The Journey Begins
So we begin. Not just a new blog, but a new chapter in our lives. About three years ago, we decided that we wanted to pursue our dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. We knew that we didn’t want just any house; it had to have some historic significance. We both love history and have always wanted to preserve it. We started by taking small weekend trips to different parts of Virginia and visiting historic sites and bed and breakfast homes. After about one year, a pattern started to emerge. That’s when we started narrowing our search area.
After another year of looking, we seemed to be hitting a wall. We visited some beautiful homes. But when we pulled in, we always seem to find something that didn’t click. Either it had too much repair work that needed to be done, or it didn’t have a large enough area for events like weddings. Or it was too far from anything. Or one of us would like it, but the other just couldn’t see us there. It got frustrating very quickly.
Then one day, while I was searching the internet for a bed and breakfast for sale, I came across an ad for a historic home. It would have been easy to miss it if I had not been paying attention. But as soon as I saw it, I knew it was right. I quickly got on the phone and we made an appointment to see it two days later. That was July 12, 2011.
When we drove into the driveway, I could feel my heart racing. I had seen extra pictures of the home that the property manager sent via email. I was just hoping it would be everything we had hoped for. Boy we were in for a huge surprise. It was everything and more. As we walked the floors and viewed the rooms, I could already see us there, entertaining guests and greeting visitors. It has been pain stakingly restored and the history spans from the late 1600s. And it is a plantation. This was the one.
And so the journey began. We have been working over the last ten months to put together a business plan that would reach the standards of this house. We have spent countless hours researching other bed and breakfast businesses, researching the history of the home and area (which there is a ton of), visiting local businesses and planning out what we wanted for our bed and breakfast. We are now in the final stage of preparing to sign contracts and taking a giant leap into business ownership. We know that once we sign the contract, all the work and waiting will seem like nothing compared to the mad rush that will follow. But we are ready for it. We know we are heading in the right direction and have many family and friends that have been and will continue to support and encourage us.
So this blog is to document our journey. During our research into the history of this home, we have learned documentation is very import to preserve the past. That is what this is all about. At this point, we are not able to reveal the name of the property or its location until everything is signed. But believe us; you will be amazed at this home, property and its important place in history. We can’t wait to share it with you!
Looking forward to reading more about your story your scones also look delish!!
Thank you! It is killing me because I want to tell everyone about the history that this house has but can’t until we sign the papers!
Can’t wait to hear the history of the house!
Thank you! Please check back for the big reveal! This house will take your breath away!
Good luck with your venture. Can’t wait to read more about it!
Thank you! I can’t wait to share more soon! Please check back for the big reveal! This house will take your breath away!
wow what you’re doing is really amazing! good luck! =)
Thank you! We are very excited about getting it opened! Please check back for the big reveal! This house will take your breath away!
Eager to come visit! I went to college at W&L, and we’ve been looking for an excuse to make a road trip to VA! Look forward to following your journey. Best of luck!
Thank you! We are excited and can’t wait to share this beautiful and historic home with everyone!
I am looking forward to more news on you B & B. Best of luck!
Thank you! We are excited and can’t wait to show how beautiful and historic this house is!
I look forward to learning more about your new house and the unfolding of a great adventure.
Thanks for following my blog!
Thank you! I can’t wait to reveal it! I look forward to reading more of yours too!
You are living our dream!! My husband and I keep talking about doing the same thing in beautiful VA! We’re just too nervous to take the plunge. I am looking forward to reading about your experiences!
Thank you! It has been a dream of ours for many years. We just wanted to wait until the kids were done with school. But you can’t be afraid of following your dreams! I would suggest finding a couple to mentor you so you can learn on their curve and not have to learn from your own mistakes. We are so excited and can’t wait to reveal this house. Please check back for the big reveal!
Thanks for liking my post at: http://simplecherishes.wordpress.com. Yours is such a great endeavor. I am sure everything will turn out lovely. Looking forward to it!
Thank you! We look forward to sharing it!
Blue Skies and Green Lights as you pursue your dream. A wonderfully told story and I eagerly await the next chapter and as a native Virginian, A Visit! Best Wishes and Good Luck. John Harding
Thank you! I love your expression! My husband retired from the Navy so we say “fair winds and following seas”. But I think I like your better! We can’t wait to share our B&B with everyone. It is beautiful and historic. What part of Virginia are you from?
I grew up in Emporia along the Virginia/ NC Line, Went to school in Washington DC, and spent the next 30 years in Broadcast News At WRVA in Richmond, Virginia. I You are in a beautiful and historic section of the state.
We have lived in the Norfolk area since 1992. My husband was in the Navy and we just stopped here. I agree. Virginia is a beautiful state.
We’re a history loving clan here…look forward to the big reveal. My husband teaches history at the local hs, and his parents live on what was once George Washington’s farm in Alexandria VA. Staying tuned.
*anna
Thank you! We are the same in our house! Most of our anniversary trips are planned around what history I could find to visit. You and yours are going to love this place! There is a ton of important history connected to this house. We can’t wait to share it! (Hint – George Washington visited this home many times!…shh, don’t tell!)
Thank you for liking and following my blog! I can’t wait to hear more about this house! Very nice 🙂
Thank you for visiting our blog! We can’t wait to share this beautiful and historic plantation with everyone! Look forward to reading more of yours!
So awesome that you two are living your dreams! My wife and I are living our dreams and creating new dreams to fulfill…so much fun!
Looking forward to reading more about yours.
Live with Passion!
Glenn
Thank you! We are so blessed to have this chance to fulfill ours! Dreams are so wonderful, especially when they come true! Looking forward to reading more of yours!
Thanks for liking my Mother’s day post.
Congrats on the B & B. Thanks for liking my blog.
Thank you! We look forward to reading more of yours! We have lots of Virginia Vineyards here and plan to have a Wine and Cheese each evening at our B&B once we open. Please check back for the big reveal coming soon!
Good luck on your exciting journey!
And thanks for following and liking my blog
Thank you! We look forward to reading more of your blog! Please check back for the big reveal! This house is something to see!
