Inn at Little Washington opens ‘Cardinal’s Nest’
The Inn at Little Washington has unveiled its newest 5-Star country house, The Cardinal’s Nest, a luxurious two-bedroom guest cottage on Main Street. Named in tribute to the rst Relais & Chateaux property in France, “La Cardinale,” The Cardinal’s Nest is nestled in a private garden just a stone’s throw from the inn.
Following a year-long resurrection of an original “summer kitchen” dating back to the 1700s, the cottage now features two spacious bedrooms and two baths with soaking tubs. A vaulted ceiling living room features a dramatic, ancient stone replace preserved from the original structure, according to Nelson E. Colwell, director of business and brand development at the inn.
Also named for Virginia’s state bird, the interiors have been inspired by the plumage of the female cardinal. This retreat provides a step back in time with a butler’s kitchen, private garden and cedar hot tub. A family style, hot breakfast is included with a stay and delivered each morning. The cottage opens Sept. 12 for overnight stays.
AUTHORS TRACE RAPP HISTORY
Here is a little history for my readers. This information is excerpted from Daphne Hutchinson’s and Theresa Reynolds’ book, “On The Morning Side Of The Blue Ridge”:
“Laurel Mills was an important center for the American woolen industry in the late 19th century.
Apparently at that time Rappahannock County supported a substantial sheep population. To make use of the wool the sheep produced, the Spillman brothers founded and built a water-powered brick mill on the Thornton River at Laurel Mills.
The ruined walls of that mill still stand today, along with an old brick store next door and a scattering of company houses across the road. Overlooking it all on the bluffs above the settlement stands the huge old mansion built more than a century ago by one of the Spillmans. A monument to sibling rivalry, it was meant to compete in opulence with the other brother’s Victorian showplace now a ruin on a hilltop near Viewtown.”
BIRTHDAY WISHES GO OUT TO FRIENDS
Birthday wishes go out to a special young lady, Joy Virginia Alther, of Washington. She will celebrate her day on Sept. 12. Also birthday wishes go out to Pat Giles of Washington, who will be blowing her candles out on Sept. 13.
Lastly, birthday wishes go out to twin sisters Shirley Hitt and Hazel Haines, who will celebrate on Sept. 16. Happy birthday, ladies! Make sure Lois bakes you both your favorite cake or pie.
I wish my good friend, Jay Ward Brown, a very happy birthday on Sept. 29.
BOOK BARN FEATURES CLASSICS
The Book Barn has an extraordinary collection of classic books that have been donated from residents in the county. There are classics by Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and other famous authors.
There also are partial collections of favorites like Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins and Anne of Green Gables. Many of these books have lovely illustrations and beautiful covers.
Come in and be transported back to a special time in your life when you rst heard these stories, plus they look lovely on your bookshelf. The Book Barn is located next to the Rappahannock Public Library, and is open every Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with all proceeds going to the library.
Have a wonderful week.