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Four Distinct Bed & Breakfasts: #3 Butterfly Creek Inn

It’s the little details that make guests remember their stay at Butterfly Creek Inn.

From creative three-course breakfasts to rooms decorated on the principles of feng shui and lightly scented with aromatherapy-inspired fragrances, proprietor Sarah Huff strives to provide more than her guests expect of a traditional bed and breakfast.

“Butterfly Creek is so different from even the five or six inns locally, in almost every way,” Huff explains. “The experience here is not the norm.”

The inn’s first distinguishing quality is its remote, serene location, nestled in a wooded area of Columbus, N.C., in the heart of Polk County. “No one has ever heard of Columbus. Though I am only three miles from some major roads, even people from the local area don't know I am tucked away here,” Huff said. “The location is so perfect for a bed and breakfast.”

The inn’s architecture provides another unique aspect. Butterfly Creek is bright and airy with many large windows, and as Huff explains, the building is “new construction made to look old.”

As guests enter the inn, they are greeted by one large room that encompasses the entire downstairs, with windows overlooking a rear-wooded area, nearby creek and waterfall. Common areas, including the sunroom, living room, kitchen and dining room, are uniquely painted and filled with various treasures, including a mantle from an 1820s farmhouse in Virginia, an original carousel horse from the 1920s, and a restored vintage pinball machine that couples enjoy playing.

The inn contains only four guestrooms, which Huff prefers: it allows her to pay more attention to the little details that guests treasure during their stay.

“I am a detail person on everything, from the setting of the house and gardens – I looked forever for a creek side view, even before I knew this was going to be a bed and breakfast – to exterior plantings and the interior design of the rooms,” she explained.

Named after different types of butterflies, rooms are carefully and uniquely decorated. “My fabrics and accoutrements are quite different from the norm,” she said. “For example, I found a designer from Austin, Texas who mixes six or seven fabrics on one piece of fabulous down upholstery, and it looks like a piece of art. It’s sensual to sit in, and to touch. It is a unique experience for all of your senses.”

Huff has collected several other unique decorations from around the world, including original glass pieces from Venice, Italy, a painting from Sienna, Italy, art work from a side walk artist in Salzburg, Austria and encased butterflies from a gallery in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Despite the fine nature of her décor, Huff does not compromise the comfort that is found in every room at the inn. “Comfort is the most important thing for me,” she said. “Sitting on a great sofa that you melt into is really important. Everyone needs that luxury.”

Breakfast at Butterfly Creek is an equally elegant and unique experience. Guests dine on three or four courses served by candlelight with English bone china, Waterford crystal and silver flatware. Huff varies the cuisine, which can include fried green tomatoes served over thick grits, orange French toast served with mandarin oranges and fruit compote, and gingerbread pancakes.

And if guests don’t feel pampered enough by the delicious food and elegant rooms, they also may request spa services in their rooms, including massages, manicures, pedicures and facials.

All in all, Huff says, she offers such expansive service and pays attention to the tiniest details to ensure her guests have a truly unique and memorable experience at Butterfly Creek.

“I get involved with my guests, and we become friends,” she explained. “Everyone I meet is a gift for me. I believe I have found my nitch here, and I really enjoy
making such heart connections with people.”

by Beth Teague