Valerie Larrea welcomed me into her home and the pride was evident. The home had previously fallen into a dilapidated state. It had been turned into apartments/commune. Valerie, and ex-banking executive from New York, bought the home in 1993 and in 4-1/2 months had her B&B open it's doors. Having seen photos of the "before" and experiencing the "after", it was hard to believe that anyone could have pulled off this feat! Valerie, being used to being a project coordinator, was more than up to the task.
She led me to my room. St. James' Park had a fireplace with its original mantle. A 4-drawer dresser, king size four-poster bed with a step up to get up (if needed) and 2 lounge chairs decorated the room. The closet had terry robes and all the extras I might need. Two lovely rugs adorned the beautiful hardwood floors. My private bath had a built in hair dryer and a wrap-around tub with shower. Kleenex and lip balm were in the butler's basket. These were new items that I had not previously seen such amenities.
All around the home are photos and articles about England. Coats of arms, books, videos, and so much more highlighted England and Valerie's love for the country. She had even hand-sewn the royal gold draperies. After spending the day at Biltmore, the regal surroundings at Abbington almost made me feel like I was in an English home comparable to America's "castle".
That evening, I discussed our travels with a couple from Marietta, Georgia. This couple were very interested in our fulltime lifestyle "on the road". The conversation continued the next morning at breakfast and I'm really looking forward to seeing their version of a mobile lifestyle. They promised emails to let me know about their ventures.
Soft music played as light from 9 candles danced around the dining room. For breakfast we had tea, coffee and apple juice. Then, warm cherry soup with whipped cream and cinnamon coffeecake was served. Valerie then brought in tarragon eggs in puff, grilled Smithfield ham and sausage from Virginia with a salad of baby spinach with tarragon dressing.
After hugs and best wishes, I unfortunately had to leave this lovely home. But you can be spoiled "in England" by contacting Valerie, visiting her Website and making your reservations!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
