History of the Inn
Picture yourself pulling up underneath the carriage port, just as the McFarlins and their guests did with horse and buggy over 100 years ago. This Queen-Anne style, four-story home was built in 1895 by John McFarlin at the height of his career as a prominent tobacco farmer.
Designed by William Carr, a New York architect and built in 1895, the home exemplifies true Victorian Queen-Anne style in both charm and beauty.
On December 27, 1974, the Mcfarlin House was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Upon first glance, the home is noted for the true Southern wrap-around verandah that awaits guests with rockers, benches and swings for relaxation.
Mr. McFarlin was a businessman who loved to entertain and show his wealth within his home. Just a few of its magnificent features still preserved today include:
- Seven of thirteen original stained-glass window pieces
- Hand-carved fireplace mantles imported from Europe
- Exquisite tile work from Italy
- Brass and copper-sculpted ceilings
- Original curved corner windows
- Extinct hard burled curly pine woodwork throughout downstairs
- 14′ ceilings and 10′ wide hallways
- Seven working fireplaces
- Grand staircase in entry parlor
- Original carriage port
In the early 1940’s, Augustus Dickson Lester and his wife, Annie Alma Roberts Lester, purchased the home. They were responsible for installing the slate roof which ultimately saved the home from deterioration.
In 1994, armed with dreams and young children, Richard & Tina Fauble purchased the home and began the overwhelming task of bringing it back to its former glory. Primarily vacant for almost 20 years, the restoration brought challenges and surprises, and things really did get worse before they got better. Complete photo albums of this massive undertaking are available in the front parlor for guests to view.
Richard’s youth proved to be one of the many blessings the Faubles have experienced in this process. His parents had purchased and restored numerous older homes in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and his grandparents were pioneer ministers in Michigan always moving from place to place building small community churches from the ground up. Gradually he had developed many necessary and priceless skills not only in construction, but also in budgeting, planning, and purchasing, all vital to keeping the plan on schedule and under control.
Richard’s parents and grandparents lent them both moral support and long days of physical labor, as four generations worked together to create the McFarlin House Bed and Breakfast – a magnificent restoration, architectural showcase, and labor of love.