Clearly your guests are not only going to be well fed, they will certainly feel a wonderful connection to the past—something I believe is so important. I love historic houses! My blog is about the past and how we relate to it. You will be helping people do that. hintsandechoes.wordpress.com. Best of luck!
Thank you! We love history too! That is one of the reason we were drawn to this house! We can’t wait to reveal it to everyone. If you love history this house is going to blow you away! I look forward to reading more of your blog! Anything history has my attention!
Wishing you the best of luck! We’ve enjoyed owning The Morning Star for sixteen years!
Thank you! Your B&B is so pretty! I love that the rooms are named after teas! I think I like th Chamomile Room. Of course I like yellow. We must share some recipes and experiences! I’m always up for ideas and advise!
Thanks for “liking” my Pretty in Pink Cake on my blog bettycakes.wordpress.com. Good luck with your venture. Look forward to seeing more on your blog.
Thank you! I love your wedding cakes! They are beautiful. We are going to be doing weddings at our B&B so I tend to look for them… haha. I look forward to reading more of your blog! We are also excited about sharing our B&B soon! Just need to get through the legal stuff.
Thanks for dropping by and following my blog. You’ve taken on quite a project, but the wee tastes you’ve shown make it look wonderful (and not just the food, though those photos just about did me in…must have goodies NOW…)—good luck with it!
Thank you! I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Hello! Thank you for liking a post at one of my blogs (http://savorysundays.wordpress.com/) – I really appreciate it!
You’re welcome! I am always looking for new ideas and recipes! I look forward to seeing more of your blog!
And thank you for choosing to follow another of my blogs (http://smilekiddo.wordpress.com/) – I appreciate that as well! 🙂
You’re welcome!
Congratulations on your new adventure. I look forward to reading all about it – have just discovered your blog and am starting from the beginning! With every best wish for a great success.
Thank you! We look forward to having more to share soon!
Hi
Your new venture sounds fascinating and I can’t wait to see the finished product. Thank you for visiting my blog too.
Thank you! We look forward to sharing it really soon! We also look forward to seeing more of your blog!
Ah, just noticed, in another email, you are now following my blog. Thank you.
Our pleasure! We look forward to seeing more of it!
Thanks so much for liking my blog. I am so excited to find out more about this wonderful bed and breakfast & to see more pics! What an inspirational story about following your dreams! I wish you many blessings & enormous success
Heidi
Nuburylane
Thank you! We look forward to sharing the ups and downs and all that goes on inbetween! No dream is achieved without a little struggle. We have had some of those and now I hope to see a lot more sunshine!
Good luck with your plans! 🙂
Thank you! We look forward to sharing this journey and this beautiful plantation!
Thanks for checking out my dessert blog. I would have never found yours without you finding mine first, and it’s been a dream of mine to open a B&B someday too. Good luck, and I’m really looking forward to reading about your journey behind the scenes!
Thank you! I love desserts so I will be visiting your blog often! We have wanted to open a B&B for a long time. This one has been a lot of work just to get in the front door, but I know it will be so worth it once we finish and really open! We look forward to sharing our journey and maybe inspiring others to chase their dreams!
What a wonderful thing, to have a dream come true. Best of luck to you!
Thank you! Check back to see the reveal of the house soon!
I don’t even know you and I’m excited! Live the dream! So much good luck!
Thank you! I am just as excited! I have to pinch myself all the time to make sure its real!
I wish you well – it sounds like you have found a wonderful place. A friend was in the BB business for about 15 years and loved all of it.
Thank you! It is a wonderful place! You know we hear that a lot too about others who have ventured into the business! We can’t wait!
Wow – what an exciting adventure! Looking forward to following your B&B as it blossems. Thanks for stopping by…I’m a follower.
Thank you for visiting our blog and becoming a follower! We look forward to revealing more soon! We also look forward to seeing more of your blog!
Love the design of your blog. Sounds like an exciting endeavour. Best of luck to you and thank you for checkin out Private Collection! You’ll have to swing by the sister blog thebowerygirl.wordpress.com
Thank you! I will do that!
I’m so glad you checked out my blog today so that I could meet you. Your venture sounds fantastic, and I hope all the paperwork is done soon, signed, sealed and delivered. I look forward to seeing the progress.
Thank you! It has been exciting so far. Just hate waiting on the paperwork to get done! I look forward to talking and seeing your blog more!
How very, very exciting! Old buildings, be it barns, cabins, houses or mansions are dear to me. I wish you the best of everything and look forward to knowing and seeing much more!
~d.
Thank you! We love old buildings too! They say so much if you just stop and listen.
Thank you for stopping by my blog and reading Old Building what secrets do you have – love your dream and want to come along on this magical journey. Looking forward to reading more. Best, Kim
You are welcome to join us on this fun filled journey! The more the merrier! I am a sucker for old buildings in all shapes and sizes. There is just so much character to them!
good luck, I hope your dream comes true, Christina
Thank you! We are working hard on it!
SOunds exciting, good luck with your dream
Thank you! We are very luck to have this chance.
I am so excited for your journey! I love, love, love your tea cups! Good luck.. happy you are living your dream 🙂
Thank you! We are really enjoying every step, good and bad. It is even better sharing it with others!
So excited for you! Sounds like a fabulous adventure, wishing you a world of success & dreams come true!
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of your blog and sharing our journey!
Best of luck in your venture. It something we thought of doing years go and probably would have enjoyed, but the time and the money were never right. Great start of a blog, I look forwarding to reading more. Have fun!
Thank you! We have been very lucky in our timing and opportunity.
Gorgeous. Will put it on our ‘side trek’ list for sure!
Carol Colitti Levine
thesidetrek.com
Thank you! We look forward to see you!
Thank you for liking my blog. I’m looking forward to following your journey.
Thank you! I looking forward to seeing more of you!
Thank you for liking my blog 🙂
How thrilling it must be for you to be able to pursue your dream. It sounds like quite a journey & quite a home. Congratulations!!
