Big Mill Bed and Breakfast

The Mardi Gras Suite in the main house, is named for its collectible posters of Mardi Gras and Spoleto — has two spacious rooms. Enhanced by brick floors, the sitting room with its stone fireplace overlooks the landscaped grounds and the three-acre lake. Trompe l'oeil painted "cracks and moss" on the walls almost convince you that you are outside in a café. Walnut used by the craftsman to make the cabinets for the wet bar was grown on the farm and is a perfect backdrop for the Portuguese tile countertop. Queen and twin mahogany beds, original to this bedroom, feel at home on the original old pine floors that have been whitewashed and decorated with hand painted "Delft" tiles. Enjoy breakfast on your private patio just outside your door; listen to the birds and enjoy your lake view. In late afternoon sunlight filtering through an antique stained glass window casts an amber glow on the Spanish tile bath and cast iron corner tub. This very private, luxurious suite is the perfect romantic getaway.

In Season: $120-$140, Off Season: $105-$115

The Caribbean Room on the main house has a blue and white Mexican tile wet bar, stained glass door, ceiling fan and old pine floors. So named for the Caribbean Island chain, this Abaco Room is reminiscent of the owner's years living aboard a sailboat in the Bahamas and has its own "island" flavor. A whimsical gecko "scoots" across the turquoise farmhouse bead-board ceiling above the reproduction French iron queen bed. Terra tiles accent the tiled shower and bath floor.

In Season: $90-$100, Off Season: $80-$85

The Corn Crib in the renovated Pack House overlooks the lakes and opens directly onto the brick breezeway with its working fireplace. It is a mix of the sun-drenched colors of Mexican with its tile kitchen and bath and woven Peruvian calendar. Original pine floors and hand-hewn ceiling beams of old pine remain in this room that was once used to store corn. The Saltillo tile bath floor is decorated with small Mexican tiles the owner collected on a trip to Mexico many years ago. Lose yourself in the comfort of the overstuffed couch as you settle in to the North Carolina quiet. The Corn Crib is totally self-contained with a full kitchen, full bath with tub and queen bed.

In Season: $115-$125, Off Season: $95-$100

The Packhouse Suite in the Pack House was so named for the tobacco that was graded for market in these rooms. The entire suite has hardwood floors and both rooms have full views of the lakes. This showcase kitchen has marble countertops, tumbled Greek tiles, British cast iron enamel stove and antique chestnut dining table. Whitewashed queen bed and antique cottage furniture give the airy feel of continuous summer to the bedroom. The patter of rain on the old tin roof will lull you to sleep and you will awaken to the quiet of the Carolina countryside. A converted antique sideboard vanity with marble countertop is the focal point of the large tile bath. Your private brick patio that overlooks the orchard and cook’s garden is the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee. A double hammock is right outside your door. At night, illuminated by the tiny lights on the umbrella, it is magical.

In Season: $140-$155, Off Season: $115-$125

The Mule Room-Extended Stay
The new Mule Room has honey-colored pine floors, bead board and tobacco stick ceiling, tiled bath, walnut dining table, and a kitchenette of rustic Mexican tile. Hand crafted art from Central America and morning sun warm the room. Made just for our extended-stay guests, this is perfect for the working business person or traveling nurse.

Just outside your door is the brick breezeway, where guests can enjoy the country breezes in summer or sit by the fireplace in winter. Located amid acres of gardens and trees, the Mule Room is very private with all the amenities necessary for the business guest. Off street parking, gorgeous lake views, and acres to roam here on the farm at Big Mill. Breakfast is not included.

Weekly Rate: $250

(Mule Room Suite rents by the week on a monthly basis at $250 week.)