I recently stayed at the Inn. (8/25 - 8/28/2026) If I had known the owner was having breakfast with…read moreme, I would have raised the following issues then. (As the owner, it would have been appropriate for him to introduce himself, as I was the only guest there. And ask how everything is. But I know why he didn't. He is likely tired of hearing complaints.)
My first sign of discomfort was the musty smell in the entryway. I found my welcome packet on the desk with my first and last name and room displayed on the front. I saw another guest's packet there too; having my information displayed that way was a bit unnerving, especially as a solo female traveler. (Perhaps assign each guest a code and only write that on the envelope.)
As I walked to the room, the hallway was completely dark, so I used my cell phone flashlight to find my way.
My room (Sage Left) was "quaint."Despite the fake fingernail found on the ledge behind the hand towel, the clump of black hair in the shower, the body hair on the toilet, and the bed that felt like rocks.
But I was determined to make the best of things. I tried to open the door to the outdoor area; I tried to. I had to pull weeds away from it first. I sat down on the red lounge chair and looked out at overgrown bushes and weeds. I took in the rest of the space and saw propane containers stored under plants.
Since the restaurant isn't open until Friday, I had to eat lunch and dinner off-site. I also bought bottles of water since there weren't any in the room and the water cooler jug was empty during my stay. (If an alternate water source was available, I did not see one.) Using the TV was frustrating, and I gave up.
I took a walk on the grounds and was astonished at how neglected everything is. Dead plants, weeds, and broken path stones were everywhere. The outdoor furniture is either rusted or needs power washing. The overall feeling is gloomy. I had to leave the premises on Wednesday because it was incredibly depressing. (Think "Grey Gardens")
Thursday morning, I was quite down about my experience, and it was affecting me physically. At breakfast, Alicia, the breakfast chef, noticed my discomfort; she listened to some of my issues and explained that only a skeleton crew is trying to keep the Inn going. (She is a true gem, by the way.)
My spa services were good. Despite the loud noise coming from the water pipe, I found the "temporary" spa nice. I only wish it were open before Thursday.
I called Buttermilk to cancel 2 days before check-in, but I made my reservation through Expedia, and I couldn't cancel or modify my booking under their policy. I also contacted them on the day of my arrival. They misrepresented the property: the "river view" room I booked, the claim that there is afternoon tea, bottles of water in the room, and that the on-site restaurant is open during the week.
Do not be fooled by the pictures on their website or social media. They are years old and mostly professional photographs with lighting, flowers, and decorations for special events.