Thanky You! We are just as thrilling to be living our dream, if it will ever get started. haha We look forward to seeing more of your blog!
Wow! I’d love to vsist one day…
We’ll leave the light on!
Cool 🙂
Thank you!
Thanks for liking my post Hollywood – Here I Come!
I thought it was cool! We are hoping once we get the B&B open we might have our own brush with Hollywood. Either as a guest or even a movie set won’t be too bad.
Thanks for liking my blog post! I loved reading yours.
Thank you! We hope to see you back again! We also look forward to seeing more of yours!
A wonderfully told story !
Thank you! We are looking forward to telling more soon!
Can’t wait to read more about your journey and how it unfolds…
We can’t wait for it to be revealed! We are heading back there today! Yay! We are going to be doing some video taping for future post! This plantation is just something to see!
How exciting! What a journey…and its just beginning! Good luck.
Thank you! We are very excited with each step!
The photos look like such a lovely area; I can’t wait to see the house and hear about its history! What a wonderful adventure!
Thank you! We love it and can’t wait to share all of it.
Wow this is an adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing more. Best of luck!
Thank you! We are looking forward to showing it soon!
Thank you for liking my post “Reading to Write.” Your project is amazing and looks exciting. I can’t wait to find out where you are. my daughter lives near Atlanta and Virginia isn’t that far away. I’ve signed to follow your blog and the progress of your BnB.
Thank you! Hopefully next week we can reveal it! We are hoping to get the okay soon!
What an exciting project! Looks rewarding and quite the adventure! Thank you for visiting my blog.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We are very excited and can’t wait to share the adventure!
Thank you so much for dropping by my blog. That action never goes unnoticed or unappreciated.
Thank you for stopping by ours!
Thank you for reading and the “Like” of my post.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We look forward to seeing more of yours!
That’s so awesome. I love the character of B&B’s. Look forward to reading about your adventures!!
Thank you for stopping by! We look forward to sharing this adventure!
Thank you so much for checking out and following my blog! I hope you are enjoying it.
I’m excited to check out yours more!
Thank you! We are enjoying it! Hopefully this week we can reveal our plantation!
Thanks for liking our blog, I’m amazed that we’re getting hits from the other side of the pond! All the best with this project of yours – we’ll be keeping an eye on it and wish you all the best.
Leigh & Gill
Thank you! We enjoy seeing what is going on elsewhere! We look forward to seeing more soon!
You have been nominated for 2 awards! http://simplecherishes.wordpress.com/2012/06/05/receiving-gratefully-the-very-inspiring-blogger-and-one-lovely-blog-awards/
~ Warm regards from http://simplecherishes.wordpress.com/
Thank you! We really appreciate that!
Thank you for ‘liking’ my set of Cape Cod photos on my blog! On a recent move from Florida up to Maryland, we (on the fly) tried to find a plantation to visit along the way, as I have always been interested in doing a photo project of sorts, but we just didn’t have the time. I really enjoyed reading about your journey and look forward to new developments! Would love to make a trip out once everything is up and running! Congrats! 🙂
Best Wishes,
Jennifer
http://www.jennifer-childs.com
Thank you! I have never been to Cape Cod, but our daughter has and says its beautiful. Maybe once we get things up and running, you can make a trip down and do a photo project with us! There is a lot of history here and we hope to have it available for everyone to enjoy! We look forward to seeing more of your blog!
The Cape is extremely beautiful and you should definitely make a trip up! We have family in Wellfleet and it is truly a gem. As for making my way down to you….I’d love it! Sounds like a wonderful time and I’ve no doubts I’d come back with great images. Have a wonderful day!
Jennifer
http://www.jennifer-childs.com
Good Luck! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We hope to be able to reveal it this week!
My husband and I have spent many wonderful days and nights at B and B s all over the country. Owners are very special people. I will be interested to hear your journey. Thanks for checking out the Princess. I am going to need a few nights in Va. after I complete my quest.
Thank you! We know your feelings about B&Bs. Before starting this journey, we spent many nights visiting other B&Bs and talking to the owners. One thing was most apparent about the owners was their love of people. We want that same feeling for all our guests. We look forward to revealing the plantation, hopefully this week and seeing more of your quest!
Thanks for the “Like”!
Looking forward to hear about your adventures!!!
Thank you! We look forward to sharing our journey and look forward to seeing more of your blog!
You’re lucky to find a plantation dating back so far. I recently did some drawings for a (owner’s) kitchen renovation at Shirley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. I suspect you are familiar with the Plantation since it, too, is a historical landmark. The land has been passed down through 11 generations, and the fields are still worked. I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the whole mansion, not just those areas opened to tourists. The owners have their private kitchen located in the basement of the home and live on the upper floor. I need to nose through your blog a bit, to see if I’m familiar with your area, since I am a native Virginia, myself.
We are very familiar with Shirley Plantation. We have been one of those tourist that got to see the common areas. It was one of the plantations we visited to get ideas from. When we went, the fields were filled with cotton ready to be picked. It was so beautiful!
Thanks for the “like” on my blog. Good luck with your project. Very exciting.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We look forward to seeing more of yours! Don’t forget to check back for the big reveal! We hope to do it this week sometime!
You’ve been on quite a journey. Looking forward to your big reveal! (My aunt if from Virginia and I’ve always wanted to visit!)
Yes it has been quite a journey so far. And we just started! Lets hope we can reveal it this weekend! We hope to see you soon!
Here’s hoping for a great adventure ahead!
Thank you! We have already had such fun in getting this far. We hope the next couple months as we get this rolling will be just as much fun as the last 11 months!
Wishing you the very best! I hope I will get to experience your hospitality! I’m new to the region and would love to get out your way…meanwhile I’ll follow along via blog. I hope you find blessings galore along your way!
Thank you! We hope to share our plantation with you soon! Thank you for stopping by!
Can’t wait to take this journey with you!
Peach State
Thank you, we can’t wait to take you along!
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and like my ‘Simple on Pinterest’ post. I’m anxious to follow your journey and would love to get to know you better.
