Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast
THE CROOKED ROAD: VIRGINIA's HERITAGE MUSIC TRAIL starts right here! 1895 Victorian Elegantly poised in the heart of the quiet historic district of Rocky Mount. Close to Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are... more
Here is what guests had to say...
| Innkeeper Response |
We love race fans here twice a year! They always bring fun and laughter into our B&B. Thanks so much for the review. God bless, Shellie
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| - Shellie Leete (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you so much, you are super guests! Coincidentally 2010 is the 20th anniversary of The Claiborne House B&B!
To celebrate we have a special promotion running for the entire year...and hope to see you both again! God bless, Shellie
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| - Shellie Leete (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
You nailed it! Relaxation and fun is what it is all about. Gotta get out and leave your worries and stress behind. These mountains are terrific for that. God bless and may your year be filled with more relaxation and much fun! Shellie
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Happy guests make happy innkeepers. Thank you for the kind review, we would love to have you come out again - especially in the Fall when everything is GOR-GEOUS! God bless.
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| - Shellie Leete (innkeeper) |
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| "Claiborne House - Perfect B&B!"
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7/15/2009 |
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I could not have asked for a more restful and beautiful spot to relax than the Claiborne House. I traveled to VA to meet up with friends for a few days and decompress from my business. The B&B sits on a lovely small hill on a tree lined historic residential street overlooking the charming town of Rocky Mount. The huge front porch with wicker furniture harkens back to days when people sat outside and chatted with their neighbors and friends. I spent time there enjoying the quiet and peacefulness in the cool evenings, watching the birds and visiting with my friends and other guests. I was also able to access the inn's free WiFi from the porch so I could stay in touch with my business!
Shellie and Tony are the BEST B&B hosts! They are spot on with all kinds of recommendations for sites to visit and places to eat but are never intrusive. Shellie has a wealth of knowledge about all things Virginia and Tony's quick wit and humor were a treat. Their daughters will share some authentic fiddle music, if you ask. The inn is a large house and very quiet. I'd like to check out the separate Wash House Cottage on my next visit. You can find recreational opportunities, music venues, and history here in the area and come back to tranquility by Tony's landscaped ponds and gardens.
My large and lovingly decorated room had everything that you need and more to make a stay comfortable. Breakfast each morning was made with fresh ingredients and was delicious, beautifully presented, and abundant. Shellie makes perfect omelets! In the afternoon, there was the tastiest Southern pecan cake set out in the dining room with iced tea. Complimentary sodas, filtered chilled water, coffee, and tea were also available in the dining room. Why would I stay anywhere else? I highly recommend The Claiborne House as the place to stay near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Crooked Road Music Trail!!! View Reviewer Info
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you so much! Did you know you are officially a member of Professional Porch Sitters Union, Crooked Road Local 1895?
Professional Porch Sitters (PPS) is an informal organization with a large and growing grassroots membership. To become a member you simply need to say you are a member and agree to sit around with friends and neighbors shooting the breeze as often as possible or practical. PPS only has one rule but it's more like a suggestion. "Sit down a spell. That can wait."
As my favorite author wrote: "I believe all that is wrong with the world can be attributed to the shortage of front porches and the talks we had on them. Somewhere around 1950, builders left off the front porch to save money, and we've had nothing but problems ever since." Philip Gulley from Porch Talk
God bless, Shellie - Our porch is available for new and old members at any time.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you for the kind words - we would love to have you stay with us again, you are fantastic guests or should that be 'fantasy guests' definition: Guests who enjoy what the innkeepers have put together – from the coffee to the smallest details. THE PEONIES ARE IN BLOOM!
God bless,
Shellie & Tony
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| - Shellie & Tony (innkeepers) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We loved having you, the third time is a charm? Hey Fla is only what, 16 hours from here? Our favorite horse farm/ranch will have ROMANTIC MOONLIGHT Trail Rides beginning in May. What is the saying "The Best Place to Steal a Kiss?" We can set it up for you. God bless, ~Shellie
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| - Shellie (innkeeper/owner) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We are glad you enjoyed the cottage - the little love shack as we sometimes refer to it. We hope to see you again soon! God bless.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Here is a direct quote from yours truly "Opening an inn is like skydiving and hoping your chute will open!" Shellie Leete.
We are so glad our chute opened, and we have safely been grounded by such wonderful guests as yourselves! Come see us again soon. All the best.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Tony says he is THE MOST SOUTHERN, being from down under. LOL!
We hope you continue your B&B journey, since they are all unique, and report back with any special finds. We love hearing B&B stories. But remember at The Claiborne House "all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." You are now included in that, lest you forget. God bless.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Wow! Someone who really gets our motto: Life is too short for bad coffee.
We wouldn't want anyone leaving without being fully caffeinated. All the best!
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." -- St. Augustine Thank you for staying with us! God bless.
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| - Tony & Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles." – Tim Cahill
Thank you and we hope to see you again!
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| - Tony & Shellie (innkeepers) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We love to celebrate special occasions here. Happy Anniversary and many more memories to come. God bless.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Did you get the chance to visit Burke's Garden? Or see where the Woolley Mammoths were found in the New River Valley? You were wonderful guests. God Bless.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| "Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast"
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5/22/2008 |
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| Innkeeper Response |
THANK YOU! You have started a marriage quarrel, Tony says this review mentioned him. LOL!
