Focus on Business: The Inn on Poplar Hill

By Jeff Curtis, Director Orange Downtown Alliance | Posted: Thursday, July 16, 2009

Built in 1891 by Virginia Randolph Shackleford, the great, great granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, and having changed ownership only 4 times until the Tourville's purchased it in July of 2002, The Inn on Poplar Hill is a comfortable walk to the historic town of Orange, Virginia. It's surrounded by an amazingly pastoral 28 acres with an abundance of wildflowers, walking trails and Piedmont charm.

Marty and Victoria Tourville left their positions from human resources and the office supply business in Fairfax to pursue their dream of the hospitality business, "We wanted to own our own Bed and Breakfast since 1991" said Marty, "and we'd do it all over again immediately, it's better than we had hoped." The couple had conducted a search encompassing a 90 mile radius of D.C., fell in love with the area and found this beautiful home complete with some very unique Thomas Jefferson designed appointments. Originally called "The Poplars" because of the magnificent trees in the yard and fence rows, the treescape is also populated by some of the most outstanding American Linden trees you'll see anywhere.

The Inn offers elegant country appeal. The house includes 6 guest rooms, all with private bathrooms, a special pet-friendly guest room, an entertainment room which includes a large television, recliners, pool table, piano, fireplace and a 270 degree farmland view. There is also a spacious deck where breakfasts are served weather-permitting. Guests have come from all over the world: Europe, Asia and South America with the majority from Tidewater and northern Virginia. Victoria said that, "These folks mostly come for our wine country. Now that Virginia is winning medals for wine they're coming to visit. Tourism is amazingly strong in the area and keeps all of us going."

Marty explained that most of the first year was spent doing a lot of the basic restoration and after five months into the project the Inn opened three of the bedrooms and two bathrooms. "What's so unique about our area is the cooperation and support we got from the other B&B's" said Marty, "we were being given their overflow customers which is really different from other locations where it's much more competitive."

The amenities continue even as you travel the walking paths that criss-cross the fields. There's also a manicured fire pit next to a fully-stocked farm pond, perfect for a campfire or picnic.

Inn on Poplar Hill
278 Caroline Street
540.672.6840 stay@innonpoplarhill.com