Winding through the picturesque pastoral landscape, I feel embraced by the tranquility enhancing the area's natural beauty. Once I park my car and begin approaching the hilltop inn, I notice a small sign at the door I am about to enter: "First time guests please use front entrance." Smiling to myself, I think about how many times I have insisted that first time visitors to my home enter through my home's "official" and most inviting entrance, rather than the more convenient back doorway. At this point, I instinctively know I will relate easily to the owner/innkeeper of Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill and will likely find her to be just as fanatical about attention-to-detail and protocol as I am.
Even before I ring the doorbell (at the appropriate entrance!), Selena opens the door with the welcoming smile and gracious hospitality of a quintessential Southern hostess. One quick glance at her—and the interior beyond—is all it takes to know I am right.
As I step into a grand foyer, flanked by handsome staircases leading to guestrooms on the second floor, Selena points out an attractive guest library. This attractive room provides an ideal work area for business travelers, an "extra" not usually found at small bed and breakfast inns. Wifi is accessible for guests throughout the inn. I am immediately drawn into the high-style and tasteful decor of this inn—the fulfillment of a dream (also see Asheville Times) Selena Einwechter tenaciously and meticulously pursued for over a quarter of a century. The result of her creative abilities and business savvy is reflected at every turn—a labor of love shared by and contributed to by a host of Selena's friends who believed in the dream as well.
I especially like the living room and the back porch enabling guests to enjoy the woodsy acreage (leading to seven unique garden vignettes) behind the inn—including a "bird house" observatory large enough for several adults to enjoy birdwatching, a whimsical spot with a collection of birdhouses perched upon a fallen log, landscaped walking paths, and a secret garden. Plans are currently underway for a labyrinth to be created in the near future for more "concentrated" strolling.
There are five guest rooms/suites at the inn, and Seaside Suite (ADA accessible and shown below on far right) is located on the main level with a six foot walk-in shower. Each guest room/suite is named after a favorite Southern town of the owner, and each of these delightful towns is also a favorite of mine: Beaufort, SC; Natchez, MS; Charlottesville, VA; Madison, GA; and Seaside, FL. One stairwell leads to Natchez and Charlottesville; the other leads to Beaufort and Madison. Each room is elegantly appointed, yet designed for the ultimate in pampering comfort. The Beaufort Suite has two window seats which cleverly convert into a pair of twin beds—ideal for parents traveling with children. The Natchez Suite, where I stayed, is especially appealing for a woman traveling alone. It also has a windowseat where I enjoyed reading a book while overlooking horse pastures and listening to piped-in music.
All beds are swathed in luxurious linens, pillow selections are available, custom-made full-length mirrors are found in each guest room, and the well-lit bathrooms provide ample storage area for toiletries and cosmetics. Outside the landing of each staircase, there is a guest refreshment center (featuring a Keurig single cup coffeemaker with assorted beverage selections and a variety of snacks) which services the two guest rooms it is located between. Another guest refreshment area is on the main floor in the dining room, including an ice-maker. Whenever one ascends or descends the stairs, an automatic light comes on so guests never have to worry about trodding steps in the dark.
The dining room provides an exquisite setting for a gourmet breakfast freshly prepared each morning. When the weather is nice, as it was during my visit, guests may choose to be served breakfast on the covered porch. A hopeless romantic, Selena had "Breakfast at Tiffany's" penned in script on one of the dining room's upper walls (see photo below). When looking at Audrey Hepburn's framed photograph, hanging on one of the dining room walls, I can almost hear "Moon River" playing in the background. I have no doubt the famous star would be pleased to have her photograph gracing the wall of a room as stunning as she.
Since childhood, I have always enjoyed the magic of the mountains of Western North Carolina where there is so much to see and do every season of the year. Ideally located in the midst of "The Playground of the South," The Bed and Breakfast at Tiffany Hill provides an exceptional bed and breakfast experience for the most discerning of guests. As a very "discerning guest," I know for a fact I will be making a return visit when I can stay longer and savor each memory-making moment more completely.