Former owner Francis Henry once called the Colonial Inn the “battered wife of Hillsborough,” and if you’ve seen it in the past twenty years, you might agree (though that’s tragic in more ways than one). Having been in business back as far as 1838, with evidence taking it back nearly another 100 years, the Inn holds a special place in the heart of Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Since restorations began two years ago, however, the Colonial Inn now glows with new life. Current owner Allied DevCorp and investors have spent $5 million to reinvigorate this historic building – and it shows.
After two full years of extensive restoration, the Colonial Inn is nearly ready to reopen. Allied DevCorp’s General Manager Elise Tyler gave the Time Travelers History Club a tour in advance of that special day – and we were amazed at the transformation of this special place.
Why put such effort into saving what was once such a decrepit building? Tyler puts it thus: “I hope it lives another 200 years. …. We love, just love it.”
We do, too. So here are eight reasons why you need to go see the Colonial Inn for yourself.
For the History Lover:
- The intrinsic historic value. While it’s original construction date has been hotly debated, legend dates it back to 1759, making it one of the oldest buildings in Orange County – and certainly one of the few remaining antebellum inns in North Carolina. It now resides on the National Register of Historic Places and for good reason. During restoration, when parts of the building were repaired for the first time ever, significant architectural details were uncovered, like the huge bark-covered oaken beams that support the ceiling. While it’s special status doesn’t allow these to remain in view right now, how amazing is it to know that these original pieces still exist?
- Stay where the famous once slept. Artifacts from the Inn claim that actor Paul Newman and Colonials Aaron Burr and General Cornwallis all once stayed at the Colonial Inn. Of course, since the opening date is in question, this, too, is the stuff of legend. With Cornwallis known to have traveled through Hillsborough and the recent discovery of those oak beams, though, it could be true. As a fan of colonial history, I say go for the bragging rights. How many people can say they slept where Newman, Burr, and Cornwallis once snored?
- Bask in the architectural detail. Not only was great care taken to preserve the building at large, but there are myriads of small details that were repaired and restored. Five spindles in the main staircase were created to match the originals exactly. Reclaimed wood was used throughout the restoration, and a carving team created the outside of the beautiful bar by hand. “The Colonial Inn North Star,” a pattern of diamond-like shapes, is repeated throughout the space, in ways both big and small. This creates a cohesive, organized look that screams both history and comfort.
- Taste the history. The Inn won’t have an on-site restaurant open around the clock, at least not at first, but it will be open in a limited capacity with a menu full of dishes inspired by dishes made famous in the Inn decades ago. They plan to features upscale Southern dishes like fried chicken, dumplings, and cornbread, and it sounds pretty amazing.
For the Savvy Traveler:
- Be Pampered by Luxury. It might seem that a building as old as the Colonial Inn wouldn’t be able to accommodate modern, luxuries fixtures and amenities, but nothing could be further from the truth. While the size of the rooms and beds do vary a bit, especially in the historic part of the Inn, every care has been taken to provide updated, comfortable spaces. The rooms all have bathrooms with fixtures as seen in the picture above, and they’re absolutely gorgeous. Each room also features independent temperature controls and specially-ordered mattresses so that you can choose a firm or soft one.
- Be Treated To Hospitality. There are many beautiful spaces at the Colonial Inn, but they’re not only pretty – they’re functional in great ways, too. The patio above connects the historic Inn on the left with the new building on the right. The patio is located just off the main event space, which features gorgeous floors, glittering chandeliers, and symmetrical historic double fireplaces; but a wall of windows opens onto this patio, flooding the space with sunlight during our morning visit. While the Inn was still under construction during our visit, it was clear to see that both the event space and this patio, which could serve as a reception area for a wedding or party, will be beautiful. Can’t you just picture pots of flowers filling the space with color? The Inn will also feature a small bites-style menu, featuring fair trade coffee, pastries, and more. People are invited to take their treats to these spaces or even the second story porch, which looks out over King Street. With its ceiling fans and bistro furniture, it will be another great place to sit and relax.
- Make Memories as a Family. While many specialty inns cater to adults only, the Colonial Inn has special plans in place for families. They’re creating a scavenger hunt in the public areas for children, and there will even be special prizes! I really love the thought and care that’s been put into this. How much fun will this be?
- Feast Your Eyes on Unique Art. The Colonial Inn is full of art created by local artists. The rooms aren’t stocked with the same prints in room after room; instead, the art is all original. It is available for purchase, so if you like it, you can take it home gallery-style, with the full price going straight back to the artist. This is just one of the ways that the Colonial Inn is supporting the local community – and making your stay more colorful, as well.
I wish that I could show you more pictures of just how beautiful the Colonial Inn will be, but you’ll just have to swing by and check it out for yourself – and soon that will be possible. Tyler expects the grand opening to happen in November, so stay tuned to be the first to know all the details.
What do you look for in lodging when you travel? I’d love to know! Share in the comments below – and if any of The Colonial Inn’s features stand out to you, let me know which ones!
