King's Victorian Inn - History

<body stylesrc="index.html" bgcolor="#510000" text="#FFFFCE" link="#009900" vlink="#C0C0C0"> <p align="center">Your web browser does not support frames. <a href="index.html">Click here to go to the navigation page.</a></p>  <p align="center"><img border="0" src="images/t_history.png" width="431" height="75"><br> <br> <img border="0" src="images/p_History_Inn.jpg" style="border: 3 solid #FFFFCE" width="441" height="200"><br> <font size="1">"Ilahee" taken around the turn of the century, circa 1902<br> </font><b><font size="6">K</font>ing's Victorian Inn was built in 1899 by Dr. Henry S. Pole, a well known physician in Bath County, Virginia. He named the home "Ilahee" which translates to "high Victorian house" with an unusual exuberance of details and elements.  The irregular plan is typical, however the main stairwell has several landings and runs in several different directions.  The house has unusual projections, turrets, bay windows, and a verandah which extends around most of the house.  The interior has been somewhat altered, although six of the eight fireplace mantels remain.</b></p> <p align="center"><img border="0" src="images/p_History_Family.jpg" style="border: 3 solid #FFFFCE" width="297" height="318"><br> <font size="1">The Pole family photo taken at their Valley View Farm home in the late 1890's</font></p> <p align="center"><b>Dr. Pole was a natural physician and through the many years he practiced, he acquired an extensive knowledge of spa treatments which was unequaled. This was especially appropriate due to the home's proximity to the hot and warm running mineral springs located nearby.  He was the first in the area to purchase an automobile.  The noisy machine caused many residents to attempt to outlaw autos on Bath County roads.</b></p> <p align="center"><img border="0" src="images/p_History_Hot%20Springs.jpg" style="border: 3 solid #FFFFCE" width="425" height="230"><br> <font size="1">Hot Springs, Virginia in the early 1890's</font></p> <p align="center"><b>In 1928, the property was sold to A. E. Dudley.  At this time it became known as "Manor Terrace".  During the ownership of the Dudleys, "Manor Terrace" was used for many different things, some of which were a restaurant, rooming house, barber house, leather shop, etc.  It was best known for its restaurant which was a favorite eating place for many.  James J. Brady purchased the property in 1974 from Constance Pruester, who had owned it since 1965, during which time it was a family dwelling.  This was home for the "Brady Family" for several years until his work took them away from Bath County to Tennessee. </b></p> <p align="center"><b>Present owners, Liz and Richard King, discovered the property while on vacation in July, 1987 and have restored the property and expanded its offerings to be one of Virginia's most exclusive Bed and Breakfast Inns.</b></p> <p align="center"><b>Come discover the absolute beauty, charm and romantic enchantment of the Inn and the tranquility of its surroundings.</b> <b>The accommodations available to guests are superior in every sense of the word.  Large, comfortable rooms, beautifully decorated and furnished await you.</b> <b>A stay at King's Victorian Inn will be long remembered.  A relaxing blend of a nostalgic past and the conveniences of the present.</b></p>  </body>