"Steele" Away to a B&B

Steeles Tavern Manor is a “Shenandoah Valley B&B at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” It exudes rural elegance and stands as a proud facade with a corresponding mountainous backdrop. However, had you seen the manor in years gone by, it would have looked quite different from its current appearance. Activity at the manor commenced in the 1780s, and the manor shifted from housing passers-by to becoming the Virginia Tourist Home to becoming a private home, and finally, to becoming a bed & breakfast currently owned by Ray and Melissa Alexander. Melissa says, “The previous owners closed the Bed and Breakfast in 2005. Therefore it needed some renovations before we opened our doors in July 2012. The floral wallpaper was stripped and fresh warm paint colors were applied. The colors of ecru, soft greens, and soft plums match the wine décor of the Inn. The red wall to wall carpet was removed to unveil the original hard wood floors of the 1916 Virginia Manor House … After weeks of hard work these floors were restored to their original beauty. The multi-layered window treatments were replaced…to brighten the inside and retain the southern style of the house.” With their renovations, the Alexanders have managed to merge both past and present. While the manor retains the historical elegance of its predecessors, it also boasts the height of modern conveniences. Ray and Melissa, who began their B&B journey by attending a BBAV Aspiring Innkeepers class as well as the B&B Team’s seminar, have future renovation plans for the inn as well, “focus[ing] on the outside to improve the walking grounds, pond and pool area.” Click here to book your room now and see these renovations in person! By Tara Stoll