My Perfect Lazy Getaway: This Storied NC Inn Is a Haven of Elegance

Join me as we engage in armchair travel for a brief period. When it comes to serene escapes, Pandora’s Manor , a delightful, six-suite guesthouse located in High Point, North Carolina It’s nearly flawless. Actually, despite my visit being just a short layover during an intense business trip, the fleeting 12-hour overnight stay remains vividly memorable.

I'd happily return for my ideal type of getaway—the sort where you can put your feet up and do minimal activities. Innkeeper Daniela Woody is truly exceptional at what she does, offering a level of hospitality that feels like a comforting embrace, let alone the breakfast feast , freshly baked cookies , and afternoon snacks She'll prepare for you during your visit. (Dietary restrictions are not an issue.)

If you're someone who admires vintage homes or an enthusiast of interior design with a penchant for Grandmillennial style (or the larger decor classification of maximalism In that case, this destination has escalated from being a charming getaway to becoming an essential addition to every traveler's bucket list. When the 1905 house was converted into an inn in 2016, six top-tier designers were given free rein to transform their ideal suites into reality.

My space was conceptualized by Madcap Cottage a well-known figure among the staff at the editorial headquarters Country Living Where I work, before the founders of the home decor brand—John Loecke and Jason Oliver—relocated their company to Thomasville, North Carolina, which is approximately 15 minutes away from High Point, the magazine highlighted them. converted 19th-century schoolhouse In the New York Catskills—twice!—the home continues to be a favorite amongst the editors. tiny houses .

Let me share the inside look of my space in a bit. However, let’s take a pause for some architectural admiration first.

If you're familiar with High Point, you likely recognize its moniker as the Home Furnishings Capital of the World. Pandora’s Manor is a testament to this heritage.

Since its establishment in 1859 as the highest point along the North Carolina Railroad, Furniture and High Point have been closely intertwined. The furniture industry started booming during the early 1900s. In 1905, Henry Fraser, who co-founded both the Alma Furniture Company and the Myrtle Desk Company, constructed his residence in this area. Now known by his wife's name Pandora, the elegant colonial revival house made from weatherboards still stands today.

Just a short distance from downtown lies Pandora’s Manor, offering convenience while still retaining a secluded ambiance. It sits next to the railway, where you might occasionally catch sounds of passing trains, yet this adds to its character. Talking about that...

Inside the lodge, one of the details I adored were the flower vases placed in various spots. blue hydrangea Flowers were dispersed throughout, even on my mantlepiece in the Myrtle Room, which was named for Henry and Pandora’s child, Isla Myrtle Fraser Sinclair. As you might discover, some arguments seem quite compelling. faux hydrangeas These items were genuine, harvested directly from the inn’s garden (my visit took place in late May). The attentive touches kept coming.

The television mounted above my fireplace was cleverly disguised as a framed mirror. Looking for an engaging read? You can find timeless novels by Danielle Steel readily available. Additional reading materials in my space also encompassed various options. Canterbury Tales, Virginia Woolfe’s A Space All My Own (right on target for a solo business trip!), and Evelyn Waugh’s 1934 novel, A Handful of Dust.

In keeping with the style of Madcap Cottage, the Myrtle Room is brimming from floor to ceiling with an exuberant blend of colors, patterns, playfulness, and traditionally styled furniture. The charming wallpaper featuring ginkgo leaves adds to the room’s delightful atmosphere. wallpaper However, the fabric stood out as a nuanced detail that added an extra layer of coziness during my stay. The room boasts numerous patterns in textiles, all harmonized with a predominantly blue-and-green color scheme that extends into the wall paints. A tranquil dusk-blue ceiling combined with beautiful wooden elements, finished in a vibrant yet serene green hue, anchors the entire area effectively.

An additional delightful feature of all accommodations at Pandora’s Manor is that guests have the option to purchase any of the pillows—whether for sleeping or decoration—in their room if they so wish. Eastern Accents The high-end textile firm that manages the inn shares this quality across all fabrics, such as bed linens, curtains, and poufs.

