Kilburnie, the Inn at Craig Farm

Kilburnie is more like a small private boutique hotel than your typical B&B.

Experience European-laced Southern hospitality and be at home in this tranquil, elegant, and spacious antebellum hide-out. All bathrooms feature hydro-therapy whirlpools for ultimate relaxation.

Guests arriving at the inn always comment about the immediate sense of being on a country estate.
Guests love the tranquility and sophistication of this luxurious inn with all the modern conveniences one would expect of an upscale property including Wi-Fi, climate controls, Bose radios, and plenty of electrical outlets.

A meticulously restored Greek revival style estate home, Kilburnie (circa 1827) today is furnished with federal style antiques and period appropriate reproduction furniture mixed in with comfortable contemporary seating. The Inn’s heart pine floors are strewn with Persian rugs. The house features a significant collection of historic prints and paintings and each of its five bedrooms bears the name of individuals who made a mark on the region's and nation's history.

The Kilburnie estate is located amid woodlands, fields, and pastures where cattle and horses graze. Behind the inn is a woodland nature trail, where guests can stroll to enjoy the wildlife backyard habitat. Bridges spanning the branches make discovering the outdoors pleasurable for all ages.

All Kilburnie guest rooms feature working fireplaces with comfy fire-side wing chairs, and spacious private bath rooms - all with hydro-therapy whirlpools and separate shower enclosures. The Jackson and Davie rooms even have fireplaces in the bathrooms.

Innkeeper, Johannes Tromp, is a European trained chef. In the seventies, he owned and operated a catering business in Beverly Hills, CA. After moving to Manhattan in 1979, he was Director of Catering at the Rainbow Room on top of Rockefeller Center and later General Manager of Windows on the World, located on top of the now destroyed World Trade Center. Johannes enjoys his role as innkeeper, which combines his past professional experiences with his love for food & hospitality.

Breakfast at Kilburnie, prepared and served by Johannes is unsurpassed. Waking up one might smell the freshly baked bread and muffins, which accompany the two-course feast. The first course usually consists of a fruit appetizer such as his Poached Pears with Blueberries, his Southern Pecan Peaches, or maybe broiled Grapefruit. The Main course could be Oven Shirred Eggs, Herbed Goat Cheese Omelets, or any other egg dish he is inspired to create each morning. The coffee served by Johannes is freshly roasted 100% Columbian; rich and aromatic.

The Craig Farm pastoral surroundings are the perfect romantic backdrop for your wedding day and will impress even the most discerning guests.

The Perfect Outdoor Setting

If you dream of the perfect outdoors wedding or of an intimate wedding inside an historic home, we can help you tailor your  wedding ceremony and reception to your exact requirements.

The Wedding Pavilion

The Palladian inspired Pavilion supported by 20 white columns is designed specifically for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and special events. The pavilion may be extended with a tent to accommodate 150 guests for a formal sit-down dinner.

Weddings at Craig Farm

Both Kilburnie and historic Craig House are elegant and sophisticated environments where family and friends gather to celebrate the bridal couple in style. The owners take much pride in the maintenance and care of both historic properties. While we do allow the service of alcohol, we refuse events where the celebratory emphasis is on drinking and/or loud music. The Innkeeper with his vast Beverly Hills and New York City experience in planning and managing weddings & special events will be more than happy to assist you with all of the details to make your day truly memorable. or further information, appointments, consultations, price quotations and reservations call Johannes Tromp (803) 416 8420

Testimonials

"The minute we met Johannes, and toured the property we knew we were home for the wedding. Johannes was genuine, warm and kind...gently encouraging and guiding us along the path until my daughter's beautiful wedding day. From the bridal portraits to the day of the wedding, he was most accessible, compassionate, kind and extremely knowledgeable. This graceful man, along with a very talented florist and caterer, presented my daughter with the wedding of her dreams. The Inn was beyond amazing and the breakfast so deliciously prepared, set the day on a cheerful note. Can't thank him enough, and hope everyone can experience Kilburnie at least once in their lifetime. Well worth the trip and more".