Have a wonderful weekend….can’t wait to see some photos!
blessings,
Ronda
Thank you for stopping by ours! We are really looking forward to sharing this plantation with everyone! We also look forward to seeing more of your blog and getting to know you better too!
Thanks for taking a look at Ugly Duckling … and what a wonderful adventure you are embarking on. Good luck and enjoy!
Beckie
Thank you for stopping by ours! We look forward to seeing more of yours too! This has been a great adventure and are very glad to be taking so many along for the ride!
I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of this plantation for your bed and breakfast and perhaps staying there one day. Pete
Thank you! We are glad that we can share this adventure with so many and look forward to sharing the plantation one day everyone!
Hi! Sounds like an exciting adventure! Wish you had an about page…would love to learn more about my fellow VA! Good luck! Will be checking back to see how it goes!
Thank you! You know, I was just telling my husband today we need to do an “About Page”! That will be coming soon! Thank you for stopping by!
Glad you liked my Chicken and Leek pie recipe…or I would never have found your blog! Looking forward to following you on your plantation journey , all the way from Western Australia. Thank you!
Thank you! We have found lots of good food and good people from Australia through our blog! We look forward to seeing more of your blog too!
Good luck in the final stages of getting your property – what a great experience – and isn’t it fantastic when you find the one and you ‘just know’?
Thank you! Yes it has been some of the best experiences of our lives. We feel lke we have won the lottery!
Thanks for stopping by! You are on a journey of fun, challenge and maneuvering the unknown! Just go with the flow…it’s all you can do and it will all work out! Good Luck!
Have you registered your house on the National Register of Historic Places?
Thank you stopping by ours! We look forward to seeng more of yours! We are trying to wait and be patient. I guess we are just getting eager. The plantation is already registered.
Looking forward to hearing how this turns out! I myself am interested in owning my own operation in the future. This could be a very informative blog! Best of luck!
Thank you! We hoped that our adventures would also help others! We have two monitors who have been helping us along the way too! This way we can give back too! Let us know if you do venture into this great journey!
Thanks for visiting my blog. We are just getting our bed and breakfast started too, so it is wonderful to find another.
Thank you for stopping by ours! How exciting to find someone else who is on the same kind of journey! We must share notes!
I use to work driving on the road and seen many beautiful old homes traveling through Virginia. I belive you have a great blog and wish you much luck with your B&B.
Thank you! There are lots of wonderful homes with tons of history here! I think we found the best one! haha
How exciting for you and best of luck! Thanks for visiting my blog, too.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We hope to see more of yours too!
OH Wow!! the husband and I love love love B&B!! Congrats and good luck!! We have never been to Virginia, and it’s been awhile since we stayed at a B&B so we will def keep yours in mind!! =)
Thank you! We hope to see you both soon!
Ooh! A Bed and Breakfast will be excellent fodder for a blog! I look forward to reading more! Virginia would be one heck of a road trip for me, but I get the feeling I’m going to want to make it . . .
Thank you for stopping by! We hope that we can interest you in a road trip! We think you will find it worth the trip!
What a beautiful place, beautiful story, and your food pictures look divine!
Thank you! We are always looking for good food to share! So we can share the great history story too!
…and thanks for liking my blog post! 🙂
You’re welcome! We look forward to seeing more!
Hey Virginiaplantation! Thanks for the like and follow! How exciting for you both, wishing you the best and maybe my husband and I will check out your place sometime on our drive down to Florida! Good luck!
Thank you! We look forward to see you and your husband and seeing more off your blog too!
It is always an inspiration to see people following a dream.
Thank you! We are excited to be living it! We are hoping it will inspire others to pursue theirs!
Good luck and lots of fun in your new venture
Thank you! We look forward to sharing more and are glad you have decided to come along!
Good luck and lots of fun!
Thank you! It has been fun so far, if you don’t count the red tape! 😉
Oh how exciting!
Can’t wait to hear more! Beccy
Thank you! Believe me, I have about ten months of historic research and all that shopping to share!
Oh my goodness. This place is gorgeous. Nice post. Looking forward to reading more.
Thank you! We have so much more to tell!
How exciting for you! Such a beautiful home – and such rich history to boot! Ritchey and I love Virginia – visited in March. We went to Monticello and on the drive to Leesburg (Loudoun County) we passed Montpelier – unfortunately didn’t have time to stop! We enjoyed our genealogy research in Loudoun and Prince William counties. This is a great blog!
Thank you! Monticello is a great place, but Montplier caught our hearts. That is why when we found James Madison’s birthplace, we were overjoyed. We hope that some day you can come and see us and the beauty of this wonderful house!
Hello, thanks for visiting my site, The Year of Living Englishly (theyearoflivingenglishly.wordpress.com). I love what you’re doing–creating a warm, friendly, family business in a historic house (mansion!). The food that you offer for breakfast looks amazing. I wish you all the best, and I’m now following you.
Thank you! We look forward to seeing you and more of your blog! This house is so much fun and we can’t wait to open it for others to enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by and liking my “Flag Day” post. Bed and breakfasts are favorites–recently stayed in a reconverted schoolhouse. Wishing you the best in this adventure.
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
Thank you! I love Flag Day! And to announce our plantation just warms my heart! Bed and Breakfasts have always been something Brett and I love. I bet the schoolhouse was a lot of fun! We hope that one day you can experience our wonderful plantation too!
thanks for stopping by my blog! i’m excited to see how things go for you and wish you the best!!
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of your blog! We can’t wait to share this excitment with you as you come along on this journey with us!
Bravo for stepping outside the box. Kudos for not settling for less than your dream. Brownie points for embarking on the biggest adventure of your life (next to marriage). I remain your faithful servant (as they would wont to say in the old plantation days). Virginia
Virginia! Great name! Thank you! We feel honored to have this opportunity! It is exciting to be apart of this historic homes past. Thank you for joining us on this adventure! We hope we can share it in person some day! Michelle
Hello,
Congratulations on your new home, your bed and breakfast and I wish you lots of success with your endeavor. That everything turns out beautifully.
