When I first view The Schell Haus, a jingle from the Broadway musical "Annie" rings in my mind: I think I'm gonna like it here...It's a feeling that comes true.
Surrounded by a woodsy setting and anchored upon four acres of unspoiled land, The Schell Haus sits in a manicured clearing carved out of a forest. Table Rock, part of the scenic Blue Ridge mountain range, is visible from the front of The Schell Haus, and Table Rock State Park adjoins the property. Hidden from passers-by, this alluring bed and breakfast delivers an ideal lair for anyone desiring ultimate privacy and optimum accommodations.
Modern Victorian portrays the exterior of The Schell Haus, and the enticing personality it projects makes one anxious to get inside. In the center of the house on a pitched roof, a sassy copper rooster perches atop an old-fashioned weather vane. The comfortable front porch provides white wicker furniture to relax in while enjoying Table Rock Mountain in the distance. The vista from the front porch of The Schell Haus doesn't include man-made stuff, just God-made mountains and forests.
After saying "hello" to the door dog, a life-size black Labrador with a red-and-white neck scarf, I examine the front door. Accentuated with leaded glass and sidelights featuring decorative shells, the entrance appropriately sets forth the shell motif embroidered throughout the house.
The Schell Haus, built by George and Sherry Schell in 1991, was designed to serve as a high-quality bed and breakfast. The original goal of The Schell Haus continues in grand style under the ownership of Sharon and Jim Mahanes. The Mahanes purchased the house in 1996 and live in private quarters within the house with their two-year-old son Chance.
The three-story structure offers six guestrooms furnished with antiques and reproductions; each has a private bath. For couples, the Table Rock Room promises deluxe quarters. It consists of a queen-sized sleigh bed, a pair of French nursing chairs, VCR, wet bar, and a whirlpool tub. When looking out the semi-bay window, a spectacular view of Table Rock rises into sight. If accompanied by children (accepted on the discretion of the owner), I suggest requesting the two room Oolenoy Suite. The bedroom features a queen four-poster bed, and the sitting room is complete with a queen-sized sofa bed, VCR, wet bar, and panoramic views. A whirlpool tub makes the bathroom special. Adjacent to the Oolenoy Suite guests have access to a semi-private deck which overlooks The Schell Haus swimming pool. Each guestroom provides a clock radio, hidden TV, ceiling fan, coffee maker, decorator linens, and an ice bucket. An ice-maker is available to guests on the main floor.
In addition to five guest rooms, the second floor hosts a cozy sitting nook in an attractive hall area. A sense of serenity sets in while lounging on the tapestry sofa and gazing through two large picture windows. The Mahanes encourage their guests to use the spacious parlor at The Schell Haus while visiting. Grouped around a working fireplace, Victorian furniture inspirits one to just sit and be. A grand piano sits waiting to be played. Sharon serves light hors d'oeuvres in the early evening; nuts and pretzels are available at all times, in addition to an assortment of complimentary beverages.
Breakfast at The Schell Haus musters a desire to rise and shine even when you don't have to. An example of a gourmet breakfast prepared for guests by Sharon includes orange juice, coffee, eggs olé with homemade salsa, apricot casserole, yellow grits, homemade cheese muffins. Served in the formal dining room with a background of soft music, a dining experience at The Schell Haus becomes one long remembered. Dinner may be prepared for guests at The Schell Haus with arrangements made in advance.
The ground level of The Schell Haus, capable of accommodating large numbers, serves well as a conference center. The facilities are appealing and provide an excellent location for conferences, mediations, meetings, week-end retreats, or family reunions for one day or several.
Located outside of Pickens, SC, The Schell Haus is thirty-five miles from Greenville and 2½ hours southeast of Atlanta. Rates are based on double occupancy with ten dollars deducted for single occupancy. Senior citizens receive a 10% discount, and a 20% reduction is applied to the bill of guests staying three or more nights.
A visit to The Schell Haus promises to convert anyone into a bed and breakfast aficionado.
INN: The Schell Haus (AAA 3-diamond rating); LOCATION: 117 Hiawatha Trail, Pickens, SC 29671 (near Greenville, SC); Tel.: 864-878-0078, FAX: 864-878-0066; ACCOMMODATIONS: 5 rooms & 1 suite (all with private baths); SMOKING: restricted; RATES: $80 -- $150 ; BREAKFAST: Full gourmet (dinner available, on request); RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS: ask innkeepers WEB SITE: http://abel.telalink.net/~bbonline/sc/schellhaus/index.html
E-mail The INNside Scoop with your own comments on your stay at this inn!