Four Distinct Bed & Breakfasts: #4 Rowan Oak Inn

Furniture shopping and NASCAR races are a short drive away. But despite its connection to the hustle and bustle of city life, Rowan Oak Inn in Salisbury, NC prides itself on being a calm retreat for anyone looking to simply get away from the stress of their everyday lives.

“Our guests feel as if they are at home, but better,” said innkeeper Barbara Coombs, who runs the inn with husband Leslie. “For the short time they are here, they feel as if this beautiful mansion is actually theirs. They are surrounded with beauty, from the decorations in their room to the gorgeous china, crystal and silver on our dining room table. We are truly an escape from the practical world.”

Located in Salisbury’s West Square historic district, the house itself makes it easy for guests to feel that sense of escape. Rowan Oak is a 100-year-old high Victorian listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the inn has been in business for about nine years, the house itself has a history dating back to 1898, when construction began by a man named Milton Brown. “It was built for his bride-to-be, so no extravagance was too much,” Coombs said.

The Browns moved into the house in January 1901 and only lived there for nine years, moving out when Milton's wife died. Within three months, he sold the house for $15,000; the Coombs did not find it until several decades later. “We searched for a B location for three years and saw this house two years before we bought it,” Coombs explained. “It was not in good shape, but you had to see beyond the flaws and build on ‘good bones.’ We have been restoring this house one room at time since we purchased it. We are only the sixth owners in 100 years and have brought this mansion up to the 21st century without sacrificing the beauty and history of the past.”

Overall, Coombs describes the inn’s décor as elegant. “We have expansive window treatments and velvet draft curtains, and our common area is over 2,500 square feet, so there is plenty of space to explore,” she said. “All rooms contain a lot of detail, so we invite our guests to wander the house and enjoy the decor, antiques and ambiance of the house.”

The inn features all of the house’s original fixtures, mantels, tile, Tiffany stained glass windows, and – “best of all,” in Coombs’ opinion – original oak wainscoting and floors through out the house.

Rooms are decorated in high Victorian style, but each retains its own personality. “We do not do ‘themes’ [in each room], but keep our rooms consistent with the original Victorian integrity of the house by decorating in that style with period antiques, and adding some modern amenities,” she said.

In addition to the historic décor, the inn also features many modern amenities, from high speed wireless internet access to central air conditioning that guests can control within their rooms.

Room rates include a full gourmet breakfast to satisfy every palate, even those with special dietary needs and requests.

And despite the historic setting, there are plenty of “modern” activities for guests looking for something to do during their stay at Rowan Oak. The inn is located a few blocks from downtown, where guests can enjoy shopping and fine dining. Lowes Motor Speedway is only 25 minutes away, and the inn offers a special package for those staying in town to attend a race. Guests can even experience an exciting event without ever leaving the inn: “murder mystery” weekends, where guests play detective and solve a faux crime, are available if requested in advance of your stay.

Coombs believes her inn offers an elegant respite for everyone from harried parents to business travelers, and invites travelers from all walks of life to share in the history of Rowan Oak . “Our guests arrive as strangers and leave as friends,” she said. “We came here from Chicago and left our corporate lives to embark on a fabulous adventure that we hope will never end.”

For more information on Rowan Oak Inn, contact Barbara or Leslie Coombs at 1-800-786-0437 or visit www.rowanoakbb.com.

by Beth Teague

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