Bed and breakfasts an option for area visitors

Publication Date: 06/14/02

By KATHERINE BELCHER
Staff Writer

Visitors at the Old Crow Inn Bed and Breakfast will notice some new construction on the grounds as owners Andre and Linda Brousseau are completing preparations for the addition of a winery.

The winery is being built on a lot next to the inn, and the new building will mimic the architectural style of the house in a variety of ways. The exterior will contain a stacked-stone finish, as well as miniature versions of the magnificent columns that adorn the house. There is also a view of the vineyard from inside the building.

The inn is one of the oldest bed and breakfasts
operating in the area and dates back to the late
1700s. It offers three bedrooms in varying styles, each with a private bath. Breakfast is served at a large dining room table in one of the oldest parts of the house.

Since winning the right to sell wine through a local election in December, the Brousseaus have planted two acres of French-American hybrid Vidal Blanc and Norton Cynthiana grapes. Currently, the vineyard contains about 900 plants, and the Brousseaus say that number will grow as their business does.

Although they have been making wine for nearly a year, the Brousseaus have yet to sell any of their own brand. Mrs. Brousseau says they are currently bottling that wine and it will be ready to sell once they receive final approval for the labels from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

"We've got close to 1,000 bottles of wine that just need to have the labels put on," she said. "We hope to receive final approval by July or August."

Once completed, the winery will contain a tasting
room and a viewing area from the upper level that will allow visitors the opportunity to see the wine-making process. The viewing area will overlook a concrete pad containing equipment used for de-stemming and crushing the grapes. The wine will be processed in a ground-floor room, that also will serve as a wine cellar
complete with stacked-stone walls and antique
sconces.

Additionally, the winery will have a meeting room that can be used for day retreats, as well as educational conferences for farmers interested in growing grapes.

The area surrounding the winery will contain walking trails and picnic areas that will be open to the public and an outdoor, screened-in pavilion that overlooks the vineyard. There are also plans to add a small deli in the future.

Construction should be completed by Aug. 1, at which time the Brousseaus will begin offering tours of the winery.

Travelers interested in enjoying the unique comforts of home offered only at a bed and breakfast have several choices within the Danville area.

* The Golden Lion, 243 N. Third St., is owned by Jerry and Nancy Jones and is the newest bed and breakfast to open in the Danville area. Although everyone is welcome, the B&B will cater to persons interested in tracing their family ancestors through genealogy searches. Mrs. Jones said there will be weekend seminars on how to research ancestry, as well as research books and gift items for sale.

The B&B features two bedrooms with private baths, with a third to open later this summer. Each bedroom is named after a Jones relative, and there is a museum of Jones family antiques and heirlooms. Guests also can enjoy a stroll through the garden and relax on a swing near the garden's fountain.

The B&B offers a full breakfast based on customer preferences.

The house, originally called the Rowland-Proctor
Home, was built about 1835 and is on both the
national and state registers of historic places,
according to Mr. Jones.

* Twin Hollies, 406 Maple Ave., was built about 1833. The Bridges-Fox Home, as it is known, is listed in on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Kentucky landmark. It was the creation of Robert Russell Jr., who has been labeled a master builder in Danville.

The Hon. John L. Bridges, one of the people for whom the house is named, became the owner in 1839. He was on the bench of the circuit court for many years. In 1852, Bridges conveyed the home to Fontaine T. Fox, another circuit judge. The Foxes lived there for 50 years.

The current owners, Mary and John Bowling, pamper their guests in a variety of ways. Guests may use the Jacuzzi, stroll through the garden, or lounge in the library or living room.

Extra touches include fresh flowers and fruit in the rooms, afternoon tea, as well as robes and slippers when guests use the Jacuzzi and bath. A health-conscious breakfast is served gourmet style. 

The home is furnished in antiques and offers three bedrooms. One bedroom contains a private bath while the other two share one.

For reservations, call (859) 236-8954. The B&B was featured in Fodor's 2001 Compass American Guide -- Kentucky.

* The Cottage, 2826 Lexington Road, offers the
peace and quiet of an out-of-town setting with a deck for viewing the country landscape.

"The view of the full moon from the deck is
spectacular," said Chris Kubale, hostess. "It comes up right over the hill."

This B&B is separate from the home of Kubale and her husband, Rube. Mrs. Kubale's grandfather built the home in the 1890s when he needed extra space for his large family. In addition to the deck, the cottage has a fireplace in both the bedroom and living room. The
living room sofa makes an extra bed and also contains a kitchenette.

"It's very nice for people who want to stay three or four days and don't want to eat all their meals out," said Mrs. Kubale.

A continental breakfast comes from a well-stocked refrigerator.

For reservations, call (859)236-9642.

* Randolph House, 463 W. Lexington Ave., was built before 1840 and is named for the Rev. John C. Randolph, a minister and professor at Centre College. In addition to having a selection of paperback books in their room, guests have access to owner Georgie Heizer's well-stocked library.

Each room contains a television, telephone, coffee pot and fresh-cut flowers. For breakfast, Heizer might serve country ham, spoonbread and fried apples. There are three guest rooms, each with a private bath.

For reservations, call (859) 236-9594. The B&B was featured in Fodor's 2001 Compass American Guide -- Kentucky.

* Pasick's, 132 E. Lexington Ave., is operated by Jay and Diane Pasick. The home, which was built about 1900, contains an entry way with walls covered in tooled leather.

Mrs. Pasick's breakfast includes an egg and cheese casserole, homemade muffins, and mixed fruit. The house offers one large bedroom with private bath.

For reservations, call (859) 238-5279 during daytime hours or (859) 236-0074.

* The Empty Nest, 111 E. Lexington Ave., is operated by John B. and Amelia Nichols. The historic home offers two large bedrooms and a private bath.

A continental breakfast is served in a formal setting or more guests may dine in the more casual setting of a screened-in porch.

For reservations, call (859) 236-3339.

* Morning Glory, 244 E. Lexington Ave., is under the new ownership and management of Lin Bauer.

Although there are no longer rooms for rent in the main house, there is a beautifully decorated cottage available. The cottage, built in 1895, is decorated in a Turkish/Moorish motif and is filled with antiques collected during the owner's trips to Turkey. The cottage also features a private bedroom and bath, full kitchen, and a dining area with an oak table for four. The cottage is handicapped and wheelchair accessible, and the living room contains a sofa bed that sleeps two.

Privacy is key, and the cottage attracts lots of
honeymooners, according to Bauer.

For reservations, call (859) 236-1888.

The B&B was featured in Fodor's 2001 Compass American Guide -- Kentucky. 

* Magnolia Inn of Danville, 230 E. Lexington Ave., offers the charm of a home built about 1890 and containing three bedrooms and two private baths. The B&B is operated by Janet L. Staton.

Two of the bedrooms are connected by a den, which appeals to families traveling together. A sunroom, piano and library are available for use by guests. There is also a washer and dryer for guest use.

Garage parking is one perk Magnolia Inn offers, as well as a continental breakfast.

For reservations, call (859) 236-6278.