Saturday, June 29, 2013

Stone & Steel

Sometimes, the best decisions in life take a while. We have wanted to add stonework and an iron railing to our front entrance since 1984 when we first asked the Barnes family (local stonemasons) for an estimate.  Other projects took priority but finally, in this our 30th year as innkeepers (after numerous discussions on design, logistics, and budgeting), we have just completed the job.  And guess who our stonemasons were?  That's right - the next generation of the Barnes family!!

Doug Barnes adds mortar to a second wall near The Bargain Basement in the Guest House.  He and four of his relatives politely worked around our schedule and the needs of our guests. They were fast, professional, and able to handle every detail that came up in the course of the project. The Barnes family's stoneworking skills can be seen all over Highlands, and we feel very fortunate to have a bit of their legacy here at Colonial Pines.



The center railing required years of discussion and finally drew design inspiration from a railing at the newly renovated Charleston Market. A nudge from our artistic niece Bonnie gave us the confidence to place it in the center of the front stairway and the craftsmanship of local metalworker Randy Branum made it happen. After all was said and done, it was the right location and the right design. We apologize to all guests who had to hobble up the stairs for so many years without the help of a railing. Please come back and give it a try!

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WE HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON IN THE MOUNTAINS!
Donna & Chris Alley, Innkeepers Since 1984
Colonial Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free
email:  sleeptight@colonialpinesinn.com