The first thing I saw at the Cypress Inn was Jim Ridduck helping an elderly lady out of her car and taking in the couple's luggage. (Never saw that at a hotel.)
Jim turned to greet me and then showed the couple to their room. In his office, we talked about his websites. Carol, Jim's lovely wife, joined us and then the tour began. (Note: Unlike most inns that we have visited, the Cypress Inn was designed and built to the owner's specifications.)
We started at the front door of the grand entrance to classical music in the background. You could see yourself in the hardwood floors and I noticed umbrellas in a stand near the front door for those who had forgotten theirs. The crystal chandeliers and tapestry rug were gorgeous.
Then, Carol explained, that actually this was the back door, not the front. She exclaimed, "This is our front door," which she opened to a little paradise of its own. A front porch with "Carolina Rockers" overlooked a marina with the docks that had many boats moored. She explained how you could rent boats or take the Kingston Lady Riverboat Tour just down the beautiful river walk, which ran directly in front of the house
Upon re-entering the home, we went into the two common rooms, with fireplace, magazines, books, a grandfather clock and a small gift shop in one. The dining area was designed to have small meetings (up to 24 people) and Carol said if 10 rooms are rented for the meeting, that the entire inn would be for their use. I saw a small waterfall and knew I'd be back later to really look at it. The inn is also handicapped accessible with a room on the ground floor and a ramp for entry.
We proceeded to a door near the office that led to the staircase. I thought this was a neat effect because usually the stairs are used to highlight the entry and this was different. The stairwell was handpainted with murals by a local artist in South Carolina flowers and birds. Family portraits are also adorn the stairs.
All the rooms have private baths with showers, phones, TV with remotes, separate closets and the neatest designs of bathroom vanities. A local woodcraftsman designed each one and Jim even helped. When visiting, ask about the designs. Also two of the bathrooms have French Shower Heads, ask about them if you like waterfall type showers.
I stayed in The Conservatory. The third floor view of the marina was the perfect sight I needed for a restful afternoon. There was a stained glass window between the room and bath that was nice. There was an air conditioner, books, magazines and a desk to work from.
I went down later and enjoyed some of the chocolate chip cookies, I had seen in the dining area. I went over and looked at the gift shop and wondered why more inns didn't do this. I had a sherry and then headed up for sleep.
The next morning, I found out the Inn was a 4 Diamond and at breakfast all the guests spoke so highly about thier rooms and the restful night before. Everyone was in top spirits, as Jim entered with OJ, muffins, chocolate coffee cake, sweet rolls, french toast english muffins with peaches over top and my Lipton Tea. (Boy, life is rough!)
This inn had so many great things going for it, but clearly the Innkeeper's Jim and Carol are it's gems. If it's a romantic getaway, a corporate meeting or just for fun, you'll have a great time at the Cypress Inn.
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
