Sadly it's necessary that I sell my beautiful home before fulfilling the dream of turning it into a B&B. Most of the work has already been done. Hillsboro is located approximately one hour from Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus. If you are interested
Here's the web site:
http://cincy.rapmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Cincynky&PRGNAME=MLSPropertyDetail&ARGUMENTS=-N643344075,-N610401,-N,-A,-N0>
And here's the history on the property:
OAK KNOLL
Oak Knoll, was completed in 1864 by T. B. Anderson, and at one time served as a stagecoach stop along the original route from Portsmouth to Columbus. The house is built of bricks fired in a kiln constructed on the property. Unique architectural features include Georgian pillars, hand carved wood trim, window-doors in the dining room and living room that open onto the cement porch facing Crestview.
In it's 145 year history, each owner of Oak Knoll have preserved or added to the original features in this unique home. The original walnut shutters and woodwork remain, as well as much of the hand-made window glass. The curved staircase has hand-carved trim, hand-turned balustrade, walnut handrail and burled walnut posts. The woodwork, mantle and shutters in the living room are made of butternut, or white walnut and doors are equipped with porcelain keyhole covers, which were to keep servants or visitors from peeping into various rooms. The interior walls are all constructed of solid brick and the star construction was used to add stability to the structure of the house. Floors are of pumpkin pine and nearly all have been refinished. There are five fireplaces, plus a gas "parlor stove" -- three fireplaces plus the parlor stove have been equipped with vent free gas logs.
Improvements over the years include:
Gas fired steam heating system
Re-wired electrical system with circuit breakers
Addition of 2 ½ baths (1 ½ on first floor)
Addition of a large eat-in country style kitchen with beamed ceilings which includes beautiful wood cabinets, Corian countertops, laminate flooring, garbage disposal and gourmet five-burner stove.
Attached 2 car garage
Large fireplace and hearth with hand-hewn mantle in the family room (original kitchen)
Large brick patio constructed from original brick saved from the remodeling of the kitchen
Upgraded first floor utility room
Other features of interest include:
The servants' quarters which had been converted into a huge walk-in closet
Secret hiding space in step leading to servants' quarters
Cistern under the patio
Old pharmacy counter workbench in the garage
Built-in china cabinet in dining room
The grounds of Oak Knoll are endlessly beautiful with each seasonal change. In addition to the century old oak trees, there are enormous sugar maples, a rare cucumber magnolia (pickle tree), pink and white dogwoods, etc. Other plants include dozens of forsythia, white and old fashioned lilacs, and over a thousand daffodils, tulips, grape hyacinths, narcissus and crocus. There are also beautiful perennial beds and herb gardens. Last but not least there is a beautiful gazebo with two ceiling fans and outdoor swing.
The current owner operated a small business using Oak Knoll as a "private dining" setting for ladies' teas. It is a perfect spot for small weddings, business meetings, etc., and the current owner would happy to assist in starting your own business!