The King's Daughters Inn is a historic BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection property located in Durham, North Carolina. It features 17 one- and two-bedroom suites. The B&B is run by innkeepers Deanna and Colin Crossman. Deanna kindly took some time to answer the following questions about what makes her inn and B&Bs in general so unique.
1. What do you enjoy most about being an innkeeper?
My husband and I decided to venture into innkeeping because we sat down looking for a new direction in life and thought about all our favorite things: good eats, good company, good wine, and great comfort! Running an inn brought all our favorite things together. The building we would transform into the inn came on the market and all the pieces came together!
2. How long have you been an innkeeper?
We have been innkeeping almost two years and love it as much as we hoped we would!
3. What was your inspiration for your creating your inn? Did you have a certain vision for it?
We wanted to be respectful of the time period of the building and its gorgeous architecture (a 20,000 square-foot Georgian built in the 1920s), but reflected with modern aesthetics in mind. The art deco style we chose suits this perfectly! It's elegant and chic, but also clean and comfortable.
4. What sets your B&B apart from others?
The King’s Daughters Inn offers the amenities of a first-class hotel with the intimacy of a B&B. Enjoy high-speed wireless Internet throughout, ample event and meeting space, and spacious common areas for relaxing and socializing. At the same time, savor gourmet breakfasts, afternoon tea, then retreat to your room for our turn-down service with port and chocolates.
5. Why do you think travelers should choose B&Bs over hotels?
When a traveler stays in a hotel, they are simply buying a place to sleep. Staying in an inn is not just a bed, but a part of the travel experience. With an inn you get history and character, unique architecture, and a much more fabulous breakfast. You are more likely to get great advice on local to-dos, as well as the quality you would expect from a 4- or 5-star hotel. Inns give the traveler a chance to find one that matches their goals for their trip, whether that's to escape for a few days, relax, or get down to business!
6. Does your B&B have any special history?
The King's Daughters Inn was built as the King's Daughters Home, a retirement home for elderly, indigent women. The owners of the building, the King's Daughters, raised money all year each year to subsidize the cost of living for the ladies living in the building. The original home was built on land donated by the Dukes (of Duke University) in 1911. The ladies' home was so popular, they built the larger home (the current building) in 1925. After creating a wonderful 95-year legacy in Durham, North Carolina, the Daughters made the tough decision to close the building in 2006. We are the second owners of the home, and have transformed it into a 17-room inn, preserving as much of the original flow and character present since it was built.
7. What makes your town worth visiting—are there any interesting local attractions or activities?
There are too many to name! The New York Times just voted Durham, North Carolina one of the top 41 places in the world to visit in 2011! We have the bests eats in the region (39 restaurants are within half a mile of the Inn alone!); we have the Durham Performing Arts Center, which hosts concerts and Broadway shows nearly nightly; Nasher Art Museum; Duke University; the American Tobacco Trail; and over 300 festivals a year!
8. Do you have any food specialties?
We emphasize local produce, cheeses, and meats, and are always evolving new specials based on what's seasonally available and delicious! Recent favorites include a blueberry goat cheese-stuffed French toast and a breakfast burrito (cheesy hashbrowns, eggs, sautéed local veggies, bacon, and fresh mango peach salsa).
Colin, my husband, takes care of drinks for the guests--he makes several homemade drinks such as ginger ale, tonic water, and aged cocktails (oaked sherry, negronis, and counting!). We also offer complimentary turndown service each night with port and chocolates.
9. Do you have any special offers coming up?
We are always offering new packages and events here at the inn. Here's an example Valentine's package:
Falling in Love in February
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? Whether you are a local or looking for a place far away, the King’s Daughters Inn is the perfect romantic getaway. Our staff will create a perfect ambiance for your retreat. A bouquet of fresh flowers will greet you and your beloved in your luxurious accommodation. Once you are settled, a chilled bottle of sparkling wine or cider with a tray of chocolate covered strawberries will be delivered to your door. After a toast, our in-house massage therapist will be happy to give in-room massages. Before dinner, draw a luxurious bath topped off with a full sized bottle of King’s Daughters Inn signature bubble bath. Later that evening, our staff will arrange dinner reservations and a town car to take you to your restaurant of choice.
The Falling In Love in February package begins at $510.00 and includes (1) night in a suite, (1) floral arrangement, (1) bottle of sparkling wine or cider, (1) tray of chocolate covered strawberries or cheese plate, (2) in-room massages, (1) full sized bottle of KDI’s signature bubble bath and dinner reservation & town car arrangements. Additional services and items may be added to the Falling in Love in February package.