The "old Rambo house" is enjoyed by old house fans and loved by lovers.

The rooms are large and comfortable. An architect-designed home built in 1889 it has a modern feel with large rooms and large windows. The furnishings aren't stuffy. The house is appointed to encourage relaxation and enjoyment.

Old-house buffs can get a tour of the "in progress" rooms on third floor. Those seeking solace may want a comfortable chair on the front porch, upper porch or private balcony available only to Pink/Green Room 5.

From each perch you can enjoy the house and its magnificent presence as it sits up on its hill backed by ancient hemlocks and spruce trees. Indoors, the rooms are very romantic with wonderful king or queen-size beds and crackling gas log fireplaces in the bedrooms.

Ready To Go Out?

There are 3 states to choose from. North Carolina and Virginia are very near.

One day ski or poke around in the quaint shops in Blowing Rock and savor the view from Grandfather Mountain (and test your wits on the suspension bridge which sits one mile above sea level).

Another day, rent or bring bikes. Go to the top of Mt. Rogers and coast down.

Something flatter?

Bike along Virginia Creeper Trail, the lovely rails-to-trails path which includes a segment of the Appalachian Trail. Rent horses to explore the north end of Virginia Creeper.

Select from several one-of-a-kind restaurants in Abingdon, Virginia, or attend a play at Barter Theater.

In Tennessee, look for the unusual in the antique stores in Elizabeton, tour a cave or two or step back to the colonial era at Rocky Mount, a living history museum portraying the first years of governorship of the State of Franklin (now Tennessee).

This is the place for hikers (Appalachian Trail), bikers (Virginia Creeper bike and horse trail), nature lovers, boaters, trout fishermen (Watauga Lake) and those who want to explore small town America - where there are no tourist shops and what is there is truly rural American.

Back In Your Room...

When back in your room, enjoy cable TV or just read a book. Light the scented candles. Relax. Or find your favorite star in the unpolluted sky.

Innkeepers Judy and Robert Hotchkiss will make you welcome.

Judy decorated the home's parlor and dining room in Craftsman style antiques and Stickley Co. furnishings (c.1997).

The guest rooms feature a non-fussy, eclectic mix of styles-all traditional but not one period. "And certainly not high Victorian," she says.

Rooms:

The couple offers three types of bed and breakfast rooms...

Romance Room:

Large room with a king-size bed, private bath with whirlpool tub for two, robes, a fireplace in the bedroom and bath, colored glass windows and bubble bath, snacks and more.

Deluxe Rooms:

Queen size bed, private bathroom with over-size shower stall, gas log fireplace, scented candles and robes, TV with cable. One room has Dorothy's pouting porch, a small balcony-like porch with a three-state view.

Back Bedroom:

This deep pink room features a queen size bed (or individual beds for two persons), antique bureau and a bath across the hall. This bath, with a claw-footed tub and daisy shower head, occupies the location of one of the home's two "original" bathrooms (added in 1910). Soak in the tub. Nothing compares.

Breakfast:

"We hesitate to call our full breakfasts gourmet," says Judy. They include some favorites and some flash backs, particularly as we look into what "trendy" people might have been eating during our youth.

The selection includes Strawberry or seasonal fruit-filled crepes, a Dutch Baked Apple Pancake and an early 80s entrée: Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes.

Robert is the chef for these tasty dishes. They are always accompanied by juice and fresh fruit, and, optionally, eggs, bacon, muffins and cereal.

Snacks provided in the room.

Amenities:

Guests enjoy a number of items standard with their room: robes, bubble bath for the whirlpool tubs, scented candles, bottled beverage, snack basket,
in-room phones and cable TV with HBO (or the removal of the TV on request).

"We can make the TV go away if this is important to you," say the innkeepers.

Under Development:

On any historic house something is always under repair, renovation or development. Prospect Hill is no different.

A wedding garden for small ceremonies and garden parties on a new patio is under development. The plants and lawn are installed; the patio and a staircase fountain and waterfall have not been built (next to an expanded parking lot).

A sixth and final guest room is being created on the third floor under a newly-lifted roof line. This is where the "Arabian Nights" suite will be located.

The "sunroom," while sunny and nicely located at the back of the house, has design problems and will be torn down followed by building a new sunroom. Right now this space is in limbo.

At all times we apologize for not having reached all the goals for all parts of the home.

If you have questions, please phone us.