I want to also thank you for visiting my blog. It meant a lot to me.
Ciao,
Patricia
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of yours! Thank you for stopping by ours too! We hope that you will enjoy the adventure we are going to have with this!
What a fantastic adventure! Thanks, too, for the ‘Like’ on my ‘Life Lessons’ post!
Thank you! And thank you for a great post on yours! We look forward to seeing more soon!
[…] checked out the Belle Grove Plantation Bed and Breakfast blog, and was won over by this in their May 12th post: We knew that we didn’t want just any house; it had to have some historic significance. We both […]
Thank you for stopping by! We hope to see you soon!
I’m glad you liked the Gettysburg shot. Our kids live in Annandale, VA and we come visit often. Where are you located from there?
We loved Gettysburg both time we went there. It has such great history! From Annandale, you take I-95 down to Route 17 just after Fredericksburg and then down Route 17 to Route 301 in Port Royal. From there we are just down on the left after you across the Rappahannock River. It would be 1.5 hours from Annandale, not including traffic. Hope you can stop by and see us once we open!
I love James Madison and love to use his quotes. Sounds like an exciting endeavor. Look forward to hearing more. May your endeavors prosper.
We love James Madison too. That is why when we found his birthplace we were just floored. Thank you!
This sounds exciting! I wish you the best of luck and I’ll be checking back to keep up with your progress. Thanks for checking out my blog, it gave me a chance to see yours!
Thank you for stopping by mine! We look forward to see more of yours!
May God bless you in your endeavor. Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m glad you liked the post.
Thank you! We hope to see more of your blog in the future!
Thanks for taking the time to read and like my blog! My husband and I are huge fans of staying in a B&B instead of a hotel, and neither of us has been to Virginia. We’ll put Belle Grove Plantation on the “list”.
Right now we are busying ourselves with non-US travel plans because we figure we can see more things that are close to home down the road… Next up is northern Italy (Venice, Lake Como) where we are also staying at B&Bs.
Speaking from someone who prefers B&B stays on travel, make sure to get Belle Grove Plantation onto TripAdvisor so people know how to find out. We don’t make reservations anywhere anymore without a look at TripAdvisor to see if the B&B has been written up and what people are saying about it…
Best of luck and keep blogging!
Thank you! Brett has been to Italy lots with the Navy, but I have not. I bet that is going to be a beautiful trip! We are going to be on TripAdvisor as soon as we start getting advertising started. We are the same about B&Bs and TripAdvisor! Thank you for the suggest. We welcome any that you might have!
Congratulations and all the best on your new adventure.
Thank you! We are looking forward to sharing this adventure!
Yes there would be a lot of history with this house and I can’t begin to think of the great fathers of America that walked through its doors. Look forward to reading more.
I think about it all the time! I know that Nellie Madison, James’s mother, loved this plantation so much that she traveled back to it in the middle of winter to be there with her mother when he was born. I also know that George Washington is said to have been a visitor. And George Washington’s father Augustine grew up just nine or ten miles away in a plantation next door and was a play mate of one of the children at our plantation. I just can’t wait to see what else we will discover!
thank you for liking the Mayors against illegal guns – amazing endeavor -the word Plantation brings up emotions- history gets chopped into acceptable slivers sometimes – when the weight of the word, who was flogged is still remembered
Thank you! I like your insight.
FYI … the amazing endeavor comment was meant for you … i – will def be back … bonne chance !!!
btw … thank you for all the likes (:
You’re welcome! We look forward to seeing more from yours.
Great story. I wish you great success and enjoyment with this passion of yours. Hopefully when we get over from Europe we can stay. (I’ll bookmark your site)
Kind regards
Thank you! You have joined just in time as the story is just starting to unfold. We hope some day you can come and see us at the plantation and experience it in person!
How exciting! I just added you to our travel wish list!
Thank you! We look forward to seeing you at the plantation!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday 🙂 What a great story. Having fallen in love with my little 17thc cottage (much smaller scale than yours) 🙂 online before I had even viewed it, I know just how you must have felt when you saw your such a beautiful place in all its glory! Best of luck with it all and I will be interested to read your other posts and the story of your journey…
Thank you! There is just something about the history that comes with these homes that is just a draw!
I wish u success on your new adventure, and I hope it works out for you the way you would like it to. thanks for giving me the opportunity to read ur blog
Thank you for stopping by our blog! We hope you will enjoy read more in the future!
I started blogging in 2008. My pet project was a gigantic book for the study of humanities.
I must admit, that there are many many different ‘about this site’ that I have read. Yours is unique! Unique enough for me to comment too! ^^
I will be following your site!
~ E
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it! We hoped that we would be able to set ourselves apart as something unique! Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Very beautiful house and so cool you are doing this. The food looks AMAZING!
Thank you! We really do love this plantation. We are so excited and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Thank you for sharing your new chapter of your life! How exciting! I’ll follow your journey. Thank you for stopping by my site!
Thank you! We really appreciate you joining us on the big adventure! We hope some day you might join us for real and experience this very unique home!
I look forward to the real experience of this unique home in the near future!
Thanks for stopping by thefirstgates to like a post. Yours sounds like a fascinating journey, and I’ll be stopping back to watch your progress.
Thank you! We enjoy reading other blogs as much as we do writing our own! We look forward to seeing more of yours too!
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I have enjoyed reading yours as well 🙂 Best of luck to you!
Thank you! We look forward to reading more of yours! We hope you will join us on this big adventure!
Oh wow! I hope to vist your B&B. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy your blog. Thanks for reading Kelley Hospitality.
Thank you! We love reading other blogs. They have been so entertaining and have even helped us! We hope to see you one day at the plantation!
You are so blessed to have found “the” house. We live in a 1960’s house and we love remodeling it. Nothing major. But if I won the lottery, I know where a house much like yours is that I would make mine.
Sending blessings to you and your house. Thank you for visiting my blog and liking a post I made. I appreciate it.
