The accommodations are always so special at this historic Inn. The Inn Keepers are very special people who treat every guest like family; while taking care of every detail as it were a luxurious hotel. Every room has a story and named after a historical figure that has stayed at the Inn. Our favorite room is the Herbert Hoover room overlooking the mountains because it has a feel of a "treehouse" refuge. Rhonda's amazing gourmet breakfasts make this place worth coming back again and again. She manages to make special meals even when catering to food allergies. Very grateful to have found this little gem hidden in Sonora. read more

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I did a review earlier this month but forgot to mention one thing. Our room had shades but they weren't wide enough to cover the full window space. So I woke up way earlier than I needed to b/c of light pouring in. We had the Earl Warren room. I don't know if other rooms have better blackout curtains/blinds. read more

This is truly a fabulous B&B and well worth a visit. Rhonda and Fred, the proprietors are awesome. Rhonda is so personable and truly concerned that everyone visiting has an exceptional experience. As many of you know, I mostly review eating establishments but occasionally branch out. The Inn itself is cozy, comfortable, and extremely homelike and charming in so many ways, especially among the furnishings, memorabilia, and amenities like coffee and water stations. Let me, however, concentrate on breakfast... yes, the food which is AMAZING. Rhonda and team are such talented chefs, and the food was not only mouthwatering delicious but very creative. The initial cream filled pear was such a delicious treat and everything that followed, the tiny quiche, skewer of savory flavor, etc. were extraordinary. Honestly, I have had many B&B breakfasts, and this surpassed them all. I highly recommend the Inn and commend Rhonda and Fred for creating a wonderful experience for their guests. read more

The Inn on Knowles Hill - The amazing cream stuffed pear! How beautiful is that? - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Sonora, California

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We got so lucky picking this place to stay at while attending a wedding. Not only is it beautiful, but the hostess is awesome. The decor is very original classic antique. Everything in this house is beautiful and well placed. Rhonda, the hostess, is an interior designer and this is her palette. They are continuing in the exterior remodeling to accommodate weddings. The breakfast in the morning is absolutely divine. Poached pear, Aebleskiver, and sausage was amazing. I have not slept this good in a long time. The quiet surroundings make for a peaceful deep sleep. There cats and ducks hanging out outside the house, very cool. If we ever come this way again - this is where we are staying. Great job Rhonda! read more

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It is absolutely a beautiful place. We fell in love with it. RHONDA the owner of the place was so informative and so welcoming. wonderful Elegant breakfast !!! Definitely Coming Back . read more

This inn is really exquisite. It's beautiful with the antiques and furniture and every single detail, in every single room. Rhonda Bess, owner, sees that guests are taken care of in every way. Her food is five star quality, and as much as you can eat. It's truly an experience. Five stars and A+++. read more

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My son in law and I were on a Motorcycle tour of Highway 49. My first time staying in a B&B. Wasn't sure what to expect. I can assure you the experience at Knowles Hill was not what I expected. Rhonda was so inviting and friendly upon our arrival. We were in awe of the beautiful home and well cared for grounds. The vintage decor and style were stunning. The rooms were well appointed with amazing large four post beds. In the evening, we sat on the veranda amazed at the view of Sonora below us. Great views of one of the best gold rush towns in the Sierra's. Visited by the friendly cats lounging on the patio. Even saw wild turkeys walking the property. In the morning woke up to a spectacular breakfast. The stay was worth it just for the 5 Star Breakfast. Enjoyed meeting and visiting with the other guests. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their stay as well as us. Conversation was fun and light. Would highly recommend a visit to this incredible Inn. read more

Stayed here a few years back and never got around to leaving a review. So, where do I start?! Ok, everything! The grounds, the house, the interior, the home decor, the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the food (omg!)... amazing! Every aspect that of this B&B was amazing! When I come across my saved pictures from our stay I will surely upload! read more

Home away from home. Rhonda will usually be the first to greet you and is a very jovial and warm hostess and owner. She is well knowledgeable regarding the local area and best places to go to as well as the history of the place. The staff are always willing to help and will make sure you feel comfortable the whole time. Be warned, there are many cats that want nothing more than your love, whether that's pets, head scratches, and cuddles. The breakfast prepared fresh every day is amazing. You can taste the effort being made to prepare every dish. It's a two course breakfast with plenty of service that won't allow your cup to go empty, whether it's filled with OJ, cranberry juice, coffee, or tea. read more