For the additional items, the inn offers guests details about the manufacturers involved. Whenever feasible, products from North Carolina-based furniture firms were selected (given that this region is known as the Furniture Capital of the World, naturally).

In the Myrtle Room where I was accommodated, the carpet originates from Capel Rugs , a century-old business located in Troy, North Carolina. The chandeliers scattered around the inn originate from Currey & Company , a family-run company in its second generation located in Georgia (they also maintain a permanent showroom in High Point).

As each room in the inn boasts its own distinct style (in addition to Madcap Cottage, the interior designers), Thom Filicia , Alexa Hampton, Tobi Fairley, Celerie Kemble, and Barclay Butera each designed a suite), every one boasts a distinct arrangement and characteristics as well. What truly captivated me regarding the Myrtle Room, which stands out as the sole ground-level suite, was its immediate accessibility to the encircling porch. front porch In the morning, I quietly entered the dining room for a cup of coffee before making my way to the porch to savor the dawn. birdsong And indeed, the charming whistling and clattering of a train going by as well.

Inside, I discovered additional charming Madcap Cottage design elements in my ensuite bathroom, beginning with the floral and faunal themed wallpaper. The walls additionally showcase a traditional bathroom tile idea -- white subway tiles accented with contrasting black trimming.

The dark penny tiles flow continuously onto the glass-door walk-in shower, ensuring accessibility compliance alongside the rest of the Myrtle Room amenities. Despite my lack of prior experience, I've observed dried eucalyptus hanging in a shower for the first time; its mild aroma becomes noticeable when exposed to steam.

To make sure everything remains in excellent condition, Daniela mentioned she dedicates time annually to stay in each room herself. This way, as the innkeeper, she can personally assess what requires repair or replacement to maintain guest comfort—which is clearly evident.

In summary, my visit provided me with all I required and delighted me unexpectedly at each corner. Here are additional activities I enjoyed during my time here.

High Point, North Carolina, Field Notes

The Biggest Drawer Set in the World

All lovers of unusual roadside attractions, take notice. This site has been located in downtown High Point since the 1920s; however, the initial concept featured an innovative design that was a mirror-topped bureau , has since been refurbished and redesigned in the manner of an 18th-century chest. This serves as a tribute to the city’s furniture sector and (allow me to direct your notice toward those large stockings) the nearby hosiety industry as well. Should you be visiting with young children, make Qubein Nido & Mariana Children’s Museum Just a short hop,skip,and jump away,is your next destination.

The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards

This art gallery, which focuses on the local community, is impressive enough to visit alone. However, I particularly enjoy how it's housed in a repurposed old factory (think exposed brick walls—that's a must-see!). It’s an integral part of the broader area. Congdon Yards Community growth at the city center, featuring a trendy shared workspace, multiple event spaces, along with a cozy local café and eatery. Lil’s Coffee Bar .

Blue Water Grille

If you're looking to experience the pinnacle of High Point's dining landscape, this restaurant is practically obligatory. (The NC trout special of the day was what I ordered.)

American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame

Believe me, you will be delighted by this captivating journey through the annals of American furniture history! There's an opportunity to engage with contemporary pattern creation tools and interior design programs as well. Additionally, should you wish, you could document a personal narrative related to home decor for future generations. For instance, I captured mine recounting my great-grandfather’s cedar chest which was passed down to me.

Furnitureland South

Initially launched from a home garage with the aim of connecting ordinary people with the finest selections from the High Point Furniture Market, this venture has grown into the biggest furniture store globally just outside of Jamestown. (This location is also famous for housing the World’s Largest Highboy.)

If you're looking to watch a game during your stay, High Point hosts the Rockers Baseball Team as well as the Carolina Core FC (a team in the MLS Next Pro Soccer League). Additionally, this city is also a Certified Autism Destination . More at VisitHighPoint.com .