Country Charm Meets Southern Hospitality
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The couple purchased the home in 2003 from Charles and Frankie Leverett, who had inherited it from the man who was probably the home’s most well-known resident, Orval Foutch.
He was remembered for his fiddle playing each year at the Warren County A&L Fair, and for his beekeeping skills. In fact, Rebecca remembers a very large beehive in the corner wall of the parlor that had to be removed during renovations.
Foutch was also legally blind, and he received books, magazines and newspapers on record, many of which were found. A display in the inn shows letters, pictures, a child’s bicycle cap and a 1908 almanac discovered on the premises, as well as photographs taken during different stages of the renovation.
Visitors are greeted by an outdoor waterfall cascading down a steep incline, flowing into a fish pond. A building, rustic on the outside, but modern on the inside, holds a fully-stocked caterer’s kitchen next to the rear of the house. Rebecca especially wanted it out to itself both for convenience for her and for her guests.
The house consists of a dining room that flows into the parlor giving it an open and airy feeling. The vaulted ceiling in the dining room boasts an alcove Rebecca has filled with family keepsakes and collector items gathered over the years. The downstairs floor is covered with hickory planks, complete with knotholes and imperfections. Original wood floors were restored in the upstairs rooms giving them a warm appearance.
After visiting other bed and breakfasts, the Merritts chose to sacrifice a bedroom, in order to have larger bathrooms. One boasts a lovely built-in whirlpool bath and a shower. The other is magnificent with an antique ball foot tub cast on Oct. 31, 1928. Rebecca’s decorating style is prevalent throughout the inn, with an antique baby bath holding guest towels in the master bathroom.
Many antiques are showcased in the inn, everything from her grandmother’s rocking chair to a beautifully preserved spinning wheel. A great aunt’s baby dress, made by her great-grandmother, is framed and holds a prominent place at the bottom of the stairs.
‘We have really enjoyed working on the home together, my husband, son, Bran and daughter, Josie. We love to share this part of history with everyone, and will gladly give tours to anyone interested,’ said Rebecca. Brett is a Warren County native and involved in the nursery business. Rebecca is a former UT Extension agent and a culinary arts teacher, making the transition to innkeeper somewhat easier.
The Merritts also can their own homemade jams, jellies and butters in the Bonnie Blue Cannery, offer a full service catering business, sell gift items and antiques at the inn, and offer ‘gift experiences’ to share with loved ones. A Grand Open House is scheduled for November 17.
Bonnie Blue Inn Bed and Breakfast is open by appointment, and can be reached online at www.bonnieblueinn.com or at 931-815-3838.