Richard Newell showed us where to park the Eagle and the Cadillac. Then he showed us inside and introduced us to his lovely wife, Barbara. She showed Cindy around while Richard and I took a slower tour so I could take photos.
Our room had a private outside entry with a small balcony as well as an entry through the home, which made Cindy extremely happy where she could escape for her nightly nicotine fix without disturbing the other guests. There was a 4 poster queen bed with the most beautiful top valance that matched the duvet and curtains in the room. It had a loveseat, armoire, 6-drawer dresser, TV with remote and a radiator that was preset perfectly. A ceiling fan, alarm clock and fresh roses completed the presentation.
The pine floors were shiny enough to pass any Marine's inspection and made the home a showcase. Small needlepoint rugs in specific places were a nice touch. The entire home was beautifully decorated in bright, cheery colors and wonderfully matched fabrics, wall coverings and accessories. It was a delight to the eyes.
When we returned from an Italian restaurant for dinner, in our room was a carafe of lemon ice water and the bed had been turned down. Cindy had grabbed a book about the "Ghosts of Asheville" and was reading it. But I was headed for that great bathroom. I chose the large claw foot tub. It had brass fixtures and tray with a mirror. Beside the tub was a table with bath salts (I like them!) and candles. It was so peaceful leaning back in the tub with the radiator warming the room.
As I looked around, I saw 2 terry cloth robes, an antique cabinet and chair, a tall corner stand with an ivy plant on it and magazines. The room also had a separate shower and pedestal sink. There were plenty of extra fully towels and wash cloths in the cupboard, along with Q-tips, cotton balls, kleenex, soaps and a hair dryer.
After drying off, I found Cindy on the bed asleep! Biltmore had worn her out. I quietly crept out and took more pictures around the inn. As I went around, I noticed the stocked guest refrigerator, construction on a fourth room that will be finished soon, and the sun porch with a view of the backyard and patio. All the rooms were bright and cheery.
| Barbara met me as I headed back upstairs. She had 6 big strawberries, dipped in chocolate, for us. I was able to wake Cindy with these and she loved it. Another thoughtful touch had made our stay more special. Innkeepers are the greatest. (You can't get anything like this at a hotel without paying extra!). |  |
The next morning, coffee and tea were on a tray outside our room, with cookies, too! We went down to the sun porch and waited until breakfast. We watched squirrels play before heading to the dining area in front of the fireplace. We started with oranges and kiwi with strawberry sauce, orange juice, coffee and tea. Fresh flowers and lit candles accented the beautiful table. We enjoyed banana muffins and a neat little pot warmer kept my tea hot. The main course was apple pancakes with raspberry sauce and whipped cream and bacon.
Folks, this is no lottery shoot! It's a sure winner! So, go see the bath, "I could die in", check out their Website and be sure to tell them Mike & Cindy sent you their way!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