Connie Robinson / August 2012

"I just wanted to take one last opportunity to thank you for making Dustin and Brittany's wedding such a memorable occasion.  It would not have been possible for Lori and I to have made an unguided attempt at what turned out to be the event of a lifetime that our children and family will remember for years to come.  You were instrumental in absolutely every piece of the planning, your recommendations were all spot on and you navigated every detail of executing a flawless sequence of events right on schedule.  The entire evening was truly a class act and you yourself are a class act.  The Kilburnie House and Craig Manor will always have my highest recommendation for everything from lodging to formal events such as our daughter's wedding.  I really enjoyed getting to know you and spending time planning such a fabulous event over the past months".

Randy G. Thomas / September 2012

A Meeting Planner's Dream
Elegant and sophisticated Meeting Location
Just 20 minutes south from the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, NC  

• First-class, very private meeting rooms at historic Craig House.
• Executive Board Meetings, Brain-Storming Sessions, Seminars, Product Introductions, Working Luncheons, Receptions, and Formal Celebratory luncheons or Dinners
• Latest technology rear projection "Reversa" screen, which shows ultra sharp images under daylight conditions
• "Bose Wave System" audio hookup
• Wireless Internet connections throughout
• Lots of natural light and open country views
• Four elegant and very private break-out rooms
• 12' high ceilings supporting a rare 19th century crystal chandelier.
• Original paintings and portraits collection
• Optional outdoors Palladian Pavilion for luncheons and receptions.

Special overnight rates at Kilburnie for meeting participants.

For bookings, call Johannes Tromp at (803) 416-8420

There are plenty of interesting things to do while staying at Kilburnie.

Of course, one does not have to do anything; just relaxing in one of the comfortable rocking chairs on one of the three piazzas will make one forget the real world for a while.  Snuggling up with a great book in either the parlor or the privacy of a guestroom will do the same. Just being in and around the Inn brings a sense of peace and comfort.

Kilburnie is surrounded by open fields and woodland. The unspoiled woods can be explored by walking the meandering nature trails among a wide variety of native flora and fauna. The backyard is a certified wildlife habitat. Wooden bridges span the natural branches, which flow during the rainy season. From Kilburnie, guests can walk two different routes to historic Craig House.  Please Note: Guests exploring these trails do so at their own risk.

There are several festivals and special events in the area throughout the year. If you would like to trek out and visit the many attractions of our area, here are just a few web sites we recommend to help plan your stay...

• See Lancaster:  www.seelancaster.org
• Lancaster Chamber of Commerce:  www.lancasterchambersc.org
• Charlotte Convention & Visitor's Bureau:  www.charlottecvb.org
• Old English Historic District:  www.discoversouthcarolina.com/see-do/olde-english.aspx

The following is a brief summary of some of our more popular restaurants, shopping venues, sightseeing locations, and community events and festivals that many of our guests have enjoyed in the Lancaster area as well as the Charlotte metro:

Lancaster County
Lancaster County and the City of Lancaster are rich in history - from the Revolutionary War period, the Antebellum South, the Civil War, to the modern era where the community became home to one of the largest textile companies in the world.

Downtown Lancaster

City of Lancaster, a beautiful historic town of approximately 10,000 residents, has retained its Southern hospitality and charm.  The City was home to the Springs Family, the founders of Springs Textile Company, one of the world's largest textile manufacturers.  Springs Textiles remains in operation today and there are several beautiful old mills in the area to view as well as the former Springs home which is located downtown and is now the home to the Lancaster Council for the Arts.

Lancaster serves as the County Seat of Lancaster County and the historic Lancaster County Courthouse, constructed in 1828 and designed by renowned architect Robert Mills whose work includes the Washington Monument, the U.S. Treasury Building, and several Courthouses across the South. 

The Courthouse is currently undergoing major repairs after an arsonist set fire to the structure in the fall of 2008.  However, the outside of the structure remains with most of the damage inside the building.  Plans call for the Courthouse to be restored to its original grandeur and serve as a museum and site for community events.  Below are pictures prior to the fire and a photo of the building as the Lancaster Fire Department fought to save the most historic structure in the County - a building that neither Sherman's Army nor a modern-day arsonist could destroy.

