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Tucked away in a cloistered nook, The Inn at Merridun awaits the
arrival of her next guest. Individuals visiting vary, but they consistently
have two things in common---their enthusiastic response to Merridun and
their hankering for a speedy return.
Guests sojourning at The Inn at Merridun fall into two distinct groups. Comprising the first group are individuals seeking a pampering atmosphere, consummate hospitality, and homey elegance. The second group includes gourmands anxious to sample some of the best cooking anywhere. Innkeepers Peggy and Jim Waller never cease to amaze the inn's guests with their haute cuisine.
Sprawled across 9 wooded acres on the outskirts of Union, SC (between Columbia and Spartanburg), the multi-columned home was originally built as a Georgian style plantation house. It now stands as a nostalgic symbol of an antebellum mansion.
Since its construction in 1855, the individuals owning the National Registry's Greek Revival mansion includes three men: Merriman, Rice, Duncan. The combination of their names results in the creation of "Merridun." When the Wallers purchased the house in 1990, they discovered extensive disrepair resulting from twenty years of vacuity. Peggy and Jim tediously worked on the restoration of their new home for two years before opening it as an inn in 1992.
Approaching the front door to Merridun, one marvels at the double row of Corinthian columns and the Georgia marble floor on the portico. After entering the home, the wonderment continues. The stunning spiral staircase in the larger-than-life entrance hall immediately grabs my eye--but not for long. A few moments later I'm sauntering through the antique-filled partlor, music room, library, and dining room. Though antiques dominate the decor of the house, unexpected fun pieces pop up hither and yon to keep the atmosphere from becoming stuffy.
One guest room (The Senator's Chamber) is located on the main floor. The remaining four bedchambers rest on the second floor: The Governors' Gallery, The Sisters' Boudoir, Union Square, Lucy's Garden Retreat. Each room presents an inviting atmosphere, and each has a private bath. The bathrooms come equipped with extra conveniences such as a shower dispenser providing bathtime basics and a wall-installed hairdryer. Lucy's Room features the largest bath and includes a Jacuzzi.
Three course gourmet breakfasts are served each morning in Merridun's sunlit dining room. Each is incredible. My favorite breakfast includes an orange spritzer (the rim of the glass crystallized), honeydew and cantaloupe topped with creme fraische, basil cheddar biscuit bites, baked eggs with Hollandaise sauce, grits covered with sauteeed shrimp, and an oversized blueberry pancake for dessert. If requested in advance, dinner for guests is available for approximatley $16/person.
The Governors' Gallery, my favorite, is a capacious room with four ceiling-to-floor windows. The four-postered rice bed almost touches the twelve foot ceiling. A sitting section completes the room. Among other things, each room provides a TV, a clock radio, and a private telephone line. When looking out a window, one feels as though he is on holiday in the country. Yet, the middle of town is just a short walk away.
A large hall sitting room upstairs offers guests a convenient area for lounging. The area includes a mini-refrigerator stocked with complimentary drinks, plus a microwave for popping corn (provided).
Each afternoon a frosted glass of iced plantation tea is offered to the guests. In the evening, Peggy serves a magnificent array of homemade desserts. My choice of chocolate walnut pie, chocolate cake, and apple sour cream pie becomes an eenie-meenie-mynie-moe decision.
The Wallers state, "Not only is Merridun a great place to spend the
night, but a wonderful place to begin your day." I agree.
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