Thank you! Our first house was a Federal style home built in 1885, but sadly we did not get to finish the restoration. This plantation is just a blessing to us! So we can understand your love of your 1960s home and the passion in remodeling it. Who knows, maybe one day you will win that lottery! We feel like we have already 😉
Nice Blog, great story and what a beautifull house. Planning a trip next year maybe I’ll pop in. Always wanted to visit Virginia Thanks.
http://www.maxalife.net
Thank you! We hope you will consider stopping by!
oops … that post was for Monday, thank you for stopping by. i def respect Sherrod Brown – We need him in Congress
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of your blog!
YOu can never have too much fun…
I totally agree with you!
As I have spent must of my adult working life in the southern part of Louisianna, I have seen some great plantations and yes they are a rich piece of you history. At last to many have gone into decay. best of wish on your on going jounery.
Thank you! Brett and I spent time in LA last October researching the plantations in and around New Orleans. I am sure you know of the plantation Belle Grove that was in LA. We were so excited to learn about it until we found out that it had been lost and now is a housing development.
Bed and Breakfast sounds like a good idea at the Belle Grove Plantation in Virginia.
Thank you! We think so too. We hope you might stop by and see us some day!
WOW! This is awesome! I have Tweeted, posted to facebook and pinned to my Pinterest “Dream Vacations” bulletin board. This is definitely a MUST VISIT! I have started following your blog. Congratulations and best wishes throughout your journey! Follow me at catnipoflife:>)
Wow thank you so much!! We appreciate you sharing us to your readers! Don’t forget to visit our indiegogo campaign and enter to win a free weekend get away!
Looks super exciting!
Thank you! Please check out our Indiegogo site to see the new video of the plantaiton we just added!
Thanks for reading
No problem, and thank you for checking out our blog.
Thnx for the “like” MisfitWisdom…: )
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by ours!
did you tackle today’s plinky prompt?
I can’t seem to find it. On your connection (parwatisingari,wordpress.com), you have a common instead of a dot in your address. When I went there, I didn’t see the plinky prompt. Can you tell me where to find it?
Thanks for liking my post, your story and blog are amazing
Thank you! We enjoy reading others blogs! It has lead us to some awesome finds and answers we never thought of! Please consider check out of other site, Indiegogo and view our video of the house! You can see our resident osprey flying over the house! If you can, please consider leaving a comment of us. It will help us gather enough points to be placed on their features page. Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. I enjoy following you on your journey to what will undoubtedly prove to be a very rewarding business. Peace, blessings, and ashe!
Thank you! We look forward to having so much more to share! Great blog too!
morning virginiaplantation,
I appreciate all of your likes = support. I await more info on how the journey goes !!!
Thank you! I don’t know how I missed this comment… but we can’t wait to share the fun!
Reblogged this on Can You Travel? and commented:
This history, and history has its’ beauty. Thank you1
Thank you for sharing our blog with your readers! One thing you might want to also share is that we are giving away a free weekend. Please check out of Win a Free Weekend post! Thank you!
How exciting. I would love to come visit when your done. Keep me posted.
Thank you! We would love to have you come and stay!
Michelle
http://www.indiegogo.com/bellegroveplantation
Thank you for liking my blog. The house is stunning. I wish you the very best of luck. If you have any offers to tempt Australians let me know and I will publish on my blog. Also if there are any interesting historical facts or letters to share, that would be fabulous.
Thank you! We are working on something that I think you might like! Keep your eye on the blog! We are also going to post some more history of the house soon!
Michelle Darnell
http://www.indiegogo.com/bellegroveplantation
Will you help us Save our History?
Best of luck with this new found dream.
Thank you! We appreciate you stopping by and reading our blog. We hope you will join us on the journey as we work to bring it back to life!
Michelle Darnell
http://www.indiegogo.com/bellegroveplantation
Will you help us Save our History?
How wonderful to be able to share your business ‘journey’ with you! Looking forward to the next chapter … =D
Thank you! We are excited that you are joining us on this journey!
Michelle
http://www.indiegogo.com/bellegroveplantation
Will you help us Save our History?
We wish you all the Best in getting your B&B Plantation up and running. Thank you for reading my blog and answering so I could read about your wonderful dream and mission.
Thank you for stopping by ours! We really appreciate it! We look forward to seeing more of yours! You know we have a connection to John Wilkes Booth at the plantation! Post of it coming soon.
Michelle
http://www.indiegogo.com/bellegroveplantation
Will you help us Save our History?
hope you all have a breeze …and something cold to drink. Thank you for your likes … support
Thank you! Nope no breeze here today. Maybe Monday though. Thank you for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by our blog – hope you enjoy the Banana Bread! This is Jennifer, current Chair of the Junior League of Honolulu’s Commercial Products Committee. Good luck with your new B&B, I’ll stop by soon (my husband’s from Virginia)! Our sons are Jackson and Jefferson 🙂
Thank you! I love Banana Bread. Heck I love any Banana Recipe. You should come back to Virginia and see us some time! We are giving away a free weekend at the plantation soon. You should see if you can win it! 😉 I love your sons names. Very fitting!
Congrats on making a dream come true!! Hugs on the journey!
Thank you! We are so excited and can’t wait to share it with everyone! Hugs back at ya! 😉
What a great idea and adventure! The place looks beautiful, love how you tie in history. Hope to visit some day, all the best : )
Thank you! We love history and this plantation has a ton of it! We hope you do stop by some day!
I enjoyed learning more about your historic home and how it has a very active and vibrant life in the 21st Century. Also, thank you for visiting my blog “The Shout ‘Heard Round The World.” Please feel free to follow my posts and recommend my blog to people interested in U.S. history.
Thank you! I would love to follow and read your blog! As you see we love history too! I will be happy to promote it as we go along.
Thanks for your comment on my blog, I’m new to all this blogging stuff. Your journey looks amazing too, I’ll stay tuned and you never know, I may end up coming over, you never know. Cheers, Ben (England)
Thank you! Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging! We look forward to seeing more of your blog. We hope one day you might just show up at our door. You would be very welcomed!
Congratulations on following your dreams. I wish you folks nothing, but much success!
