Pleasant Lane Acres Bed & Breakfast

Needing a little R&R, we decided to make a weekend of it. In my folder of articles on B&B's I collect from newspapers and magazines, I found just the place - Pleasant Lane Acres Bed & Breakfast, 10 miles north of Edgefield.

Innkeeper Barbara Rupert answered my call. All three of her rooms were available. I booked Stewart's room, the largest and the one with the six-foot claw-foot tub.

I had read in the article that Barbara is a gourmet cook. So, when she asked if we would like for her to prepare dinner for us, I answered with a quick "Absolutely!" Fifteen minutes later we received her faxed menu. We could choose from four appetizers, four salads, eight entrees, and two desserts. Everything looked so delicious that it took us three days to agree to the same menu (a requirement since as Barbara says, she's a one person show!)

As soon as we turned into the driveway of Pleasant Lane Acres I began to relax. I could see the front porch of the 140-year-old farmhouse beckoning me to sit awhile in the swing or a rocking chair.

Pleasant Lane Acres Bed and Breakfast
is located ten miles north of Edgefield.

Five course dinners with crystal and china
are available to groups or couples.

For 10 years Barbara and Don have lovingly and painstakingly removed every single beaded board wall, planed it, sanded it, repainted it, and replaced it. The heart of pine floors have all been beautifully refinished. The bar, which is open 24 hours to guests, overlooks a fabulous cook's kitchen with a perfect view of a large screen TV.

After a beer to drown our sorrows at Michigan's loss, we carried our belongings to our room. A cozier room you can't imagine. Antique furnishings, first quality linens, a bath made for soaking complete with bath salts and oils, and a working fireplace.

Following a trike ride of at least an hour, it's always good to walk. We donned our hiking boots and set out on some of the many trails which cover Pleasant Lane Acres' 50 acres of woods, meadows, and ponds. For 45 minutes we walked, stopped to listen to the silence, and petted the retired polo pony which now calls Pleasant Lane Acres home.

A cup of tea on the porch, time to read an entire magazine, and a hot bubble bath later, we sat down for our evening meal. Everything was fresh and homemade. Cream of artichoke soup, fresh spinach salad with Hoffman dressing, hot freshly baked bread, homemade Grand Marnier sorbet, poached salmon with a lemon caper sauce, lemon crepes with raspberry sauce, wine, water, coffee, and brandy. Everything was so incredibly delicious that I want to return until we have enjoyed everything on her menu.

We both slept like babies that night with the window slightly open for the country night sounds and a fire in the fireplace. Shortly after sunrise I indulged in another bubble bath, then got a cup of coffee from the upstairs buffet and slipped out on the porch. The freshness of a country morning in autumn is one of life's many great pleasures.

Breakfast was another gourmet's delight. Warm pears with raspberries, orange flavored muffins, eggs benedict, juice and coffee.

Warner and I have stayed in numerous wonderful B&B's, but I can honestly say that Pleasant Lane Acres is one of the most restful and soothing locales we have ever experienced. The warmth and hospitality of Barbara and Don-not to mention the incredible food-will make you check your calendar to book a return stay. For more information or to make a reservation, call (888) 771-3161. Be sure to tell them you read about it in The Columbia Star.

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