A Stay at Barclay Cottage!

From the first time I stayed in a Bed & Breakfast sometime around 1992 I thought that I would love to own one one day. I imagined that it would be the perfect place to showcase quilts, to fill walls and beds and tables and chairs and any other horizontal or vertical surface with quilts --- and heck once breakfast was done, the rest of the day would be “mine” and I could quilt the rest of the day away ---- for the rest of my life.

Funny how we get smarter with age, isn’t it? I know that running a B&B has to be much like running a dairy – and there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes.

This is my first time as a guest at Barclay Cottage, just as it is my first time in Virginia Beach, but I have to say that I feel like “one of the family” here. It’s been fun to chat with other guests at breakfast and getting the story of who they are, where they are from ---and everyone is so open and nice with each other. I know some people might not feel comfortable staying in a home with strangers, but this is right up my alley!

My day yesterday began with a morning guild meeting, followed by a lunch out --- a lunch that went late late late because we were having such a good time ---- and the rest of the day was mine to do what I wanted with it. I came home to take pictures!

Barclay Cottage was built as an Inn in 1895. It’s always been an inn, just as it still is one today!

The front hall boasts a beautiful staircase to guest rooms above, and a wonderful second story wrap around porch complete with rocking chairs pointed eastward to the waterfront. The shore is 2 blocks away. You can enjoy everything from that 2nd story balcony without getting sand in your knickers! There was a group doing wedding photos on the balcony yesterday so I didn’t get pics of that --- I’ll try to remember to later.

The upstairs landing is decorated with quilted heirlooms and other collectibles ----I had to look at each and every little thing!

From the dolly in the chair on her own applique quilt – that reminded me of the one my Grannie had ((that I was never allowed to play with!))

To the cute bears and pillows on top of another vintage quilt adorning the lid of a blanket trunk --

A collection of vintage books is on display --- don’t you love the cover of “Kiddie Farmers” ?

I peeked into the unoccupied rooms which are left open for guests to share in the other room’s décor themes…..blue and yellow are lovely for a beachy themed home!

The wall at the top of the stairs is a perfect spot for a family bow-tie quilt, and another applique hanging over the end railing ---

Another view of the cute bow ties. I like this….the ties are all solids, and the backgrounds are prints!

A downstairs bedroom has a nautical theme….I do love blue and white!

How about some rosy pinked softness? This time of day the light was coming through windows so things are a bit backlit, but I think you can get the idea! Each room also has it’s own attached bath.

And the best part of a Bed and Breakfast? BREAKFAST! Melon drizzed with raspberry sauce and artfully sliced strawberries –nut bread--- and the main dish of scrambled eggs, banana pecan pancakes and bacon. YUMMY!

This is my sweet little room on the ground floor. Come in and take a peek!

I’ve made myself right at home and unpacked my suitcase,putting my things in the antique dresser drawers. The door to my bathroom is right there --- and look over here:

A cute little empty secretary desk! But you know me – it doesn’t stay empty for long!

Yep, I’m ready to sew!! Let’s see if I can get some more of those Nearly Insane blocks done!

Today is a Pineapple Blossom workshop. I’ve got tonight to sew --- and I head home on Thursday!