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I have to say that this has to be the BEST INN that I've ever had the pleasure of staying in. The accommodations, service & food are all top notch. If you just take a peek at the few pics I have included in my review, I'm sure you'll agree that a picture speaks a thousand words. The owner & her assistant are the kindest folks you could ever want to greet you & handle your stay. Do yourself a big favor & look no further than The Inn on Knowles Hill for your next stay in Sonora or the Gold Country. Have fun!!! read more

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My husband and I were very excited to visit this Inn. When we arrived there was no staff or access and this was a weekend. When we got access we were the only people staying. We did not experience the Bed & Breakfast stay. Our room was well appointed but small. We had the whole Inn to ourselves which was a bit strange. It was winter and a large storm came through and watching the lightning was fun to watch. Overall, I felt the Inn could have been better maintained. Based on their website I expected an experience, with wine & appetizers, fresh baked cookies, etc. The breakfast was very nice. But again strange as we were the only people there.​ read more

I had a wonderful time at The Inn on Knowles Hill. The owner, Rhonda, is a very sweet and talented woman who has carefully styled the inn with beautiful antiques and decor to establish a 1920s vibe. Her breakfasts are incredibly delicious and beautifully presented. My boyfriend and I didn't get out much because we wanted to enjoy the inn as much as possible in the two days we stayed there. We sipped tea and wine while reading books by the fire, played with her super friendly dogs, walked around the property, relaxed in the gorgeous bedroom (the Segerstrom room), etc. We will definitely be back and plan to stay longer so we can divide our time better between enjoying the property and exploring the area. It's slightly expensive, but we'll worth it! Consider the fact that you would never get this beautiful and relaxing environment and amazing breakfast experience served on fine China at a hotel for anywhere near the price this inn charges. We can't wait to return and my boyfriend's parents are already planning to book a stay for themselves. read more

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Five stars are not nearly enough! My husband and I are well traveled but have never experienced anything quite like this anywhere in the world. Stunningly beautiful home and room. Exquisite breakfasts, both in taste and presentation. We were there for a special family event (nine of us) and also enjoyed a special dinner at the Inn one night. Absolutely spectacular. Beyond all that, Rhonda and Fred are extraordinarily caring, interesting, and fun!! Based on other reviews, we had high expectations. The Inn on Knowles Hill exceeded those. read more

First the history of The Inn On Knowles Inn that Rhoda (the owner) shared with us really made our stay so special. However, the breakfast was truly an unbelievable experience. We were escorted into a dining room that looked like it was set for royalty. I wish I had taken a picture as it was really gorgeous. Then the food which I also wish I had taken pictures of was amazing. I'm not a gourmet cook at all so can't begin to recall Rhonda's description of each item served, but I can say if we have gone to a high end restaurant and had something like this it would have been VERY expensive. The room was lovely, the bedding so comfortable, everything was very clean and we had a lovely patio where we saw a gorgeous sunset. They also recommended a place for dinner called Emberz in Sonora that was fantastic. All in all a great experience. read more

The Inn on Knowles Hill - Seamus in front of the Inn Entrance - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Sonora, California

The Inn on Knowles Hill is truly exceptional. Rhonda and Fred have put their hearts into every detail of this place, and it shows. The experience they offer is one of a kind, and certainly unforgettable. Their breakfast is a masterpiece that you must try at least once. read more

Wonderful period B&B. Loved the house & furniture background. Very comfortable and the most delicious breakfasts I've ever had. They make you feel like family! Can't wait to come back and see another season of Rhonda's decorations! We also did the steak dinner and it was wonderful, but pace yourself to make it to the end. Thank you Rhonda, Fred & Lottie. An amazing weekend with friends. read more

Truly the most memorable hotel or bed/breakfast stay we've ever had. It got better and better with each moment there. The house is beautifully maintained in a style that resembles the bygone era when it was built, but has all the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Best of all was the breakfast prepared by proprietor, Rhonda. We've been to Michelin restaurants and many other exquisite eateries, but Ronda's breakfast tops them all. A culinary delight to the eyes and palate. There's nothing like The Inn at Knowles Hill. read more

