You should know first and foremost, I'm an extremely flexible person so whether this place was…read morebustling with adults, children, and dogs or had the silence of a Buddhist temple, I would be able to adjust and be happy.
That said, the weekend we stayed was very quiet and I think only one or two other people were guests, who we barely even saw. This suited me perfectly since this weekend in particular, I intended to focus on rest and solitude. We felt as if we had the entire grounds to ourselves.
I'm an estate/antiques broker, so I would offer that my preference is to stay at historic buildings in general so my review is colored by that preference: I spend quite a while taking photographs of the antiques and other items just for my own enjoyment, which is what I did on this occasion. There is a foyer, and several rooms for leisure. One can imagine themselves reading quietly alone in the sitting room or having conversation with other guests, discussing the impressive Christmas Village collection. The enclosed patio provides a small refrigerator and a variety of games and puzzles. I notified the owner that I would buy the vintage bamboo etagere if she ever tires of it. Freshly baked cookies are waiting for you, individually wrapped, in the foyer. They're soft not crunchy, as most cookies should be.
We stayed in the Magnolia room, which provided a King bed, sofa, fireplace, spacious closet area, private bath, and access to the patio and property. It is also located off the dining area so perhaps at busier times, if you're not an early riser, this is not the bedroom for you in case other guests are up having breakfast. I'm up at 5:30 so you have to be on your game to interrupt me. The owners placed locally-made soap in the bathroom. It's always a nice touch to see local businesses supporting other local businesses.
I was very impressed by the owner's and innkeeper's willingness to provide gluten and sugar-free options for me. The innkeeper is a professional chef who has appeared on the Food Network several times. We enjoyed chatting with them and purchased their cook book, a charming collection of recipes, including allergy-friendly selections. I had been looking for a recipe for gluten-free Goldfish for my son and it just so happens it was included in the collection--what a magical surprise!
We enjoyed chatting with one of the owners, Renee, who is in the antiques business herself. She owns a shop not too far from the bed and breakfast which I'm certain you'd enjoy visiting. We didn't have the opportunity, but it's on the to-do list.
The dining area provides snacks and beverages at all times: coffee and cocoa, water, candy, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and other snacks. This is convenient especially when traveling with a child (or a hangry husband).
I enjoy being out of doors and so does my son, but fair warning, it is the South, so the mosquitoes and other biting insects are plentiful. There is a lovely magnolia tree right outside the patio door and a variety of pleasant floral scents. Take your coffee out one morning and enjoy the quiet.
A stroll around the neighborhood will inform you that you're within walking distance of a charming little park and several churches, among other businesses and interesting old homes. I took pleasure in chatting with several neighbors who were out early Sunday morning.
The value is extraordinary for the experience. It's less than $300 for a 3 night stay in a suite. That's incredible. You could take a friend and spend a girl's getaway weekend for next to nothing. I look forward to what the property has in store and I'll be back.