Thank you! We really are so excited to have this opportunity and we really enjoy sharing it with everyone!
Congratulations on following your dream. You have done your “due diligence,” and I am sure you will be very successful. I’m looking forward to following your blog.
Thank you! We are so excited to have this opportunity and look forward to sharing the journey as we move towards our goal of opening. Thank you for following along with us!
Wishing you much success as you start this new endeavor.
Thank you! We appreciate that!
How exciting! I’m in the early stages of a new venture also and it is heart pounding! Thanks for the like on my post. Let us know where your B&B is.
Thank you for stopping by! We are located in Port Conway, Virginia just across the Rappahannock River from Port Royal, Virginia and just 20 minutes south of Fredericksburg, Virginia. I understand that heart pounding believe me! I wish you all the luck in the world with yours! We hope to see more of your blog too!
I love B&Bs so I can’t wait to read about your experiences.
Thank you! We hope you will join us on this wonderful journey we are on. It has been such a great “ride” so far! 😉
again, thank you for all your likes … def love lemon butter sauce and deep dish apple pie – a reminder of my mom cooking
Thank you! My mom didn’t cook like this …haha. But you are so welcome about the likes! 😉
Good luck!
Thank you! We are going to need it in the days to come!
That is totally awesome. Keep up the good work. I love old buildings. They have the most amazing feeling of history and place. I like to imagine what is going on inside, all the peopel that have lived in them.
Thank you! We love old historic houses too. It is always fun to see how they “feel” when we go. I have to say, Warner Hall was very calm and peacefully.
I am excited for both of you and woish nothing but the best for you. Good Luck!! and thanks for sharing all of this with us.
Thank you so much! We really appreciate it! We hope you will join us for this wonderful journey!
Your b&b looks awesome – quite the undertaking and I wish you all the very best!
Thank you! We appreciate it! We hope you will join us in this wonderful journey we are on!
What a beautiful place! Thanks for liking my blog.
http://www.hoopingbysarah.com
Thank you! We hope you will join us as we journey to its opening! We also look forward to seeing more of your blog!
Thank you for visiting my blog. I will be interested to follow your progress with the new business, We have a big history of bed and breakfasts in England and I love historical buildings, have done a lot of my family history which involves USA,Canada,Poland, France and hope to follow their journey some time. enjoy your new journey and good luck with it. I just did a post on Highclere House, of Downton Abbey fame if you would like to read it.
Thank you! We look forward to reading about Highclere House! I bet it was great! We hope you will journey along with us as we bring this historic home back to life!
Wow….this is a whole new idea of bed and breakfast
Thank you! We like to think that we are a unique bed and breakfast. Not many places can say that a president was born there!
Thank you for liking our blog. We think you have a very interesting house. Mom explained to us what a bed and breakfast is and of course anything that involves food is going to capture Shakespeare’s attention. Good luck on an exciting adventure. We hope all your dreams come true.
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of yours too! Food is always good! Please don’t forget to check out Hurley and his mission!
Best wishes on your big adventure! Maybe I can stop in to see the progress next time I visit my brother in Williamsburg.
Thank you! Just let us when you plan your visit and we will see what we can do! Please don’t forget to check out Hurley and his mission! His time is running out!
Absolutely love this. Such a beautiful place to have a bed and breakfast. Larger than one would expect and on such a beautiful piece of property too. I think I may have to take a trip to Virginia just to stay there. Good luck with the business. I am sure you will do very well.
Thank you! We hope that you will stop by and see us once we open! This plantation is something you must experience.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Your project sounds like an incredibly exciting undertaking, and Virginia is a wonderful place to do this sort of thing–so much history, beautiful surroundings, proximity to DC, all of it. Best of luck!!
Thank you! We look forward to seeing more of your blog! We love it here in Virginia. There is just so much history just around the corner! We hope you will join us on the wonderful journey as we bring this plantation back to life!
What an absolutely breathtaking house! Your painstaking preparation is impressive and your courage inspiring. I can’t wait for more posts to see how things unfold. Wishing you all good things.
Thank you so much and thank you for joining us in the wonderful journey! We are excited by each and every turn!
Please check out Hurley too and his mission as we move towards our goal in our campaign. If you can’t donate, you can still help by visiting the Indiegogo site. We get merit points for every visit which moves us up in the rankings and could get us on the home page. You can also share our campaign on blogs and facebook. Thank you for anything you can do!
Brett, Michelle, Hurley and Mille the Cat
Thank you for reading my blog! The B&B looks absolutely gorgeous! I am an avid traveler, and would love to be updated on your progress!!
My pleasure! We’ve got a long way to go (at least 120 days just for zoning…), but we will be documenting our progress on the blog, so if you check in periodically, we’ll keep you up to date. Thank you for your encouragement and support!
Holy cow, what’s not to like here. If I ever buy a loto ticket and win, count me in. 🙂
Thank you! You can buy a few raffle tickets we are offering by donating to our indiegogo site and have a chance to win a two day weekend stay! $10 dollars gets you two, $25 gets you five and $100 gets you 20! And it goes to help us restore our out buildings that date back to 1790!
I grew up in, Lexington, Virginia. LOVE, Virginia. When I win the lottery, or start selling my photography and can sustain a living – I’m going home to Virginia. Good luck and I look forward to reading about your journey. 🙂 And thank you for visiting my blog. Come back anytime – we’re open 24/7. Namaste, Joie
Thank you! We can’t wait to see more of yours! And we hope you will come back to Virginia soon! You know if you make a donation to our campaign, you could win a free weekend at the plantation! $10 gets you 2 tickets $25 gets you 5 tickets. And $100 gets you 20 tickets! And it goes to a good cause! We are trying to save our historic dependences. They are 220 years old.
Awesome! I look forward to following your blog. I’m from Virginia originally and my mother still lives in Hot Springs, maybe we could hook up the next time I’m in the state? Blessings, Jerry Nelson, http://www.JourneyAmerica.org
Thank you! We hope to see you soon as we open! If you come before we do, just let me know and maybe we can arrange something!
