet dreams! read more