Famous Lancaster County residents include President Andrew Jackson who was born in northern Lancaster County; Colonel Leroy Springs, who earned fame as a World War I flying ace and later the founder of Springs Textile Company; Astronaut Charles Duke who visited the moon on Apollo 16; and 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist sprinter Shawn Crawford, to name a few.

USC-Lancaser Performing Arts Series at Bundy Auditorium

Fast becoming one of the most popular venues for entertainment is the USC-Lancaster Performing Arts Series at Bundy Auditorium.  Throughout the year, the facility on the campus of the University of South Carolina at Lancaster serves as host to top name entertainment.  Past shows include visits from 3 Dog Night, The Fifth Dimension, and Chairman of the Board, among others.  The newly renovated auditorium is only 5 minutes from Kilburnie.  For more information about upcoming shows and tickets visit their web site by clicking here.

Downtown Area Shopping

Downtown Lancaster recently received a facelift with the completion of the City's streetscape project.  New sidewalks, building facade improvements, landscaping, and lighting have improved upon the charm of the City.  Plus, visitors are made to feel welcome anywhere in Lancaster, especially in the downtown area where you can take a historic walking tour, visit a quaint coffee house, shop our unique shops, or take in dinner or lunch. Like most small Southern towns, Lancaster has its mix of quaint specialty shops, antique stores, and other interesting establishments.  The Main Street corridor of downtown Lancaster, from the historic Robert Mills Courthouse to the L&C Railroad headquarters, has several shops to keep you busy. You can learn more about what's available to you and what's going on in downtown Lancaster by visiting our tourist information agency and their web site at SeeLancaster.com.

Downtown & Area Dining

From fast food to Southern and Low Country cuisine, you can find it in Lancaster County.  The City is blessed with several restaurants that offer great meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Visitors to Kilburnie who have visited Lancaster sing the praises of many of our restaurants especially;

Charley's Cafe & Catering, located on Main Street, offers wonderful dining in a historic building with a menu that will keep you busy in trying to figure out what to order.  American, Southern, Italian, and South Carolina Low Country fare dot the menu and there is a full-service bar.  Plus, don't forget to try their delicious homemade desserts.  Other eateries that claim distinction include:

521 BBQ is located north of Kilburnie on U.S. 521 in the Indian Land community near Charlotte.  The restaurant offers Southern BBQ and other American fare.

The Catawba Fish Camp offers a true Southern fish camp experience just 10 miles from Kilburnie on SC Highway 9 West just across the Catawba River from Lancaster County. There are several other eateries in Lancaster County to choose from including establishments that offer American, Mexican, Chinese, and home cooked meals as well as chain restaurants including Applebee's, McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, and Hardee's.

Festivals & Events
Not a month goes by where there isn't a festival or event to attend in Lancaster County.  Some of these festivals include:

Andrew Jackson Birthday Party
Andrew Jackson State Park
9 Mi. N. of Lancaster on Hwy 521
Annual festival focuses on the history of the Revolutionary War era, with re-enactors, living history demonstrations of life during Colonial times, children's Colonial games, food and more.

Carolina Legends Festival
Andrew Jackson State Park
9 Mi. N. of Lancaster on Hwy 521
Held annually the Saturday before Mother's Day. Celebrates bluegrass, traditional mountain and folk music. Performances all day in the amphitheater, plus 'parking lot pickin,' music workshops, children's activities and food. Co-sponsored by SCPRT and the Lancaster County Council of the Arts. Details, call 803.285.7451.

Indian Land Spring Festival
Indian Land Elementary/Middle School Doby's Bridge Rd., just off Hwy 521 Annual spring festival held in early April features children's games & rides, food, arts & craft vendors, live entertainment and more. Proceeds go for school educational projects. Sponsored by the ILEMS PTA

Art Expedition
Bi-Annual Art Crawl, held April and October in downtown Lancaster. Visit galleries, downtown merchants and restaurants featuring art, pottery and sculpture by local artists. Snack on luscious hors d'ouevres and sip from a glass of wine or punch as you browse through your tour.