The best B&B ever!! The inn is a gem set on a beautiful hill. The house is quite large and appointed with beautiful antiques plants, and gorgeous orchids. The hosts, Rhonda and Fred are the kindest people - salt of the earth, authentic and genuine. Rhonda greeted us and from the minute we met it was clear that this would be an amazing experience and it exceeded all of our expectations. The room was decorated beautifully. The bed was very comfortable. My husband said that he slept better than he has in a long time. The amenities were perfect and there were little touches everywhere like water in crystal jugs by the bedside and chocolates. The robes were luxurious and the water pressure was phenomenal. Breakfast was 5 star! The famous pear was better than anticipated and the fresh farm scrambled eggs (chicken on premises) with fresh herbs grown on property were so flavorful. The french toast in the cinnamon sugar was so good that you wanted to scrape the plate. The amazing breakfast was served on gorgeous china in a charming breakfast room. We will definitely will be back when ever we're in the area. I wish every success to The Knowles Inn!! read more

Quaint and sweet place! Older but well kept decor and furniture. Cute and random figurines all over (see pic for the squirrel photographer), which add to the unique experience of this stay. You can tell they pay extra attention to the details. We met some of the outdoor cats, some ducks, and the finches who live in the breakfast area. Appreciated the coffee (pods) machine, filtered water, and chocolates/candy spread throughout the inn! Megan - you were so sweet and accommodating at check-in and at breakfast - and Rhonda, we appreciated your responsiveness and overall welcome. Breakfast was so cute and very tasty! Thank you! read more

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I do my research before visiting and the reviews and pictures did NOT disappoint. The Inn on Knowles Hill was the PERFECT retreat for our overnight in Sonora. Greeted right away by a variety of cats lounging near the entry way, and ducks from the nearby pond. My husband and I embraced the warmth and familiarity of this lovely place. The Inn has a handful of themed rooms based on the history of who's stayed there (e.g. Herbert Hoover). Excellent communal spaces for gathering with friends, whether downstairs or on the shared balcony between the C.H. Segerstrom and Herbert Hoover rooms. Attention to detail from room to room was impeccable. Rooms were stocked with necessities and overall very comfortable spaces to relax and unwind. My favorite part about staying was the 2-course gourmet breakfast served in the main dining room at 9:00am. Starting with poached pears, with a fresh raspberry sauce, toasted almonds (dessert first!). Then moving on to the most amazing eggs Florentine (seriously the best), homemade sausage and French toast. Rhonda is an amazing chef. I'm sad every morning doesn't start this way! Wait, I'm coming back... save me a seat! Thank you Rhonda and staff for the wonderful hospitality! We truly look forward to our return. - the Chow's read more

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This place & the family who run it absolutely deserve five plus stars on all accounts. We stayed in the Earl Warren room on 28 June 2020, they happened to have vacancy, so the boss lady accommodated our family of six on fairly short notice. The rooms, the decor, the history, the sincerity & kindness of the staff was remarkable. And the breakfast is top notch & honestly was better than some places who charge 5-10x more... The kind of places where you pay for the name (Sorry Mr. Keller, I love your places, but this breakfast was WAY better). read more

One of the best bed and breakfasts I've stayed in, if not the best. A scenic ride into the hills and the windy road up to the inn is delightful. The historic inn is perched on top of Knowles hill and offers a comfortable walk into Sonora's picturesque high street dotted with quaint stores, restaurants and cafes. This stately old home is beautifully preserved and tastefully decorated with polished colonial style furniture. Every suite is tastefully appointed with a bed decorated with a great many pillows and comfortable armchairs. I particularly like the feature of adding on a room for more space and an extra bed. The highlight is truly the amazing 2-course breakfast that Rhonda makes herself for her guests. The tables are set beautifully with fancy china. Every dish is a treat, thoughtfully designed, presented and superbly tasty. The grounds and patios are a perfect complement to this elegant home. Perfect location - Dodge Ridge is conveniently 45 minutes away, gold rush towns are 10 minutes away. A remarkable inn run by a pair of remarkable innkeepers. This is truly a small business to support, folks. Highly, highly recommended. read more

