After dark sets in each evening, illumined lampposts silhouette a winding driveway ushering visitors to Knollwood House. Imparting an unmistakable message of warmth and hospitality, the soft glow of the decorative lights adumbrates the graciousness guests encounter at this one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast.

A prominent Philadelphia family built the two-story English manor house in 1927 for their holiday home. Following extensive renovation, Knollwood House opened as a bed and breakfast of distinction in 1992 by Mimi and Dick Beatty, current owners. For two years, the Beattys searched from New England through the Carolinas for the "perfect" home to run as a B and B. In 1991 their quest ended when they discovered and purchased Knollwood House.

Stylishly appointed, the spacious home offers six bed chambers and six ensuite baths. Two guest rooms serve as suites with a separate sitting room. In April, additional accommodations will become available with the opening of Ivy Cottage, a small dwelling adjacent to the main house. The cottage offers two engaging mini-suites and access to Knollwood House.

The Toile Suite proffers choice accommodations for couples or families. Furnished with period antiques, including a settee, dressing table, chest, and a writing desk, the suite features blue and white French toile wallpapering. A white eyelet trimmed comforter and dust ruffle embellish the nineteenth century bed where guests find starched eyelet linens invitingly turned back at bedtime. In addition to the turn-down service, guests find an assortment of chocolates on a doily-lined bon bon dish to insure sweet dreams. Monogrammed towels accent the bathroom, and terry cloth robes hang ready for usage. From the bedroom, French doors lead to a sun-dappled sitting room. Three window walls frame a mesmerizing view of the 14th and 15th fairways of Mid-Pines golf course as well as Knollwood’s immaculate lawn which borders the course. Two daybeds in the sitting room provide ideal sleeping accommodations for children (over ten).

Resonating with elegance, impressive 18th and 19th century family antiques (including pieces built by Dick's grandfather), plus a collection of 16th through 19th century paintings, are handsomely showcased in the living and dining rooms. However, my “corner of Eden” may be reached by passing through one of the living room's two sets of French doors. Guests find the garden room irresistible with its brick floor and visual encounter with nature. White wicker furniture, upholstered with pastel prints, a mini garden, and sunlight flooding through a double skylight combine to make this room a happy place which sets the timbre for the entire house. An exquisite array of floral arrangements add a graceful note to the old home.

The five acres at Knollwood House create a pastoral setting. Cloud-touching, long leaf pine trees mingle with magnolias, dogwoods, azaleas, camellias, hollies. Pine needles carpet the grounds, and an airy gazebo beckons guests to sit a spell and listen to the birds sing. Glenn Miller's orchestra once performed for guests on the lawn at Knollwood House.

Served in the formal dining room, the breakfast menu changes daily; each delicacy digests into a soul-satisfying treat. The morning repast sometimes begins with honeydew, and it always starts with freshly squeezed orange juice. The main course might consist of a Bismark (a sumptuous breakfast souffle), crisp bacon, and homemade banana nut bread. The table glistens with fine bone English china and sterling flatware. Small wonder that this home is often chosen by discriminating individuals for special occasions: dinners, luncheons, receptions.

Knollwood House prevails as a golfer's paradise, and special golfing packages are available year round. Swimming, tennis, and riding may also be enjoyed by guests.
 
 

 
NOTE: Reviewed in the Spring 1997 issue of The INNside Scoop by Maxine Pinson. Copyrighted 1997.