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While the service is on point and the amenities top notch, you won't find the Swag pretentious in the least. Rather, it's country chic at its finest: patterned quilts, woven rugs, high-beamed wooden ceilings, and stone-framed, wood-burning fireplaces mingle seamlessly with rain showers, soaking tubs, and technologies like satellite radio and a Bose sound system. Many of the visitors who check into the Swag prefer to take a personalized walking stick—yours to keep—and hit the extensive system of trails that surrounds the inn, but there's plenty to do on property: an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, massages, and even racquetball and wallyball courts.
Owners Deener and Dan Matthews, an Episcopal clergyman, began construction of the house, made from reassembled log buildings that dated as far back as 1795, in 1971; 11 years later, they decided to open it as an inn. Each suite is unique in feel and design. While one of the pricier accommodations, Gail's Room is one of the most popular, with a corner perch and a front row view of the Smokies. Visits to the Swag are all-inclusive—so your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered (though the inn doesn't sell alcohol, so bring your own)—and require a two-night minimum stay.
Rooms from $495; theswag.com
The Swag Country Inn — Waynesville, North Carolina
Oftentimes bed and breakfasts trend toward older, more antiquated homes outfitted in antiques, but this rustic, remote cabin in the middle of the Smokies is a breath of fresh air—quite literally, as the Swag Country Inn opens out onto a welcoming, wraparound porch with stunning vistas of the surrounding range. It’s worth the drive up the long, winding road that reaches 5,000 feet in altitude to get to this quiet mountaintop retreat, situated along the Cataloochee Divide, one of the boundaries of the national park. Large picture windows in the lodge’s main living room overlook the canopy of treetops that are just beginning to change colors this month.While the service is on point and the amenities top notch, you won't find the Swag pretentious in the least. Rather, it's country chic at its finest: patterned quilts, woven rugs, high-beamed wooden ceilings, and stone-framed, wood-burning fireplaces mingle seamlessly with rain showers, soaking tubs, and technologies like satellite radio and a Bose sound system. Many of the visitors who check into the Swag prefer to take a personalized walking stick—yours to keep—and hit the extensive system of trails that surrounds the inn, but there's plenty to do on property: an outdoor hot tub, a sauna, massages, and even racquetball and wallyball courts.
Owners Deener and Dan Matthews, an Episcopal clergyman, began construction of the house, made from reassembled log buildings that dated as far back as 1795, in 1971; 11 years later, they decided to open it as an inn. Each suite is unique in feel and design. While one of the pricier accommodations, Gail's Room is one of the most popular, with a corner perch and a front row view of the Smokies. Visits to the Swag are all-inclusive—so your breakfast, lunch, and dinner are covered (though the inn doesn't sell alcohol, so bring your own)—and require a two-night minimum stay.
Rooms from $495; theswag.com
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Piece by piece—seven, in total—the Boyds moved the 6,000-square-foot house over onto 15 acres of a 125-acre farm that had been in the family for quite some time. It took a year to get the home ready for removal and another year to piece it all back together. The couple was set on the mansion maintaining its authenticity, so they restored everything to its original state: the trim, the molding, the doors, and more. The only significant change they made to the original structure was the addition of a wraparound porch.
The Boyd family lived there for more than 20 years, and after the children were grown, decided to open their home to others. In 2011, the Manor at Twin Oaks debuted as a six-room bed and breakfast, furnished with a mix of American and European antiques but also contemporary touches like Gilchrist & Soames bath products and plush Monarch robes. The grounds are every bit as remarkable as the home itself, with wild turkey, deer, and other animals regular passersby. Most recently, the Boyds fixed up an old barn on the back of the property and added six new rooms exclusively for weddings, family reunions, and other group events.
Rooms from $125; themanorattwinoaks.com
Photo by JR Photography
The Manor at Twin Oaks — Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Originally built on Main Street in 1886 by a former Civil War soldier for his bride, the Henderson-Eldrod house later was passed around among a handful of families until a group of businessmen purchased it in the 1980s. They wanted to preserve its antiquity, while also making way for new development on the centrally located lot—meaning, the structure had to move. That's when Cindy and Doyle Boyd stepped in to rescue the old home.Piece by piece—seven, in total—the Boyds moved the 6,000-square-foot house over onto 15 acres of a 125-acre farm that had been in the family for quite some time. It took a year to get the home ready for removal and another year to piece it all back together. The couple was set on the mansion maintaining its authenticity, so they restored everything to its original state: the trim, the molding, the doors, and more. The only significant change they made to the original structure was the addition of a wraparound porch.
The Boyd family lived there for more than 20 years, and after the children were grown, decided to open their home to others. In 2011, the Manor at Twin Oaks debuted as a six-room bed and breakfast, furnished with a mix of American and European antiques but also contemporary touches like Gilchrist & Soames bath products and plush Monarch robes. The grounds are every bit as remarkable as the home itself, with wild turkey, deer, and other animals regular passersby. Most recently, the Boyds fixed up an old barn on the back of the property and added six new rooms exclusively for weddings, family reunions, and other group events.
