Roger and Mary Wolters share the history of their inn and give great advice on dining and area attractions.

Travelers long for places of comfort, somewhere to relax, unwind...a getaway from the stresses of everyday life.

Getting their money's worth is paramount and shorter vacations closer to home might be a perfect way to do that.

A two hour drive after work on Friday evening took my friend and I up the winding gravel road to the Red Horse Inn snuggled against the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Gowensville, S.C. just west of Landrum off Highway 11. Mary Wolters greeted us and after a brief chat, led us to our room, the Gable, gave us a quick tour, instructions on operating the gas log fireplace, and left us to relax and unwind after our busy day and late evening arrival.

The rustic wide plank floors were polished to a shine and scattered with plush oriental rugs. Gauzy draperies surrounded the king- sized bed strewn with rose petals. The fully stocked "closet kitchen," housed our gourmet breakfast of quiche, muffins, cereals, fruit, and the makings of coffee and Mimosas.

Photos by Hugh Staples The Red Horse Inn, near Landrum, S.C., a "castle on the hill" to travelers looking for a quiet getaway.www.theredhorseinn.com

There were window seats in the Gable, even one in the bathroom scattered with reading material. The bath was complete with plush towels and soft terry robes, an antique cabinet housing the sink, and a whirlpool tub with lavender scented bath salts beckoning tired muscles to soak and be soothed.

Chocolate mints were left on the nightstand and champagne was chilling in the miniature fridge, a personal note of welcome, fresh flowers, scented candles.

The next morning, after an undisturbed night's sleep, we stepped out onto our balcony with a cup of fresh brewed coffee, to greet the sunrise.

Roger and Mary Wolters realized their dream in 1995, a dream begun in the mid- 1970s in New York state. The Wolters have both art and architectural backgrounds and began restoring historical homes early in their marriage.

They moved to Upstate South Carolina and located the 190- acre tract of land with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This became the canvas on which the Red Horse Inn was painted. After Roger presented Mary with an old, used bull dozer named Sue, complete with a big pink bow on the front, they started grading and landscaping. The Victorian cottages followed dotted over the hills with names like the Grainary, the Hayloft, and the Carriage Bay, each constructed by the Wolters and their two grown sons, the exceptional millwork done onsite.

Beaucoup, the resident red horse.

The inn itself came later, six individually decorated rooms attached to the main house.

A courtyard patio with garden and reflecting pool offers an outdoor spot to enjoy the sunshine. A table in the covered arbor provides a place to read a book or take advantage of the wireless internet offered by the inn.

Additional special amenities such as massage, roses, four- course dinner for two, and more, are available upon request.

The Red Horse Inn, nestled against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is quite an adventure... just two hours from home.

View of the mountains and cottages from the balcony of the Gable Room.

Next week:

 

 

 

 

sightseeing in Landrum.