![]() In less than a year we would break the lease, perform a binding ritual, and leave. Nannie, and the land around her, was thoroughly haunted. The old and sturdy house, set on rolling pastureland alongside a placid river, appeared safe and calm. You had only to reach out your hand to grasp a little of this plenty. They were so numerous we called them the Deer People. Families of deer grazed around our house, the spotted fawns keeping close to their mothers. The bear might have been long gone, but fox and wild turkey were not. Magnolia, tulip poplar and dogwood flowers dotted the forest in spring and early summer. The pastures were lined with hardwoods: white oak, red oak, willow oak, maple and redwood. Persimmon, Osage orange and mulberry flowered in spring, coming to summer fruition. There were catfish, gar and minnow in the river frogs and box turtles dotted its banks. It was easy to see the land as hunting grounds. We were looking for refuge and the name had a comforting double meaning: the Nannie of history, and a nanny to take care of us.ĭown by the river, there were some historic markers describing the land as once belonging to a Native American tribe. ![]() We named the house Nannie, after the wife of its most famous owner. It had a musty, stale smell, which we set about cleaning away. Inside it was plain, even a little severe. ![]() Apart from some built-in bookshelves in the living room, the only thing fancy about the house was its exterior. Claustrophobic hallways emptied into cramped bathrooms. The narrow, uneven stairs led to a warren of second-floor rooms. The kitchen addition on the north side was far too big, with a large stone fireplace in the center and cheap appliances on one side. The house was mansion big, but still country, its outside a calm and peeling yellow. The night sky was dark and thick with stars. We could walk to Hillsborough’s modest downtown, but felt as if we were in the country. The Eno River ran placidly only a hundred yards to the south, part of its 40-mile meander from its source to its convergence with the Neuse - indeed, the house sat snug inside the tenderloin of land, bound on three sides by the river’s horseshoe. The land was spacious, rolling pasture and old, spreading hardwoods. She had five fireplaces and wide wood floorboards, which ran in waves across the ancient rooms. The website featured only a couple of out-of-focus pictures, so we walked over to the property and were shocked: It was an enormous place, wonderfully situated. The historic house we saw in the ad was big and strangely cheap. We accepted a friend’s offer to crash in nearby Hillsborough, and started looking for a new rental. One bright summer day, we packed two bags, a guitar and the cat into our car and realized we had no place to sleep. We had moved into the house in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, only three weeks before, and knew it was time to leave. Some holidays require three-night minimum.Brooke and I were on vacation when we noticed the headaches had gone. We limit group reservations to 4 rooms or we can offer the whole Inn rental, which can accommodate up to 22 people (additional guests can be accommodated with cots and air mattresses) Groups should call and discuss with an innkeeper. Cancellations made within this period will be charged 50% of their bill. No-show and same day cancellations will be charged for the entire stay. ![]() Holidays and group reservations require 30 days cancellation notice. We require a 50% deposit which is fully refundable with 14 days notice of cancellation, minus a $25 cancellation fee. Due to our location, weather can determine availability. ![]() We offer free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. BreakfastĮach morning’s creative gourmet breakfast, drawing from the area’s ingredients and culinary traditions, is included in the room rate. Smoking is permitted outside only and 20 feet away from the Manor House. SmokingĪll our Virginia inn rooms are non-smoking. Petsįor guests choosing to travel with pets several rooms are pet friendly with an additional $25 fee. Families will be seated in our private dinning room for breakfast. An extra cot can be provided in the Jefferson Room, Summer Kitchen, Madison, or Grooms Cottage. Not all of our rooms are appropriate for children so families are welcome to book the Jefferson Room, Summer Kitchen, Madison, Grooms, or Washington Cottage. We welcome families with children, but we ask parents to please ensure they are well behaved. ![]()
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