A Stay at the Inn

On the way to Snowshoe, West Virginia we decided to spend a couple of days relaxing at a Bed and Breakfast -- "Inn at Mountain Quest".  What an undiscovered jewel sitting back in the West Virginia hills. 

Late on New Year's Eve after a long and tiring 14 hour drive we rounded a curve to a welcome site.  A large white farmhouse with an adjoining wing of guest rooms sitting out in the middle of a snow covered field brightly lit in the dark of the night with white fences adorned in red Christmas bows.  It was just like a real-life Christmas card.

Here is an excerpt from their website: Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, this 450 acre mountain complex offers the opportunity for individuals and groups to relax, reflect, enjoy their surroundings, learn and interact with others in exploring the most important aspect of our lives, our organizations, our world. The 150 acres in the valley is a working farm and is home to horses, llamas and Long Horn cattle.  From above, whether misty or clear, the beginnings and endings of daylight are spectacular, and the view of the valley in the quietness of the hills brings with it a sense of peace and wellbeing.

As we opened the door to our "theme" room I was amazed at the splendor and detail. 

There were two queen mahogany carved canopy beds with beautiful brocade bedding, mahogany hardwood floor, punched-tin ceiling, and antique furniture. 

The focus of the room was the huge ornate early 1900's dollhouse on display.

Each of the 10 guestrooms has it's own individual theme such as the "Hangar", "Oriental", and "Rustic Roost". 

For me there were two highlights of the Inn.  The first being the 2 story private library with over 23,000 books.  

The Library in itself is ornate and wonderfully decorated including a grand piano and big comfortable leather furniture perfect for lounging and reading. 

The second highlight of the Inn was the livestock.  There are two huge red barns on the property housing a multitude of goats, Shetland ponies, llamas and Arabian horses.  

After a delicious hot breakfast, we joined the owners in the barn to feed the horses.  It was a beautiful site to see each horse released from it's stall to run into the field of snow.

I've never been up close and personal with a llama but they are adorable creatures.  Andrea received quite a treat ~~~a llama 'kiss'.  

There is a four-story tower joining the farm house with the fourth floor being a glass-domed observatory complete with telescope to enjoy the starry nights.

We hiked to the top of a hill overlooking the farm, enjoyed a snow-ball fight, and had a fun-filled afternoon watching the Alabama game on a large screen TV.  Some played pool, some relaxed in the library, and some took advantage of the serene atmosphere and napped. 

New Year's Day 2011 ended with our entire group gathering around a beautiful formal dining table for a wonderful meal of pasta, chicken breast in wine sauce, and vegetables.  As we surrounded the table holding hands and said Grace one of the owners, Alex, a former opera star, also serenaded us with one of the most touching Blessings I've ever witnessed in my life.  

I said the Library and livestock were the highlights of the Inn, yet when I think of the days we spent there I believe all of us gathered around the dinner table that night, laughing, anticipating our snow ski trip, discussing our activities of the day. . .  THAT was the highlight of the 'stay at the Inn' for sure.  What a great group of people and I am so lucky to now call them my friends.