Lilyfest
Landsford Canal State Park
1989 Park Drive, Catawba, SC 29704 (803) 789-5800

Held in mid-May, the annual Lilyfest celebrates the peak bloom period of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily. Live entertainment, food, educational displays and of course, a hike to the overlook to view the lilies.

Kershaw Hog Jam
An annual BBQ Cookoff Competition in the Town of Kershaw in southern Lancaster County just 15 minutes from Kilburnie.  This festival is fast becoming a favorite in the region with lots of BBQ & fixin's. Cookers from around the Carolinas compete for trophies and cash prizes.

Friday at Last
Held last Friday of May, June & July - live entertainment, children's games and activities, dancing, food and more. Host city progresses from Lancaster to Heath Springs to Kershaw. Details, call 803.286.1145.

Charlesboro 4th of July Parade
Annual parade & family style gathering on Taxahaw Rd in Southeast Lancaster County. Lineup starts at 9 a.m. Open to any vehicle displaying an American Flag. Parade-watchers, bring lawn chairs and stay awile!.

Heath Springs 4th of July Celebration Food, children¹s rides and games, an evening parade and street dance, capped off with fireworks. Unity in the Community Downtown Lancaster Held annually in June, with sports competitions, activities, games and food. Sponsored by Lancaster Fatherhood Project. Details, call 803.283.3444.

Celebrate Van Wyck Festival
Annual fall festival with Crafts, food, rides, car show, children's activities, live entertainment and more.

Christmas Parade & Christmas Happening Downtown Lancaster. Annual Christmas parade, live entertainment, games, children's activities, crafts & other vendors, food and more. Co-sponsored by the City of Lancaster & See Lancaster.

Ride...or Learn to Ride!Leg Up Equestrian is a Combined Training (dressage, jumping, cross-country) and Horse Mastership School, located just 20 miles north of Kilburnie on U.S. Highway 521 . The school is situated in a beautiful, quiet, pastoral setting with open grazing pastures and wooded acreage. With a primary focus on teaching, training and learning, our riding programs have earned us a solid reputation in the equestrian community and praise among our many friends and long-term clients.  Learn more at their website at:  www.legupequestrian.com

Soar the Skies!

So you've never air glided?  Many of us haven't but it is an excursion you might well enjoy.  Bermuda High Soaring School is a flight training facility totally dedicated to promoting all aspects of the sport of soaring. Originally started in 1963 by Mr. Stan Hoke in Chester, SC, Bermuda High has grown to be the largest soaring operation east of the Mississippi.

Auto Racing

If you enjoy racing the way is used to be, the Lancaster Speedway is truly the "Grand Daddy" of local tracks. It's one of the oldest surviving dirt tracks in the south. It was built by a group of Lancaster men headed by the late Herman "Hump" Poovey. The first race was held in 1954 with a huge crowd on hand. The track hosted two Nascar races in 1957.  The track is just 2 miles from Kilburnie just off U.S. 521.  You can learn more at their website: www.lancasterspeedway.net.

Carolina Motorosports Park is a premier road course that offers driving opportunities and spectator opportunities throughout the year.  The road course is located 20 miles south of Kilburnie, 3.5 miles south of the Town of Kershaw on U.S. 521 South.  For a schedule of events, visit their website at:  www.carolinamotorsportspark.com.

The Region

Within a 30-minute to 1-hour drive of Kilburnie you can find historic sites, artistic and cultural events, museums, professional sporting events, outdoor recreation, theme parks, water parks, and a host of other exciting recreational venues.  From Historic Camden to the beautiful skyline of Charlotte, you are only a short drive away.

Historic Revolutionary War Sites

The Lancaster County and Upstate Region of South Carolina has several Revolutionary War battlefield sites and historical markers.  Many of the major battles of the American Revolution were fought within a short drive of Kilburnie inlcluding the Battle of Camden (less than 45 minutes south), the Battle of Cowpens in nearby Gaffney, S.C. (one and a half hours west), and the Battle of Kings Mountain (1 hour west).  The major motion picture The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, was filmed at nearby Brattonsville - a restored 18th century farm and the site of the Battle of Huck's Defeat.  The Museum of York County in Rock Hill is also an interesting visit.  There are also dozens of historical markers throughout the region depicting historic events of the region since the Revolution.  You can visit the Olde English District web site for more Revolutionary War sites and other sites of historic interest in the area.  You can also visit the official South Carolina Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism site devoted to the Lancaster area.

