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I discovered Welbourne Inn when I was doing research on my Civil War novel Shades of Gray. Although the Inn has a history that goes back to the 1700s, I was most interested in its Civil War history, when it was owned by Col. Richard Henry Dulany.
(The book that spurred by interest was The Dulanys of Welbourne if you’re interested).
Of course, I had to go and experience the Inn for myself back then, and I wrote about the experience. But I have since revisited this history-filled house and wanted to share some new photos.
Step Inside!
From the moment you enter the house, you are transported back in time. I love the wide front foyer and welcoming screen door.
If These Rooms Could Talk
The current Innkeepers are the eighth generation to be caretakers of the house, which has been used as a Bed and Breakfast since the 1930s!
My Favorite Room: The Library
Needless to say, the library is my favorite room in the house. Not only is it filled with interesting books, it is full of vintage charm and old-fashioned comfort! I can picture myself with a cup of coffee, never wanting to leave this room.
Welbourne’s Famous Guests
I could write volumes on Welbourne Inn’s famous guests, but of course, the most important one to me Colonel John Mosby. (Here is one of my favorite books on Mosby)
The Inn has a wall dedicated to historical artifacts, including Colonel Dulany’s uniform and gauntlets. There is also a picture of Mosby with a note about when he stopped by in the early 1900s.
A Very Historic Room
The room to the left of the entranceway is where young John Pelham, a Confederate artillery officer, scratched part of his initials in the window before being found by 13-year-old Mary Dulany.
I sent some photos to Jan Nichols Bates, a fellow Civil War author, and she did an entire post on the Pelham incident that occurred in this room.
Some Of The Bedrooms
The Inn is a Bed and Breakfast, so I have to give a glimpse of the bedrooms!
They are all beautiful. My favorite one is off the library (where I stayed when I visited), but it was occupied on my last visit so I couldn’t get new photos.
I hope you enjoyed this brief glimpse inside the historic Welbourne Inn. I highly recommend it if you are ever near Middleburg, VA.
About the Author: Jessica James is an award-winning author, freelance journalist and travel writer at Past Lane Travels. When not exploring historic sites or off-the-beaten-path destinations, she can be found in her pre-Civil War home in Gettysburg.