The Grove, the Inn on Harlee

The Grove: The Inn on Harlee is centered by a magnificent Eastlake Victorian manor house. We offer spacious, comfortable and luxurious accommodations, specialty baths, and gourmet breakfasts.

Located in historic Marion, SC, The Grove is within easy driving distance of the Florence, SC commercial and industrial centers and the Myrtle Beach, SC resort areas, with quick access to the I-95 Corridor. With over two thousand square feet of common areas (including three parlors that are perfect for consultations and meetings), The Grove provides a spectacular setting for luncheons, dinner parties, weddings, and other special events.

As a five acre working estate, The Grove also offers glimpses of fine furniture construction and restoration, histories and memorabilia concerning the American Revolutionary War (especially Francis Marion's Southern Campaign) and the War Between the States, and information about turn-of-the-20th-century aviation, banking, cooking, farming, law, and photography.

Each of our suites and rooms offers:

• A Queen-size Bed (Kate's Room offers Twin Beds)
• Private Bathroom
• Plush monogrammed Robes
• Extra Pillows and Blankets
• Ironing board and Iron
• Comfortable Sitting area
• Color TV (cable) VCR DVD
• Wireless Internet
• Desk/Table
• In Room Thermostat for comfort
• Complimentary homemade Cookies
• Complimentary Beverages
• Three Course Gourmet Breakfast
• Chocolates
• Early Morning Coffee

About The Inn

he Grove is located on a ten acre green space in the heart of Marion, a remnant of a large farm which refused to yield to development. Half of the acreage is maintained as a park by the city and half is owned privately and contains the gardens and buildings which were once needed in operating the estate known as “The Grove.”

The Eastlake style manor house which was completed in 1895 is the centerpiece of the estate. The 7000 square foot mansion provides for spacious public areas and guest rooms. Each room makes a distinctive architectural and decorative statement. The three parlors and dining room on the first floor are set apart by wide intersecting halls which form an arch at the point of intersection.

The south hall is dedicated to the memory of four generations of the Montgomery family who lived in the house, and family photographs and memorabilia are concentrated there, although items belonging to the family are throughout the house. Miss Annie’s Room, Kate’s Room, The Senator’s Room, and The Brothers’ Room are located on the second floor. The house offers rooms and common areas which will satisfy a variety of tastes and preferences.

You may be drawn to the shrub garden and picture yourself at a leisurely lunch under the canopy of the patrician trees. The smell of a savory apple pie baking in a wood-burning stove in the summer kitchen may lure you to the functioning early 1900’s kitchen and gift shop which features South Carolina produced items and articles designed to evoke pleasant memories of your stay at The Grove. The soft sounds of ancient tools working wood invite you to the barn where you will find Denley at work producing a piece of furniture. On the path to the barn you can gather fresh eggs for your breakfast from the hens at work in the “fowl house.”

From this peaceful setting you can take excursions into town or experience a variety of sites and activities within driving distance from The Grove.

Your Hosts

Ann and Denley Caughman are natives of South Carolina. They met while students at Charleston Southern University and later married in 1971. They have adult children and an increasing crop of grandchildren.

With more than thirty years in ministry, they devoted their adult lives to working with people which brought a constant stream of guests into their home for meals and lodging. Ann says she has been running a bed and breakfast all of her married life. The bed and breakfast idea took root in their lives when they visited England in 1972 and followed a self-arranged tour, staying in bed and breakfast establishments along the way.

After retiring in 2005, Denley has continued his devotion to life-long inclinations toward history, the American Revolution, making quality furniture, and millwork. Ann’s gifts are visible in the inn as she practices hospitality and creating a “coming home” feeling for guests. Denley’s furniture is in almost every room in the inn, especially the Marion Parlor which features his 18th century reproductions.

Ann is interested in cooking, music, decorating, entertaining and is the consummate “Grammy”. She has been a homemaker all of her married life.

The Caughmans have a deep appreciation for Johannes Tromp, who generously gave his time to train them and trusted Ann and Denley to inn-sit his inn, Kilburnie, The Inn at Craig Farm in his absence. The Caughmans suggest that you visit www.kilburnie.com if you plan to be in the Charlotte region or if you are seeking a destination in another inn of excellence.

Become a Friend of The Grove! Ann and Denley Caughman have recently been named Small Business Persons of the Year (2011) by the Marion SC Chamber of Commerce - read more about it on our Facebook Page.

The Grove has adequate space for corporate meetings, generously accommodating fifteen to twenty people. Parlors are available for breakout sessions, and the dining room is ready to serve your group a delicious lunch. Refreshments could be made available for your group as well. For those who would want to stay overnight, The Grove has four spacious bedrooms and a suite. We will be happy to assist in securing other overnight accommodations in Marion as well.

The Inn on Harlee is the perfect setting for all your wedding needs or as a site for your special event. Our beautiful Eastlake Victorian home and five acres of grounds provide the perfect backdrop for your special day. Our facilities will impress even the most discerning guests and we can help you tailor your wedding ceremony or event to your exact requirements.