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The best place we've ever stayed. Start with the friendliness of the owners. Then over lay a wonderful 20s vibe. Comfortable beds in perfectly appointed rooms. Oh, the breakfast, oh the breakfast. My advice (fwiw): Enjoy the grounds. Live here for a few hours before heading out. It's so relaxing. read more

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What a delightful step back in time! I felt like we were enjoying all the loveliness of the elegant Victorian age, with the modern amenities of ice cold air conditioning on demand and hot showers with impressively satisfying water pressure! Rhonda and the staff were SO SO wonderful and friendly, and when we called them in the middle of the night to assist with a vent issue in our room, Rhonda's husband came up immediately and fixed it quietly, efficiently and in the dark while my 2 sons were still sleeping. He was so quiet that neither of them even budged and he was gone in a flash after the repair. And great breakfast, nice cats! A charming piano and even a harp to play alongside a chaisse lounge chair. WOW! WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! Will definitely come again! (My kids wanna come back already and we JUST got home!) read more

We were in town for the weekend to attend a family gathering, and while our relatives booked rooms at a different hotel, we decided to go with this B&B. I am so glad we did! The inn - It really is beautiful. The drive up from downtown is only about less than 5 minutes, but it feels like a world away. There is a gate to enter the grounds where guests have to enter the code for security (not that downtown Sonora seemed dangerous at all). Our walk around the grounds was enjoyable as well, since there are a lot of nice details like the fountains, gardens and Rolls Royce cars (that Rhonda and her husband are currently restoring) to see. They also have a few collies, cats and ducks which the kids loved. Inside, there are a few common rooms where guests may sit and relax, listen to the music, watch DVDs or play with board games and puzzles. The room - We stayed in the Melvin Belli room. Rhonda said that they had just upgraded most of the beds a few weeks ago, and our room now had a super comfortable cal king. The room had a lot of little details that helped it retain its historical charm without feeling kitschy. There were two closets which were ample for our stay. The bathroom was a little small but modern and clean. The shower stall (no tub) is accessible by one door and the toilet by a separate door. Food - Breakfast was fantastic! Everything was served on beautiful china and just yummy. Rhonda did ask beforehand whether we had any dietary restrictions but fortunately none of us did. She cooked everything herself and the eggs and chicken came from free-range chicken they raised on the premises. They had a high chair available for my toddler, who had his meal served to him thoughtfully cut up in bite-sized pieces, and he had everything we had just in smaller portions. This was very nice considering we didn't pay more than the regular room rate and he could've just shared our meal. When he turned down the juice, they accommodated our request for watered-down hot chocolate (so that it would be cooler and less sugary) which must've been good because he finished it in two gulps. Hospitality - Rhonda was wonderful from start to finish. The girl who was helping her serve breakfast was very sweet too. I hope we have an excuse to go to Sonora again soon, because we would definitely love to stay here again! read more

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I don't think any amount of 5-star reviews will ever do this place true justice. My husband, daughter, and I had originally planned a weekend in Twain Harte but had to find plan B accommodations due to a prolonged power outage. Other surrounding hotels in Sonora were all booked because the residents of TH had left home to stay in hotels due to no electricity. With that being said, we found this B&B last minute. We were not expecting to spend the money, so we planned to stay one night. When we arrived and saw the grounds and the inside of the B&B we immediately decided we were staying two nights. It was just breathtaking, I was speechless the entire duration of our trip. On top of the beautiful grounds and inside of the B&B, the breakfast was absolutely delicious. The food was so beautiful prepared, I felt guilty eating it! The coffee was as equally delicious. Rhonda and her husband were outstanding hosts. Just the absolute nicest, most thoughtful people. We loved meeting our housemates and enjoying wine with them in the living area where there was a nice, warm fire lit. Needless to say, we didn't want to leave! We are already planning a trip back next winter and I cannot wait! read more

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A last minute overnight here on our way to Yosemite proved to be the right call. Very sweet owner and staff, comfy beds, perfect walk to town for dinner, and probably the best breakfast I've ever had. We'll be back. Highly recommend. read more