Rooms from $125; themanorattwinoaks.com
Photo by JR Photography
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The immaculately groomed grounds surround a large swimming pool, verdant gardens, and a gazebo, a popular spot for weddings. Inside, the White Room has a stunning four-poster bed with elegant drapery and other opulent touches, though the more casual Safari Room—with its oversized map, earth tones, and travel-inspired artifacts—might be the most unique suite of them all. For those who desire more privacy, the Cottage Terrace Suite is furnished with its own full kitchen and porch.
Every stay included a lavish meal each morning, with delicacies like crème brulee French toast, though those looking to save a bit of cash can opt for the continental or no-breakfast rate. Pet owners who don't want to leave Fido at home can bring him along, as Ashford Manor is dog-friendly.
Rooms for $129; ambedandbreakfast.com
Ashford Manor Bed & Breakfast — Watkinsville, Georgia
Built in 1893, this stately Victorian sits on a sprawling five-acre estate in a small town just seven miles south of Athens. The original house that the Ashford family inhabited during the first half of the 19th century no longer stands, though the current structure was built on the same spot. Current owners Dave Shearon and Mario Castro purchased the old home in 1997 after fleeing Chicago to escape the cold in favor of Georgia's balmy climate.The immaculately groomed grounds surround a large swimming pool, verdant gardens, and a gazebo, a popular spot for weddings. Inside, the White Room has a stunning four-poster bed with elegant drapery and other opulent touches, though the more casual Safari Room—with its oversized map, earth tones, and travel-inspired artifacts—might be the most unique suite of them all. For those who desire more privacy, the Cottage Terrace Suite is furnished with its own full kitchen and porch.
Every stay included a lavish meal each morning, with delicacies like crème brulee French toast, though those looking to save a bit of cash can opt for the continental or no-breakfast rate. Pet owners who don't want to leave Fido at home can bring him along, as Ashford Manor is dog-friendly.
Rooms for $129; ambedandbreakfast.com
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Owners and innkeepers Todd Allen and Tyler Horton recently purchased the nine-room plantation home, formerly Rosemark Haven, and gave the inn a bit of a brand makeover. The hands-on pair goes above and beyond making each guest feel like he's the top priority: Their attention to detail is impeccable, and each morning, guests dine on a hearty country breakfast spread of pancakes, waffles, hashbrowns, biscuits, and more in the formal dining room. Behind the main house, there's a historic, three-level barn that houses the brand new Bourbon Bar, a lounge serving tapas, desserts, bourbon, and other spirits in a casual, yet intimate setting.
Rooms are outfitted in antique-style furnishings and, in keeping with the booze-y theme, cleverly named: In the main house, choose from Mint Julep, Sweet Old Fashioned, Hotty Toddy, Classic Sazerac, Southern Love, and Manhattan Honeymoon Hideaway. For larger groups, the 1,900-square Federal House is the perfect option: The detached brick house offers privacy with two bedrooms (Magnolia Maiden and Debutante's Dream), one bathroom, a kitchen, breakfast area, and living room split between two levels; rent one of the accommodations or book the entire house.
Rooms from $175; bourbonmanor.com
Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast — Bardstown, Kentucky
For the ultimate spirits lover, there's no greater spot for a fun-filled weekend in Bardstown, the gateway to Bourbon Country. And for the traveler who wants all the comforts of home while hopping between distilleries, Bourbon Manor Bed & Breakfast is the perfect, central base.Owners and innkeepers Todd Allen and Tyler Horton recently purchased the nine-room plantation home, formerly Rosemark Haven, and gave the inn a bit of a brand makeover. The hands-on pair goes above and beyond making each guest feel like he's the top priority: Their attention to detail is impeccable, and each morning, guests dine on a hearty country breakfast spread of pancakes, waffles, hashbrowns, biscuits, and more in the formal dining room. Behind the main house, there's a historic, three-level barn that houses the brand new Bourbon Bar, a lounge serving tapas, desserts, bourbon, and other spirits in a casual, yet intimate setting.
Rooms are outfitted in antique-style furnishings and, in keeping with the booze-y theme, cleverly named: In the main house, choose from Mint Julep, Sweet Old Fashioned, Hotty Toddy, Classic Sazerac, Southern Love, and Manhattan Honeymoon Hideaway. For larger groups, the 1,900-square Federal House is the perfect option: The detached brick house offers privacy with two bedrooms (Magnolia Maiden and Debutante's Dream), one bathroom, a kitchen, breakfast area, and living room split between two levels; rent one of the accommodations or book the entire house.