I’m a freelance photographer and you can check out my work on my webswite, http://www.JourneyAmerica.org Among other gigs, I also write a twice-a-week travel column for the Washington Examiner. Maybe I could do a story about you and the plantation?
We would welcome that! Once we have this contract stuff finished we can talk. I have seen your blog and some of your work. It is really good! I like the ones from DC the most.
Thanks! I’ll wait to hear from you!
What a great story! Best of luck!
Thank you! We hope you will join us on this wonderful journey to bring this historic plantation back to life. Please check out our plantation dog, Hurley, in his first video.
I’ll be keeping up with your blog. Putting it on my list of places to visit soon. Our family misses Virginia.
Thank you! We hope to be once by the end of the year or first of next year. We hope to see you soon! Please check out our plantation dog, Hurley, in his first video!
Reblogged this on Catena Travel and commented:
The Journey Begins with Belle Grove Plantation’s Bed and Breakfast. It looks like an absolutely amazing Bed and Breakfast! I love the old yet modern look of the ‘house’ and how it makes you want to grab a book, a cup of tea and read until your eyes are tired and weary. From someone who usually prefers a luxury hotel or resort, I would say this bed and breakfast would suit me just well.
I would love to find a home like this when I retire and make it a place for family and friends to visit on their journeys. Check out their blog and take a look at the image and read their story of success! Good luck to you Belle Grove Plantation B&B.
Thank you so much for sharing our blog with your readers! It means so much to us! We hope some day you and your readers will find their way to our place and see how wonderful this plantation really is!
You are welcome! It is always better to see things in person.
Very beautiful home! Hopefully one day I’ll get to visit it in person!
Thank you! We hope you will visit one day too!
Thank you! We hope you will visit one day too!m It is worth the trip.
Thank you for visiting KenMaursCorner! You re-introduced me to a part of US history that I love: Historic homes!
I am also a widow of an ADF member (Australian Defence force)
Forever, I have envied you your country’s history and historic buildings.
AND I would have loved to develop a B&B in similar surroundings.
Go forward.Work hard and ENJOY!!
Thank you so much! This in one of the reasons we are so excited about our blog, bring the history back to life! Historic homes, no matter what time period have such stories to tell!
I love a good adventure!
WOW! I write and you liked it. Now I’m an official “campaigner” with a heart full of prayers for you and yours…may you find prosperity on your journey.
Thank you! We will really need those thoughts and prayers as we move forward toward our goal of bring this historic plantation back to life! We also look forward to seeing more of yours as well!
Thanks for visiting my blog, CruisingWithPhoenix.com, about our boating adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Your b&b looks awesome! Good luck and thanks for sharing your journey via your blog.
Thank you for stopping by! We look forward to seeing more about your adventures too! We hope to see you someday at the plantation!
Thanks for reading.
Thanks for the “like” today! I’m enjoying all of your posts, watching your progress, and learning the history along the way!
Thank you! We are so glad to have you along for the journey! We hope you will stop by the plantation someday too!
My sincere thanks to you for a ‘Like’ on my blog. I too have ‘Liked’ yours. I am following your blog with immediate effect.
Thank you! We are glad you have joined us for this wonderful journey! We look forward to seeing more of yours!
Wow, Looks like an awesome place. My wife would love it.
Thank you! We hope you will enjoy following us as we journey towards our goal of bring this historic home back to live.
What a great idea! I just found your blog, but I’m going to follow your project along. Good luck!
Thank you! We are so glad that you are joining the big adventure! We have so much more to share!
What an exciting adventure. Best of luck!
Thank you! We still have so much more to share!
Thanks for stoppin by — good luck with the BB
Thanks for visiting my blog. If you like history, you should read my “Holiday” blogs. They all take a fun look at the origins of our holidays. Your house is magnificent. Perhaps my husband and I could visit someday. I would leave a copy of my short novel, BANYAN, for your library. Best wishes.
Thank you! I will have to “Holiday” blog! I love history! Yes, please do leave us a copy! We welcome any additions to our library! We hope to meet you and your husband soon!
This is wonderful – you have a beautiful property! Best wishes, enjoy your journey!
Thank you! We hope you will join us for all the fun that is still ahead!
Thank-you for liking my post!
I love that you’ve taken such a risk in buying and creating a bed & breakfast, that’s what life is all about after all. The building is beautiful and I’m sure the property is goregous as well. I’ve only been to Virginia once, but I remember it vividly for its lush, rolling green hills.
Good luck!
You are so welcome! Thank you for stopping by ours! We have had this dream for awhile, but it has really become a burn since we found this plantation. We are so looking forward to opening it and for a chance to meet some really wonderful people! We hope to see you sometime there as well!
Absolutely beautiful. My wife and I love to travel and we love the bed and breakfast concept. I have definitely joined as a “frequent flyer” and would appreciate being on your mailing list. Many thanks, Bob J.
Thank you! We are excited that you have joined us as a “frequent flyer”! I love that! We encourage you to join us on our Facebook to also keep up on where we are going and what we are doing! We also hope some day to see you in person at the plantation!
You already have so many comments here, but I wanted to thank you for coming by my site and liking my posts. Mostly, though, good luck with your business, I hope it is a tremendous success. The house is lovely!
You are so welcome! Thank you! We hope to see you around here some and hope to see your blog more in the future!
Can’t wait until the day you SHARE! Very nice, and we look forward to staying there. Great story (which is what got us hooked).
Thank you! We look forward to see you at the plantation!
Thank you for stopping by … the adventure of a life time ! thank you for sharing
Thank you! We believe it is just that!
I am editor of the church magazine and I have a feature “What Church is that?” in which I examine an old Scottish (and sometimes English) church, relate something of its background and history) I recently highlighted a church called Yester Parish Church and wrote about one of its famous sons, The Rev, John Witherspoon. John Witherspoon left Scotland, came to America in 1768 to become Professor and President of a small Presbyterian College in New Jersey – in a place called ” Princeton” He had two interesting students, one Aaron Burr and the other James Madison.
Very cool!! Do you have a copy of this you can send me?