I was interviewing people for an article on Hartselle last year (see archives for more information about the quaint little town), when I noticed that almost everyone I talked to mentioned the need for a B&B. There was one little motel out on the highway, but it really didn't appeal to the travelers who frequently stop by to shop.
A few months later, a light bulb came on! John and I could have a B&B in our home: the boys had left home, so we had lots of space, and we loved meeting new people. People often commented on how restful our home was when they visited us, so I thought others might enjoy it, too. Once John decided that I was serious, we started stripping down the Star Wars posters and painting the rooms colors our sons would never have tolerated.
Before we knew it, we had a B&B! After an inspection by the Bed and Breakfast Association of Alabama, we opened for business in June with all three rooms booked, and have had a slow but steady business ever since.
The name Wisteria Inn came from the lush wisteria vines that grow on the front porch. They provide shade, beauty, and a place for Cornbread, our cat, to frolic.
We named the rooms for our two daughters-in-law and my niece. Paula is done in restful greens with rose and beige accents and contains my grandmother's iron bed. Paula has a private bath and a large closet, and a wonderful window seat to look down on the pine thicket where deer frequently visit.
Vanessa is a romantic deep mauve with white eyelet and wicker. It has a window seat, too, that just cries out for a good book and a handmade afghan or quilt-all of which are available. Vanessa has a brass bed, a handmade blanket chest, and my great-aunt's small chest of drawers. Vanessa has a private bath, too, unless guests opt for the package that includes Vanessa, Lori, and one shared bath. Lori is only available in a package with Vanessa, so strangers never have to share a bath.
Lori is a smaller room, but it is still roomy and attractive. It is painted a soft mauve, with a handmade candlewick quilt, wicker chairs, and other heirloom quilts displayed on a quilt rack in the room. Lori has a skylight, which fills the room with abundant sunshine in the mornings.
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