1983 Owego Free Academy graduate and Apalachin, N.Y. native, Kathleen Michaud Ayers, is the owner and innkeeper at the Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, located at 236 Caroline St. in Orange, Va. A multiple award-winning bed and breakfast, the property is listed on the State and National Registry of Historic Places and is a popular wedding venue. (Provided photo)
Owego Free Academy graduate of 1983, and Apalachin, N.Y. native Kathleen Michaud Ayers and her husband, Troy, had reason to celebrate on Valentine’s Day. Owners and innkeepers of Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, located at 236 Caroline St. in Orange, Va., were exited to share news that their inn was voted as a number one choice in the state of Virginia on the “romantic bed and breakfast” listing on the popular trip planning web site, “Trip Advisor.”
Originally purchased in 2003, Kathleen and Troy Ayers worked for several years to restore and renovate the 1860 historic home now known as Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, which officially opened in 2009. Described on their web site as, “A blend of history, luxury, charm and hospitality in Orange, Virginia,” and located 25 miles north of Charlottesville, Va. and within a few hours’ drive of Washington, D.C., the inn has received multiple awards from Trip Advisor, BedandBreakfast.com, Weddingwire Couples’ choice, and is a BnB Finder featured Inn, among other notable credits, and has experienced a following among travelers.
The story of how Kathleen and Troy became the owners of the historic Virginia home, which is listed on the Virginia and National Register of Historic Places, a process initiated by Kathleen and Troy and no small feat in itself, is just as interesting as the history of the home.
The Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, located at 236 Caroline St. in Orange, Va. is owned and operated by 1983 Owego Free Academy graduate and Apalachin, N.Y. native, Kathleen Michaud Ayers and her husband, Troy. \An award winning Bed & Breakfast, it is listed on the State of Virginia and National Register of Historic Places. Find the inn on Facebook or on the web at www.chesnuthillbnb.com. (Provided photo)
Kathleen originally relocated to the Pittsburgh, Pa. area from Tioga County, attended the University of Maryland, and then worked 15 years as a legal secretary in Washington, D.C. After meeting her husband, Troy, the couple lived in Fredericksburg, Va., moved to Florida for a brief time, but eventually moved back to Virginia to be closer to Kathleen’s mother and also Troy’s hometown of Fredericksburg.
In 2003, Troy caught word of an auction being held for the Chestnut Hill home. Considered for demolition by town officials to make way for an access road to a new middle school, local residents raised their voices, not wanting to see the historic building destroyed. As the first and only bidder to register, Troy successfully secured the final auction bid for just $1.00.
Within two months the building was physically moved to adjoining property that the town provided. The Ayers’ House Movers business in Fredericksburg, of which Troy’s grandfather founded, was able to move the 150 year old Greek revival home without damage, something many people thought couldn’t be accomplished.
Orange, Virginia is centrally located to a number of historical sites, hundreds of beautiful vineyards and outdoor activities. Whether guests are interested in the homes of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello or James Madison at Montpelier, vineyard tours, golf or fishing, canoeing on nearby rivers, skydiving or hot air balloon rides, horseback riding or viewing the spectacular sights in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, Orange, Virginia is approximately seven hours by car from Tioga County, N.Y.
Today, Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast boasts six guest rooms, two with hot tubs, and all with private baths and luxurious amenities, and one pet-friendly room. Guest rooms are aptly named in honor of a historical significance of the home, or for a more recent memory.
For example, the “Four Quarters” room name refers to how much the home was purchased for by Troy, and the “Emily Macon Bridal Suite” is named in honor of one of the original Macon family members who lived in the home in the late 1880’s. “Alexander Daley’s Master Suite” is named for the original builder of the home, and “Kate’s Coincidence” is named in honor of a Macon daughter as well as several coincidences that have occurred since Kathleen and Troy took ownership of the home.
Gourmet breakfasts, evening wine and cheese tastings, all-day complimentary beverages, a concierge service to help plan activities or restaurant reservations, and other superior customer service await guests visiting the inn.
In addition, Chestnut Hill has become a popular wedding venue, offering elegant outdoor weddings for up to 150 guests. As their website describes, “Whether you desire a romantic elopement or a grand affair, we can assist you with every detail.”
An example of how much the restoration and renovation of the historic home means, Conny Craft, a previous guest at Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast and a descendent of the Macon family who lived in the home in the 1880’s, shared with Kathleen and Troy, “The love and care that you have put into my great-grandmother’s home is amazing. This house could have been destroyed, but you came forward and bought it. You made sure that the renovation was as authentic to the original, and for that we are so grateful. Thank you for taking such care of this family treasure.”
Asked if she thought owning and operating the Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast was “meant to be,” Kathleen Ayers replied, “Yes,” and added, “It’s a home to be lived in and celebrated in.”
The Ayers enjoy sharing the charm and history of the Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast and now welcome guests from all over the United States.
For more information about Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast, visit them on Facebook, on the web at www.chestnuthillbnb.com, or call (540) 661-0430.
For wedding venue information, visit http://sayiwillatchestnuthill.com.
