House Mountain Inn made our list of potential venues because it offered similar pricing to other venues we were looking at, but included so much more for that price. It became our dream venue upon our first visit and tour. Words don't do the views justice, nor do online pictures (but look at them anyway). The staff was welcoming, friendly and helpful that first visit, but we were only getting a taste of the abundant hospitality they would show us throughout this process.
The clincher, though, was what the inn offered in terms of accommodations. We were able to comfortably sleep THIRTY of our family members and closest friends in just the 10 rooms in the inn itself (we could have had 15 rooms plus a large cabin had we booked sooner!) We loved this idea from the start - bringing together the most important people from different periods of each of our lives together, not just for the ceremony and reception, but for the whole weekend! Food, beverages, snacks, and huge, comfortable rooms were all provided, meaning there was no need to leave the expansive campus either day. This maximized our time with each person who had traveled so far to be there, and allowed us to explore our sunny, green surroundings!
Then there's their annual tasting event. Yes, they can cater your rehearsal dinner and reception too, and take it from us - you won't regret choosing to let them! The event includes all couples who have booked the venue for the next year, plus two guests per couple. They lay out every mouth-watering dish they offer for you to wonder around and sample to your hearts content, including a wonderful wine selection. Vendors are set up around the room as well, meaning you get face-to-face interactions with potential djs, bakeries, photographers and more. It's a fun event and really shows you just how capable and experienced the staff are.
Our wedding was this past Sunday, the day before memorial day. My Facebook is blowing up, and everyone I've talked to since the reception dinner began has raved about how this was the most fun and most beautiful wedding they had ever been to. Folks, very little of that was anything we or our family did. The decorations we brought were minimal, and they helped us every step of the way with planning. The weekend of the event, they were there, prepared for anything, answering every question, fixing every speedbump, and always keeping things flowing smoothly while somehow not pestering, hovering or being overly controlling. The grace, humility, skill level and hospitality of the people here in truly world-class. Oh, and did I mention that when I say "staff", I'm mostly referring to the family that owns the place? Are they off taking crazy vacations or managing other properties while delegating tasks to their employees? Nope! They're reinvesting their revenue and time right back into their craft. They're the secret sauce that makes this venue perfect. They're your wedding planners, your cooks, your serving staff, your bartenders and your day-of crisis managers, all rolled up into a couple of incredibly lovely humans.
I could go on for pages, but I can't imagine many even read this far! Here's the bottom line - if this place isn't on your list, add it. If it is on your list, make it a point to visit and take a tour. I'm not saying it's the perfect venue for everyone, but it was definitely ours, and it is more than worth your...
   Read moreWe attended a wedding on October 28th at the House Mountain Inn and we stayed at The Cabin which is part of the House Mountain Inn. It is about a 10 minute ride from the House Mountain Inn. The Cabin was absolutely perfect for our needs. To some the most important thing is: THERE IS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE AT THE CABIN! Lol. That really bothered one of our guests, but for the rest of us, no worries! It was a much needed break. There is a TV that has plenty of channels for your viewing pleasure. The Cabin has a magnificent front and back porch. The front porch has rocking chairs and that is where we spent most of our time with family and friends. The kitchen and dining area are huge. You could easily seat 12 folks at the table.
There is not a grill at The Cabin. We brought a small portable grill for doing burgers. The Cabin is not near to anything! To get into Lexington is about a 30 minute ride. Lexington is a beautiful city. Home of Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute. We found a great running path in town by the river called The Chessie Trail. We are from flatland, so we were looking for something that didn't have constant hills! Lol
The Cabin is pretty well stocked with everything you could need. There are more towels than you could use in a week and wash clothes. The kitchen has a drip coffee maker and they even have a water dispenser for making coffee and drinking water. We brought a griddle for making breakfasts and we brought a small grill for making dinners. But everything was in the kitchen to be able to make meals. There is a dishwasher and refrigerator and a heater in the kitchen area.
The cabin has only one bathroom! That was not an issue for us, but for others it might be.
It has two bedrooms, which are at one end of the house and connected. So you have to walk through one bedroom to get in and out of the other. Bedroom 1 has a Queen bed, and a set of bunk beds. The bottom bunk is a twin mattress and the top bunk is a single. Bedroom 2 has a queen bed and bunk beds also. The bottom bunk is a single and the top bunk is a single. There are plenty of sheets and the beds are super comfortable.
The drive up to The Cabin is not your normal commute. The Cabin is on the side of a mountain and the drive up can be a little daunting the first time. It is kinda steep at one point and you might think you are going the wrong way, but just keep going. Heaven is at the top! Lol.
There were deer every evening and morning in the front yard. We hiked up the mountain and the views are amazing. The hike isn't for the faint of heart. It was 600 feet vertical climb in less than 3/4 mile, and we weren't...
   Read moreHouse Mountain Inn was a new experience for us. It is a small inn with, I think, ten rooms, some with jacuzzies and some with hot tubs. It is located on a mountainside in the middle of a 1,000 acre plus conservancy. The rooms are large and comfortable, but don't have a minifridge. A large common area has tables, microwave, refrigerator, morning coffee, and a few snacks. From 4-5 there is a wine and cheese party where it was fun to meet other couples. A small pond provides the chance to fish, and there are trails to hike. A 2 1/2 mi or so hike (somewhat strenuous) up the mountain trail leads to an observation tower where you can view for miles. It had a table and a couple of rocking chairs, and we enjoyed a box lunch we had ordered. The people were wonderful. Jeanette checked us in, answered questions, familiarized us with the inn's offerings and later served as our waitress at dinner (reservations are requested even for guests). The next day, Carrie was our host and was a bundle of very pleasant enthusiasm. She just brought a smile to our faces and made us feel right at home. Jamie was our waitress for breakfast the last morning and checked us out. She couldn't have been more pleasant. The dinners were excellent. The Mahi Mahi was the second best I've ever had, and the crab cakes were also fantastic. Stuffed mushrooms and scallop appetizers were very good. We chose cheesecake and pecan pie for dessert, but the chocolate torte looked mighty good. Breakfasts were hearty and tasty. A full bar is available.|The Inn is quiet and, for some, there may not be enough to do for adventure, but the people are friendly and accommodating, the food is excellent, the wine and cheese party a treat, and the atmosphere is very relaxing. Internet reception is very good. Enjoy a book, take a hike, or just relax.|Be aware that the Inn is reserved on most weekends for weddings and groups, so check...
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