Editorials

Nestled in Waynesville, NC: Windover Inn Bed & Breakfast

If you are planning a Valentine wedding or have an anniversary coming up, I have the perfect place to plan your stay. Windover Inn Bed & Breakfast is perfect for those special occasions, and once there, you will definitely return for extended stays.

It is no surprise that Glen and Jen Duerr chose Windover Inn in Waynesville, N. C., for their future home and bed & breakfast business. The Duerr’s began researching and experiencing bed & breakfast retreats so that they would know exactly how they wanted their future endeavor to be. It was while searching for a Blue Ridge Mountain Bed & Breakfast Inn in Waynesville, N. C., that they came across the Windover. Built in 1910 by James Hardin Howell, called Colonel by his wife Pearl, the Windover became a featured Boarding House in 1911, according to a publication titled “Cool Places in Summertime; Resorts along the Southern Railway, Premier Carrier of the South”, and it was noted that many reservations were made “on application” at the Windover.

After the Duerrs visited the Windover in March 2006 and while continuing to search for the perfect inn, they decided to return to Waynesville and stay overnight at the Windover. Both Glen and Jen felt like they were home the next day, and by August 2006, they had purchased the Windover as their home and knew this was the bed & breakfast always in their dreams.

The Windover had not only been a boarding house, but when its heirs sold it in 1980 to Reimar and Judy Steffen, it reopened as the Windover Inn Bed & Breakfast in 2003. In 2004, the Steffens sold it to Jeff and Pam Ferree, who closed it for seven months to add air conditioning, whirlpool tubs, and an additional third floor guest room. It is very evident throughout that both couples were very accomplished in their decorating skills. The inn now had the comforts of the 21st century with a 20th century decor and nostalgic atmosphere.

When Glen and Jen purchased the home, they too added significant touches of art and culture throughout the beautiful gardens and outdoor living spaces, as well as an excellent addition of exquisite taste in their breakfast menus each day. I still haven’t figured out who is the chef or who loves gardening; maybe it’s both. Their mornings consist of an early and wonderful aroma of delicious organic coffee. Upon arising, you’ll hurry to enjoy a breakfast that often includes a fruit starter, homemade baked foods, and entrees such as French toast or waffles, strata, specialty quiche, or Eggs Benedict. The Duerr’s make it a treat of serving a unique snack on Friday and Saturday afternoons. When staying with them, we really enjoyed breakfast as well as the treats, and especially the opportunity to meet and get to know other guests from different parts of the country.

When we visited the Windover, we were delighted with the suggestions and information Glen and Jen offered as well as the great directions in visiting many areas within 10 minutes to an hour of Windover. After visiting downtown Waynesville, we understood why many just come to enjoy the atmosphere, the arts and the culture of this wonderful town, located just minutes from exiting off the Blue Ridge Parkway, where it is nestled at the base of the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. This unique small town has many wonderful shops of art, designer clothing, lovely home decor, jewelry, galleries of art and cultural exhibits, music, fantastic eateries; the list goes on. They even roast their own coffee beans in a shop a few blocks from Windover, where you can tour and sample numerous flavors of coffee, teas, and specialty foods.

Once you have visited Waynesville, there are many towns within short driving distances to enjoy as well. Gatlinburg, TN., Cherokee, N. C., Maggie Valley, N. C. and Asheville, the home of Biltmore Mansion, all attract thousands of visitors each year. We found ourselves planning to return to Waynesville just to relax and enjoy the quaint town and all that it offers.

The Duerrs recommended some great events that Waynesville holds every year including their Stars & Stripes Celebration on July 4th, the Apple Harvest Festival, Church Street Art & Craft Show, Holiday Open House, and the very special A Night Before Christmas when Waynesville becomes the scene of a fairy tale, with luminaries lining Main Street, Santa, old fashion wagon rides, live music, storytelling, and a live Nativity scene celebrating Christmas.

There are many other events and each sound exciting and fun filled! Call and make your reservation today for Windover Inn Bed & Breakfast at 1-866-452-4411 or email relax@windoverinn.com. No matter the season, you’ll find yourself indulged in the hospitality of this home and wishing you could stay longer. Call Glen and Jen and make your loved ones Valentines one of the best!

By Maxine B. Jones, Ocoee, Tennessee