Civil War Sites

South Carolina was the first state to secede from the Union during the Civil War and the entire state has many historic sites to choose from that are connected to the War Between the States.  In nearby Fort Mill (30 minutes north), President Jefferson Davis and his cabinet, fleeing from Union forces, met for the last time at one of the antebellum homes in this beautiful small town. General Sherman on his march through South Carolina into North Carolina split his forces in Lancaster County at the Catawba River, sending one force northeast to Cheraw, and another force to Camden.   Historic Charleston is 2.5 hours south along Interstate 77 and Interstate 26 and is one of the most historic cities in America.  Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is less than 1.5 hours from Kilburnie.

Shopping

If shopping and dining is your bag, then you will enjoy downtown Lancaster as well as the major shopping centers in nearby Charlotte (45 minutes north).  Carolina Place Mall (35 minutes north in Pineville), SouthPark Mall (45 minutes north in south Charlotte), and Uptown Charlotte boast some of the best shopping in the Southeastern U.S.  An easy 20 minute ride  brings you to Waxhaw, NC home to Rippington's restaurant.

Dining

Charlotte is the new home to the new campus of Johnson & Wales University which has led to an increase in fine dining restaurants throughout the City. From uptown Charlotte, to South Boulevard, to the Southpark section of the City, there are literally dozens of outstanding places to dine.  Our guests list these among their favorites:

Miro Spanish Grill
7804-A Rea Road , Stonecrest at Piper Glen Charlotte, NC 28277

Named for the Spanish Surrealist artist Joan Miro, this city favorite is home to outdoor dining and Spanish cuisine and appetizers that have hit many a citywide 'Best' list, including AOL CityGuide's.

Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill
7716 Rea Road,  Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone:  704.752.7979

Located in the Stonecrest Shopping Center just north of Ballantyne and approximately 45 minutes from Kilburnie, The combination of bold flavors, sauces and spices create a unique style of American cuisine that originated in Aspen, Colorado. Specialties include steaks grilled over the open flame, herb roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, rotisserie chicken, homemade pasta, awesome burgers and giant salads. Founded by owner, Dennis Thompson, the ambience of Firebirds is every bit inviting as the food.

Catawba Fish Camp
6131 Lancaster, Highway
Fort Lawn, SC 29714
Phone:  803 872-4477

If you want to enjoy a true Southern fish camp, the Catawba Fish Camp, located on SC 9, just across the Catawba River is the place to be.  Offering some of the best fish and seafood and all the fixin's Southern style, the Catawba Fish Camp has been a favorite of locals for years. 

In 1951 Pleasant Baker, and his partner Jim, opened the Catawba Fish Camp.  The original restaurant seated approximately 100 people.  For the next 10-15 years, the menu only had five items, perch, catfish, fantail shrimp, whole flounder, and chicken.  Perch was $1.00 for “all you can eat”, catfish was $1.25 and Included slaw, hush puppies, and French fries.  The entire staff was male until the early 1960’s.

The restaurant has continued to grow and can now seat over 550 people.  We are open Wednesday through Saturday.  Many of the menu items are all you can eat for one price.  Although the line may appear long, it moves really fast. In short, Charlotte has hundreds of restaurants to meet any taste.

Arts & Culture

If you enjoy visiting art galleries, museums, and other artistic an cultural events, the Charlotte metro area has a full slate of events throughout the year.  The Mint Museum of Art, Discovery Place Museum, the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and other cultural centers abound.  Visit the Charlotte Convention and Visitor's Bureau web site for more info.

Carowinds Theme Park

Paramount's Carowinds Theme Park is less than 40 minutes from Kilburnie.  Carowinds offers both adult and children themed rides and entertainment that includes roller coasters, and other rides and a new waterpark.