There aren't enough positive words for me to say about this B&B. Rhonda and Fred are the most inviting hosts imaginable and make you feel instantly at home! The grounds are gorgeous, the animals are adorable, and the house is fascinating. They have put such love and hard work in to the restoration and their dedication shows! Don't even get me started on the breakfast....hands down one of the best experiences I've ever had! My mother and I stayed in the Earl Warren room which was absolutely perfect. It was a great size, the bed was comfortable (and the pillows were perfect). The bathroom came stocked with shampoo, conditioner, lip balm, soap, a sewing kit, etc. The personalized touches were everywhere and it made the stay so comfortable! I will DEFINITELY be returning! read more

This is absolutely stunning!! The decorations are amazing, Rhonda is a world class cook, the food is amazing and everyone is so friendly. I would recommend this place to everyone. read more

We stayed here for a night and we were sad to leave. Rhonda is a wonderful host and a fantastic chef. I've never had a better breakfast at any BnB before. Honestly, it was fabulous. Rhonda's attention to detail is evident from every corner of her bnb right down to the meal. It worked perfectly for a romantic weekend getaway for our anniversary. We took a day trip to Yosemite from the Inn as well. We will for sure be back for a longer stay. read more

The Inn on Knowles Hill - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Sonora, California

The house was very charming. It had ducks, chickens, and friendly cats and dogs on the property(all out side pets). The garden was gorgeous and everything was in bloom. Rhonda, the inn keeper was so gracious and an amazing cook. I cannot rave enough about how good the breakfast was. This place was amazing! read more

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My husband and I stayed at Knowles Hill while we attended a wedding in Sonora. The property is beautiful and the home so charming. As if that were not enough.. the breakfasts were over the top delicious and beautifully presented. Rhonda and her husband have a beautiful story, which Rhonda shared with us on the last day. Very touching.. I could have listened for hours. We highly recommend and will return!!! read more

We had a fantastic stay at the Inn on Knowles Hill. The Inn itself is beautiful and the rooms are perfect. Rhonda, Megan and the rest of the staff are perfect hosts and so pleasant. And the breakfasts were the best I have ever had. Cannot recommend highly enough!! read more

Excellent place to stay. The hotel grounds are charming and the rooms are cozy, beautiful and beyond comfortable. Megan and Rhonda are great hosts, they make sure we have everything we need. The breakfast Megan and Rhonda cook is phenomenal and you can feel that each dish is created with love. I highly recommend this wonderful B&B. read more

Amazing experience! The Inn is impeccably decorated in period decor. The hosts are warm and welcoming and incredible chefs! I highly recommend and we will definitely be back! read more

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We had a wonderful experience for our first time at a B & B. This was everything we were hoping for and more. Megan was amazing, very sweet, knowledgeable, and adorable. The grounds are beautiful with all the various plants and flowers and the friendly animals. Loved the pets and the wild turkeys. We will definitely be back and can't wait to spread the word. Thanks for a very enjoyable time!! read more

What a memorable stay at the Knowles Hill Inn!!! The minute Megan opened the door and welcomed us with a smile we felt at home. The Mention may feel like a museum but Rhonda designs everything to be accessible and "touchable". From hand-painted wallpaper to breakfast china and doorknobs everything depicts her artful touch. The room we reserved was very spacious with good size bathroom and balcony. Just the bedding alone deserves 5 stars rating. Super comfortable bed, selection of pillows, and silky fluffy blankets welcomed us after a day of exploring Murphy and Sonora towns. About the breakfast!!!!!!! The breakfast amazed absolutely everyone at the table. Exquisite arrangements of food like a poached pear filled with sweet cream and decorated with raspberry syrup, egg florentine, scrambled eggs with herbs, baked goods, freshly squeezed OJ, and a special blend of cofee served by Rhonda and Megan made a great start for a day ahead. Breakfast is so filling so many of us skipped lunch. Everyone was taking pictures of these masterpieces on the plates. Without the experiences, we had at Knowles Hill Inn the trip would not be as memorable. read more

Knowles Hill Inn is such an amazing place, and so are the staff that work there. When my father and brother were snowed out of their home for two weeks, Rhonda and her husband catered to them in such a compassionate way. My father is a senior citizen and my brother is physically disabled, and so all of their needs were catered to. This place has such amazing food, and a great scenic location. Five stars! read more

