The cedar floors glisten as you enter the Inn and the openess welcomes you. The colors are light and pastel. I felt comfortable before I even entered, but now the retreat feeling was already rushing in and I knew I would be enjoying my surroundings instead of pounding the keyboard, as I should.
Cindy was smiling as Hayden led the tour and I continued to take pictures. I already had taken a lot of the outside, since we arrived early. The home boasts 3 common areas. One is a small room with a TV and lots of books. A second overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and had a huge fireplace. The huge windows in this room allow guests to watch the bears who visit the fields and climb the wild cherry trees in search of a treat. The third is a sun room with gorgeous orchids. Live plants were throughout the home, along with inviting sofas and chairs. There were 2 butler pantries for guest use, one on each floor. They had refrigerators stocked with drinks, teas and coffee. The second floor also had a small common room with loveseats, magazines and books. Outside, a wide balcony deck with tables and chairs overlooked the herb garden below. It was one of the largest 2nd floor decks we have seen.
Our room was the Hunt Room. It had a queen bed, rocker with ottoman, 2 nightstands with lamps, a fireplace, a quilt wallhanging and alarm clock. In the private bath was a combination tub/shower, lots of fluffy towels and all the toiletries we may have forgotten.
We decided to venture into town for dinner. Returning to the Inn, we stopped at the separate farmhouse, which has 2 guest rooms. Here, I met Dick, who was busily reclaiming the grounds which had become overgrown in previous years. He inquired if we needed anything and then I took photos of the farmhouse rooms and made my way back to the main house. I joined Cindy in our room and downloaded my photos for the day.
That night I slipped downstairs and gave Hayden their photo disks and the travel book. She took me to one of the common areas, put her card in and turned on the satellite TV for me. She knew I didn't get a chance to watch much TV because of the traveling we do. It was great. There were also a lot of videos if I had chosen a movie. I returned to our room and Cindy was already sound asleep. I wrote a little and then called it a day.
At breakfast, the next morning, we met new friends, and discussed politics. One guest was "outvoted" about some opinions, but she joined in good naturedly. She also has had tremendous success homeschooling her 5 children. Hats off to anyone who has the patience to homeschool 5 children!
Soft music played in the background as we seated ourselves at the dining table, set with fine china and linen napkins. Fresh flowers and candles completed the atmosphere. We started with coffee, tea, and our choice of orange juice, tomato juice or grapefruit juice. Cold cereals and yogurt were available. We started with a hot grapefruit half. The main course was served family style.....asparagus quiche, one with ham and one without, along with homemade cottage potatoes and orange pecan scones. A great start!
Stop by The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm website, make your reservations and be sure to tell them Mike and Cindy said HI!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