Rooms from $175; bourbonmanor.com
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Built in 1848, the former farmhouse originally was a single-family residence, before becoming the Memphis College of Art in 1929 until the school moved to its current campus in Overton Park in 1959. The house sat vacant for more than 50 years as property of the city of Memphis—until 2011, that is, when the city issued a national call for ideas as to how to effectively restore and reuse it. Enter: José Velasquez, who along with wife Jennifer, saw a “fantastic opportunity to do something good for the city, bring back a historic gem, and fulfill a dream x93 the two had long had of owning a B&B. They partnered with another couple, Memphis natives Kathy Buckman and J.W. Gibson, who shared this vision of renewing something as important as the home, which cosmetically needed a whole lot of work: There were no bathrooms, plumbing, or electricity. The floors, walls, and trim also needed attention. For 10 months, the team worked tirelessly on the restoration effort, and the result was this stunner of an inn, which debuted in May.
Of the James Lee House's five suites, three were named after the families who lived there before and two for the Velazquezes' family members. Those looking for grandeur will want to book the presidential-style Lee Suite with its opulent bathroom, outfitted with a steam shower, soaking tub, glass chandelier, and marble floors. A stay at the inn includes a full cooked-to-order breakfast, including eggs, bacon, granola, fruit, and more. Rooms from $245; jamesleehouse.com
The James Lee House — Memphis, Tennessee
For the urban traveler, this brand new lodging option in the heart of Memphis' Victorian Village is located a stone’s throw from iconic Beale Street (and across the street from Mollie Fontaine Lounge, a fun speakeasy-style with great bar bites and a creative cocktail menu). While the inn boasts all modern amenities—complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, climate control, and more—it’s the extensive history behind how the James Lee House came to be that’s the most impressive part of all.Built in 1848, the former farmhouse originally was a single-family residence, before becoming the Memphis College of Art in 1929 until the school moved to its current campus in Overton Park in 1959. The house sat vacant for more than 50 years as property of the city of Memphis—until 2011, that is, when the city issued a national call for ideas as to how to effectively restore and reuse it. Enter: José Velasquez, who along with wife Jennifer, saw a “fantastic opportunity to do something good for the city, bring back a historic gem, and fulfill a dream x93 the two had long had of owning a B&B. They partnered with another couple, Memphis natives Kathy Buckman and J.W. Gibson, who shared this vision of renewing something as important as the home, which cosmetically needed a whole lot of work: There were no bathrooms, plumbing, or electricity. The floors, walls, and trim also needed attention. For 10 months, the team worked tirelessly on the restoration effort, and the result was this stunner of an inn, which debuted in May.
Of the James Lee House's five suites, three were named after the families who lived there before and two for the Velazquezes' family members. Those looking for grandeur will want to book the presidential-style Lee Suite with its opulent bathroom, outfitted with a steam shower, soaking tub, glass chandelier, and marble floors. A stay at the inn includes a full cooked-to-order breakfast, including eggs, bacon, granola, fruit, and more. Rooms from $245; jamesleehouse.com
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The large, comfortable rooms are decorated in unique 20th century décor—these are not your grandma’s antiques—with the Frank Sinatra Room being the most requested one. Sinatra's albums line the walls, a red leather settee provides a comfortable place to sit, and other quirky pieces from the crooner's era (like a lava lamp, 1940's phone, and glam Hollywood memorabilia) round out the retro-style space. There’s also the Sammy Davis Jr. Room, the Western-Style Sierra Room, and the Asian-themed Serenity Room; Sammy and Frank can be combined into the Rat Pack Suite for families or larger groups.
The pet-friendly Lane Street Inn is conveniently located near the Celebration grounds, home to the annual national walking horse championships, one of the area's biggest attractions. A night’s stay includes a full country breakfast spread, prepared to order, with Emily’s homemade jams and French toast made from scratch. Rooms from $99; lanestreetinn.com
Lane Street Inn — Shelbyville, Tennessee
This four-room charmer on three acres in downtown Shelbyville oozes historic character with modern amenities (like Wi-Fi, Netflix, and gaming consoles). Owners Eben and Emily Bryant—Tennessee natives with backgrounds in historical preservation—moved back from Northern California in 2007 to purchase the rundown, abandoned mansion. They spent the better part of three years rehabbing the late-1800s, 7,000-square-foot Greek revival into the grand dame it once was, while maintaining the plaster walls, retaining the ceiling height, and keeping as many original touches in tact as possible.The large, comfortable rooms are decorated in unique 20th century décor—these are not your grandma’s antiques—with the Frank Sinatra Room being the most requested one. Sinatra's albums line the walls, a red leather settee provides a comfortable place to sit, and other quirky pieces from the crooner's era (like a lava lamp, 1940's phone, and glam Hollywood memorabilia) round out the retro-style space. There’s also the Sammy Davis Jr. Room, the Western-Style Sierra Room, and the Asian-themed Serenity Room; Sammy and Frank can be combined into the Rat Pack Suite for families or larger groups.
The pet-friendly Lane Street Inn is conveniently located near the Celebration grounds, home to the annual national walking horse championships, one of the area's biggest attractions. A night’s stay includes a full country breakfast spread, prepared to order, with Emily’s homemade jams and French toast made from scratch. Rooms from $99; lanestreetinn.com