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you. We look forward to your next visit when you can enjoy Smith Mountain Lake - the water temp is around 84 midsummer! I bet even Bob would enjoy that. God Bless.
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We were sad to see you go! I think we may have some common interests. It is just a few weeks later and now the purple wisteria is blooming OUT OF CONTROL near the gate. It is breathtaking. God bless, we look forward to seeing you again!
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
Thank you for your kind words!
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| "Nice People, Nice place, Nice Stay"
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3/26/2008 |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We're glad you enjoyed your first B&B and hope to see you again real soon. Since B&B's are all different it is easy to get hooked. Happy Spring!
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| "Love it, already planning my next visit!"
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3/20/2008 |
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I enjoyed The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast so much I am already planning my next visit.
Why is it so special? A wonderful reception. A smiling innkeeper greeted me after my long tiresome travels and welcomed me into the B&B.
Once inside there was no pressure to sign this, pay that. She showed me the common areas and pointed out the iced tea and sweets in the dining room placed there just for me. Then the guest fridge stocked with sodas and other snack items (all complimentary).
We then went upstairs where (SHE) helped carry my other bag without hesitation.
I stayed in the Blue Ridge Room. There was a queen canopy bed, soft light filtered in from the lacy window coverings, an asian rug over hardwood floors, a walnut armoire with fabric hangers for my stuff (as well as a closet), extra pillows, cable tv, rocking chair, and a couple side tables. One side table held a small crystal vase with fresh flowers (for moi!).
The bathroom was very large with a tub/shower and plenty of space to move around. The mirror was antique with old lighting fixtures. The water pressure was good, the water was hot and the shower delightful!
My room was quiet, private and very comfortable. There was a ceiling fan as well as central a/c and heat. The view from the room was the front of the house with large trees full of squirrels and birds. There was a mockingbird singing outside my side window bright and early the next morning.
The coffee is was hot and strong and not bitter. The breakfast was just right, the perfect amount of sweet and savory, with fresh fruit, and oj and it hit the spot.
I promised myself, I will spend time on that huge wraparound porch next visit
I highly recommend the Claiborne House to anyone who wants a quiet, relaxing escape from the mad world we live in.
Next time I explore The Crooked Road Music Trail – Shellie (Innkeeper) said she can send me right off to the Moonshine Exhibit nearby and some local jams. View Reviewer Info
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| Innkeeper Response |
Next time it's blueberry pancakes for you! Thank you so much for your kind words. We also look forward to another visit. HAPPY SPRING - IT SPRING TODAY.
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils.
- William Wordsworth
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SUZANNE & BILL!
Thank you for staying with us. We had as much fun as you did. You are the reason we do what we do and can enjoy it so much! Makes all the drudgery worthwhile. Don't forget the giant sunflowers in bloom up at Peaks of Otter winery around labor day - next year. A kodak moment extravaganza. God bless.
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| - Tony & Shellie (innkeeper) |
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| "Boomark this B&B - it's great!"
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1/1/2007 |
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What a special time we had at The Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast. It was our first B&B and we were blown away by all the little extras there.
The warm welcome we had when we first arrived after a 4 hr drive was so very nice. The information the innkeepers gave us about local sites was invaluable.
We found a family style restaurant with live mountain music (Pine Tavern) that we would never ever have stumbled across on our own. Thank you for that Tony and Shellie!
The coffee was great, just like they promised. I heard the grinder going early, then the smell of fresh percolated coffee pulled me right out of bed. Served with real half and half, not some powdered creamer like hotels.
The breakfast was fantastic! Yogurt, granola and fresh berry parfait, juice, waffles with strawberries handpicked by Shellie in the Spring. She said they were colonial strawberries - 400 years old (hey they tasted great!), tasty sausage, the sweetest melon and kiwi fruit, and of course more coffee.
We did sit out on the beautiful porch for a few minutes with our coffee - just us, it was wintertime, but it was not cold yet in Rocky Mount when we were there. We saw two brilliant red cardinals at the bird feeder and one Blue Jay.
I read old reviews here and want to add that they HAVE added a guest fridge, bottled water, snacks and other additional treats for guests. I won't tell ya what, I will let that be a surprise!
Well done Tony & Shellie. Give the girls a hug and Junie B Jones a wrestle for us. What a super family. Keep up the violin girls, we want to hear you again next time, for sure! You made our entire trip worthwhile - twas the highlight.
View Reviewer Info
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| Innkeeper Response |
We always enjoy guests who love good coffee. There really is something about the smell of coffee and cinnamon in the morning!
We thank you for staying with us and can boast, per usual that at The Claiborne House "all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average." You have proven it once again!
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| - Shellie & Tony (innkeeper) |
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| Innkeeper Response |
We were so pleased to have you and thank you for the nice review. It is guests like you that make every day memorable for us as innkeepers. You are the reason we do what we do.
We hope you can visit us again when everything is in bloom...we'll keep the kettle on for ya an the light down low. :O) Best, Shellie
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| - Shellie (innkeeper) |
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Contact Information
Claiborne House Bed and Breakfast185 Claiborne Avenue Rocky Mount, VA 24151 USA
Innkeeper(s) Tony & Shellie Leete
Rates: $110 - $145

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