The owners of The Grove take much pride in maintaining this historic property to provide a site that is historic, elegant, and sophisticated. Your friends and family will treasure your gathering at our beautiful home as much as you will. As we take pride in our home and grounds, the owners do not allow weddings or special events where the celebratory emphasis is on drinking, smoking, loud music, or unacceptable behavior.

We stand ready to assist you with your wedding plans or special event. We have several vendors that can accommodate your needs and an exceptional wedding planner is available to help make that special day truly memorable.

Call us to discuss your wedding or event needs and we can provide you a detailed quote. We urge all those considering our home for their wedding or event to visit with us in person to tour the home and grounds so that you can envision just how outstanding your wedding or event will be. A wedding or event held at The Grove will provide you with a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Wedding Packages: While our regular wedding prices reflect the use of the house and grounds for up to 75 guests, this special package for up to 10 people does everything for you. For one price, a couple can reserve two nights in the Brothers´ Room, have an officiant for their wedding, a small wedding cake with a topper to take with them, a bridal bouquet and boutonnière, a photographer, and champagne. The total cost is $800. A five course dinner, served formally in the dining room, can be added for $75.

For weddings over 10 guests, but under 75 guests, please call (843) 423-5220 for details. A complete wedding policy and price list can be either emailed to you or sent by regular mail upon request. You may also email us at grovebandb@gmail.com.

Marion is a beautiful Victorian small southern town with small shops, friendly people, antiques, good restaurants, and old homes. Walking tours are scenic, downtown is easily accessible from The Grove, and the innkeepers are eager to acquaint you with this lovely old town. The town square features a Robert Mills Courthouse and a statue of General Francis Marion of Revolutionary War fame. The Marion County Museum, housed in an old school building, is an interesting stop and is located on a street which shows many of the old Victorian homes. For more information about Marion, please visit theswampfox.com.

The South Carolina Tobacco Museum
Mullins, about nine miles from Marion, is home to the South Carolina Tobacco Museum. The Museum’s curator is a fountain of information about the area and its local shops and wonderful places to eat lunch and dinner.

Darlington Raceway                
Darlington Raceway, home of the Darlington 500, offers NASCAR fans thrills and chills as their favorite drivers race around the oval track which is too tough to tame.

South Carolina Cotton Museum                
The South Carolina Cotton Museum is located in Bishopville, a small agricultural-based town. Visit their website for hours of operation. Also located on the outskirts of Bishopville, conveniently off of I-20, is Fryar’s Topiary Garden, a beautiful example of unusual topiaries created by Pearl Fryar, who is self taught in his art.

Carolina Entertainment Complex               
The Carolina Entertainment Complex is home to live concerts featuring well known artists. Visit their website for schedules of concerts.

The Columns                
Florence has good shopping and fine dining. The Columns, located between Marion and Florence, hosts a Civil War re-enactment of the Skirmish at Gamble’s Hotel each March. The Columns is a mid-nineteenth century plantation famous for the columns encircling the plantation house. Call 843.669.6730 for tour and battle information.

Betwixt the Rivers Tours                
The Lumber, Little Pee Dee, and Great Pee Dee Rivers provide scenic flat water canoeing and kayaking experiences. Betwixt the Rivers offers several packages available for length of trip, meals, etc.

Market Commons                
Myrtle Beach offers an ever growing lineup of fun and new attractions. Market Commons, the new heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, offers great shopping and fine dining from Ann Taylor to P. F. Chang's China Bistro. Visit Coastal Grand Mall, the largest mall in South Carolina with nearly 1 million square feet of retail space. Complete your shopping spree at the Tanger Outlets and Broadway at the Beach with over 350 acres of shops, restaurants, night life and attractions. Don't forget to play a round of golf at one of Myrtle Beach's many famous golf courses.

La Belle Amie Vineyard                
Try some exotic wine coolers, delicious outdoor cooking, and of course, the wines of La Belle Amie Vineyard.

Brookgreen Gardens
Located about an hour from The Grove, Brookgreen Gardens is home to flora, fauna and sculpture which are all highlighted in their native habitats on the backwaters of the Waccamaw River. Directly across Highway 17 from Brookgreen Gardens is Huntington Beach State Park, where you may visit an unspoiled beach, walk the nature trail over the marsh, and see Atalaya Castle, summer home of the Huntingtons, who established Brookgreen Gardens.

Downtown Georgetown                
Georgetown, located on the banks of Winyah Bay, is an old historic seaport town and home to the Rice Museum. This museum tells the history of the rice culture on the plantation, and offers a house tour. For a look at “town” living visit Georgetown.

Conway River Walk                
A beautiful old town situated on the banks of the Waccamaw River, Conway has a wonderful walking trail, boutique shopping and antique shops, coupled with a river walk, kayaking at Conway Kayak, and fine restaurants. The trail brochure can be secured at the Chamber of Commerce at the foot of the Main Street Bridge.

Hartsville Museum
Hartsville's museum, housed in the old post office, depicts the rich history and growth of this quaint college town. Also located in Hartsville is Kalmia Gardens, which can be toured by appointment and has no admission fee.

Lake Iris Garden                
Sumter, named for Revolutionary War hero Thomas Sumter, is home to beautiful Sumter Lake Iris Garden, where swans grace the lake around the garden. The Sumter County Museum is also located here and you can search for upcoming events.