My friend and I sought what we hoped would be the best bed and breakfast in Camden for our special Colonial Cup steeplechase weekend. Mary, my friend, and I have had the privilege of staying in award-winning inns and bed and breakfasts around the USA and Europe. We know that staying overnight in a private home offers privacy, luxury, and hospitality difficult to secure in even the best hotels....See More
My friend and I sought what we hoped would be the best bed and breakfast in Camden for our special Colonial Cup steeplechase weekend. Mary, my friend, and I have had the privilege of staying in award-winning inns and bed and breakfasts around the USA and Europe. We know that staying overnight in a private home offers privacy, luxury, and hospitality difficult to secure in even the best hotels.
Fours Oaks, with its owner - hostess, Janet, arranged a perfect, cozy corner room with a balcony for our much anticipated weekend.
As my car pulled up the circular, gravel driveway, Janet greeted us warmly at the door of the stately antebellum, two - story, columned home. Into the inviting library we went where Mary and I were offered a cordial cup of Cherry Bounce, the preferred blend of General George Washington at his beloved Mount Vernon. Against a backdrop of classics and antique equine art, our hostess welcomed and presented us with our keys and brochures of the B & B features and town attractions. Amenities included a fully stocked soft drinks and coffee bar conveniently which occupied the upstairs landing. A covered tray of the most delicious oversized walnut - chocolate chip cookies tempted us every time we passed!
Our antique rich, equine art - themed suite included an immense handsomely carved four poster bed, a grand gas fire place and period correct antiques, horse - racing wall art and long ago victor’s silver plate trophies set the mood for South Carolina’s famed colonial horse and tweed town. The French door of the suite opened to the spacious balcony. It presented a grand lawn vista whether closed or open. The old pine floors, high ceilings, and polished armoire, dresser, and secretary capped the suite’s furnishings and the hanging light fixture brought back the 1890s and the remembrance of electrification. Fine milled soap and other toiletries were laid out for us - accompanied by luxuriously thick white towels. There was a spacious, glass cube shower with easy to operate, perfect temperature shower water. Maybe a thick Four Oaks bathrobe would have enhanced the experience but we were already spoiled!
Janet and Steven are the consummate hosts. They offer dining advice in town and they serve up a delicious morning breakfast. Our repast consisted of a spinach and cheese soufflé with gourmet pork sausage, fruit compote, cheese danish made fresh and fresh - squeezed juices. Hot brewed coffee and tea completed our intake as we enjoyed the company of the other guests.
Coming and going from Four Oaks was like being the guests of old friends in a genteel setting. My friend and I plan to go back again and again. Four Oaks was as important a part of our good time as were the steeplechase and high - end restaurant experiences. Four Oaks ranks among our very best bed and breakfast experiences.
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- Thomas Horton