Professional & College Sporting Events
Charlotte is home to the NFL's Carolina Panthers which play their home games at Bank of America Stadium- less than an hour from Kilburnie.  Other professional teams in the metro area include the Charlotte Knights AAA baseball team that plays in Fort Mill (45 minutes away), the Charlotte Checkers ECHL Hockey team (45 minutes), If that wasn't enough, Lowe's Motor Speedway, home three NASCAR auto races each year, is less than 1 hour from Kilburnie.  The NBA's Charlotte Bobcats play their games in the new Bobcat Arena downtown which also hosts several top-name music and entertainment concerts each year.

Charlotte is also home to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte 49'ers which play NCAA Division I basketball in the Atlantic 10 Conference. 

State Parks
If you love visiting beautiful state and federal parks, you're in the right place.  Andrew Jackson State Park, named in honor of President Andrew Jackson who was born nearby,  is less than 5 minutes from Kilburnie and offers walking trails and picnic areas.  Chester State Park in nearby Chester is less than 30 minutes from Kilburnie, and you won't want to miss Landsford Canal State Park which is less than 30 minutes from Kilburnie.  Each spring, Landsford Canal State Park, located on the banks of the Catawba River, comes alive with hundreds of visitors who come to view the beautiful spider lilies that come to life in the shallow rapids of the Catawba River.  Other state parks that are nearby include Kings Mountain State Park (45 minutes west) and Lake Wateree State Recreation Area (30 minutes south).

The Catawba River The Catawba River flows along the entire eastern border of Lancaster County and offers water enthusiasts with a multitude of recreational opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing.  Lake Wateree is located in extreme southern Lancaster County and Fishing Creek Reservoir is located just south of the City of Lancaster.

Need more information, directions, available commercial flight information from Charlotte Douglas International or Columbia Metropolitan Airport, or would like to just contact us in person?  No problem, just call, fax, or e-mail.  We'll be happy to assist you any way we can.

The following map provides directions to Kilburnie, historic Craig House and/or the Craig Farm Wedding Pavilion.  If you need specific directions from your home, just go to the map below and map your route.  We also provide written directions from both Charlotte and Columbia for your convenience.  And of course, you can always call us at (803) 416-8420, we'll be happy to guide you in.

Our GPS Coordinates; 34 degrees 45.411 N./ 080 degrees 46.003 W  located 549 feet above sea level.

If you use Map Quest, be sure to print out the written directions below, as Map Quest's final instructions are wrong.

From Charlotte and Points North:

• Travel Interstate 77 South to beltway 485 East.
• Take Exit 61-Johnston Road/US 521. Travel south about 22 miles on US 521 to first traffic light nearing Lancaster (Large Exxon station on right corner).
• Turn left on Shiloh Unity Road.
• Travel 1.2 miles on Shiloh Unity Road and turn right on Craig Farm Road.
• Continue 1.4 miles, Kilburnie will be on your left, historic Craig House & the wedding Pavilion will be on your right.

From Charlotte (Avoiding the Ballantyne traffic):

• Travel Interstate 77 South to exit 77 / US-21 /Lancaster
• Turn left on US 21/ SC 5
• Take exit (SC-5 Roddey /Lancaster)
• At the end of the ramp, turn right (East) onto SC-5, continue 7.8 miles
• Take ramp (Right) onto US-521 / Lancaster
• Turn left at the first traffic light (Shiloh Unity Road)
• Travel 1.2 miles on Shiloh Unity Road and turn right on Craig Farm Road.
• Continue 1.4 miles, Kilburnie will be on your left, historic Craig House & the wedding pavilion will be on your right.

From Columbia and Points South:

• Take Interstate 77 North to SC Hwy 200.  Hwy 200 will be joined by Rt. 21.
• Travel through Great Falls and follow Rt. 21 towards Fort Lawn/ SC Hwy 9.
• Take SC Hwy 9 South (Ignore all signs to Lancaster) and travel approx. 10 miles.
• Pass the Home depot (on your left) and turn left on the following intersection; then take an immediate right on Hubbard Road.
• Hubbard Road will cross US 521, and becomes Craig Manor Rd.
• Then after approx. 1/2 mile turn left on Craig Farm Rd.
• Continue approximately 1/2 mile, Kilburnie will be on your right and historic Craig House & the wedding Pavilion on your left.