About
Martha and Bruce Crawford, Hillcrest’s innkeepers, fell in love with the property when they saw it on the Forbes Historic Homes For Sale listing. Learning it was zoned to be a Bed and Breakfast, the Crawfords bought Hillcrest and moved in from Colorado right away.
A year and a half later, the Crawfords opened Hillcrest with four guest rooms following a full restoration of the house. They opened three additional rooms, completing the seven that are available for overnight stay. During their restoration, Martha and Bruce left as much as possible from Dr. John Emmett’s remodel in 1935, including the oak flooring, grand stairwell balustrades, columns, and crown molding.
In April of 2019, Hillcrest will open a new cottage for overnight stay. The cottage features three bedrooms, three private bathrooms, and an enclosed sleeping porch, making it perfect for traveling families or wedding guests.
The Hillcrest Mansion has a rich history in the Alleghany Highlands. Originally constructed in 1911 by A.O. Surber, the house became home to the Surber family, followed by the B.C. Goodwin family, and the Dr. John Emmett family.
Dr. Emmett, Chief Surgeon at the C&O Railway Hospital in Clifton Forge, bought the house in 1935 and immediately began to enlarge and remodel the mansion. Dr. Emmet’s plans called for seven bedrooms, six bathrooms, a spacious formal dining room, and a large formal living room. The front of the mansion was redesigned to reflect a more Greek Revival architecture, and four massive columns were added. The porch roof was converted to a deck with an ornately detailed railing, and additions were made to both sides and the rear of the original structure.
All seven guest rooms at Hillcrest Mansion Inn offer beautiful, private bathrooms, with each decorated to a different period. Bathrobes and custom bath accessories are provided. Our beds feature feather down, pillow-top mattresses and fine luxury linens, as well as nightly turn-down service, a nightcap, and chocolates. Daily gourmet three-to-five course silver service breakfasts, afternoon wine on the porch, and cheese and sweets services are included with each reservation.
Amenities include:
- Tesla Charging Station
- Swimming Pool
- Terraced yard and gardens
- Lounging porches
- Wireless internet service
- Beverage stations
Services & Activities:
- Professional in-room massages
- Afternoon wine on the front porch
- Three-to-five course silver service meals
- Nightly turn-down service