If you are planning a trip out to Sonora for any reason, THIS is the place to be. My husband and I wanted a weekend getaway before he started at his new position. We both are so busy and really wanted to have some relaxing time to ourselves before things got even busier. We also decided to take a trip to see Columbia State Park (As we both have not been since our 4th grade field-trips many moons ago!) After a long search for lodging around the area, I came up with nothing. Then, I decided to look in google maps to see if anything else would turn up, and thank goodness I saw The Inn on Knowles Hill! The Inn was originally established in 1927 as a home for a wealthy Sacremento couple, and has been family owned ever since. I was excited to learn more about the estate itself since I have a passion for history. But I had no idea what we were getting into...Not only did I get my history fix, but I was amazed by the food and the openness of a charming home filled with beautiful souls. On Saturday, my husband and I were making our way up to Sonora and about three quarters of the way there we get a text from Rhonda! She was explaining where the gate was, how to get in house and asking when we would arrive. We were in the area early (around noon-ish) so I asked if there was any way we could check in early (as check-in time is at 3pm) she replied that our room was ready and we were more than welcome to come on in:) We finally pulled up to the estate and I was in awe. The outside of the Inn looked like the fairytale cottage of my dreams, covered in ivy, fountains, and a staircase ascending to the front door. Our first greeters were the four cats of Knowles Hill, all were ready to be pet and loved on! Then, Rhonda opened the door and we were welcomed into the home. When I say home, I don't mean a bed & breakfast that is supposed to feel "homey". As I made my way through the entryway, the inner loveliness and warmth of family just washed over me. This is what a HOME feels like. Rhonda explained how everything worked, where everything was and while talking, it started to feel like we had known each other for years! I love history, so I was already excited to visit the Inn, but it was even better knowing that its owners could see the value of the estates rich history and were equally as excited to talk with me about it. We settled into our room - "The Wallace Beery Room"- which was named after the silent film actor who was a guest to the original owners of the Inn. The room was spacious, clean, beautifully decorated, with a lovely view of the back garden, a TV for modern pleasure and even had a private bathroom! So much detail was put into the smallest of things (like the 1920's bathroom tile, which I was drooling over the whole time!) (My husband and I spent the rest of the day visiting Columbia state park, and it was as charming as we remembered it. We got back to the Inn and played with the animals outside for a while before turning in for the night) Waking up the next day was one of the many highlights! Rhonda made a homemade breakfast for us, promptly served at 9am. The doors opened into the main dining room and breakfast nook, where we sat down to the most beautiful and delicate looking china I have ever seen. You can tell presentation is just so important. Orange juice was poured in everyones glass, along with a choice of slow-drip coffee or tea and early morning chit-chat. Here is the best part; breakfast was served in two courses. First course was a perfectly poached pear covered in a light berry sauce with a vanilla cream on the inside. The pear alone was so rich, it was sinful. Following the pear was the main breakfast course. Perfect portions of eggs sprinkled with fresh basil from her garden, flavor packed kielbasa and melt-in-your-mouth French toast in a rum based sauce, lightly powdered with sugar. It was like I had never experienced breakfast before! It blew all my expectations out of the water and then some. You will never experience such a welcoming estate and such friendly hosts. Rhonda and Fred are the sweetest couple, their son is equally as joyful, along with their gaggle of pets! The collie-dog Finn is young and playful and the cats are such docile attention seekers. You cannot imagine the amount of effort, love and time-period accuracy, that Rhonda and Fred have put into their home. I could tell that this was such passion project for them, it shows in the house and in the pieces displayed throughout. The Inn on Knowles Hill is a magical place. Thank you for everything Fred and Rhonda, it was a blessing to meet you both and we will be back too see Knowles Hill again! read more

Easily THE BEST Bed and Breakfast I have ever stayed at! The house is gorgeous and the views were breathtaking. The food was unreal and looked just as good as it tasted! And on top of it all Rhonda, Fred and Megan were extremely welcoming and fun to talk to. I would recommend this B&B to anyone in the area looking for a beautiful place to stay along with the best breakfast you will ever have!! Just left and I already can't wait to go back!! read more