Inn on Turner is a boutique hotel located in the city of Beaufort, which is the second oldest city in North Carolina. With the Downtown Historic Waterfront District and various other attractions, the area is a popular place for tourists to visit. Inn on Turner has four suites: two king rooms and two queen rooms. Each room has a private bathroom, ceiling fan, dresser, bed, and locally sourced toiletries. Kim Bell and Jonathan Haas, the owners, innkeepers, and chefs of the property, strive to create a place where guests can enjoy relaxed travel. Kim and Jon assist guests during breakfasts and happy hours, and suggest activities and restaurants in the area. The house was built in 1866 and was originally called the Historic Delamar Gibble House.
Inn on Turner is located in Beaufort, North Carolina, in the Downtown Historic Watertown District. Inn on Turner was voted as the #1 hotel in Beaufort and the #2 property of its kind in North Carolina by Tripadvisor. The establishment is known for its cuisine, comfort, and concierges, as mentioned in the reviews of guests. With a French heritage and modern amenities, Inn on Turner is a white house with upper and lower porches, black doors, and flags hanging above the lower front porch. Located on a quarter-acre of land, the inn also has a water feature, two bistro tables and chairs, and side gardens. There are multiple trees situated across the property. Steps lead to the lower front porch, which has seating, porch lights, and a plaque indicating that the house is located in the historic district under the name of The Historic Delamar Gibble House, 1866. Beaufort, the city where Inn on Turner is located, is a coastal town, providing the opportunity for beaches, marinas, and views of the water. Though the Inn on Turner is not located next to the water, it is within a short walking distance to Taylor's Creek, Beaufort Inlet, and Town Creek, all part of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Coastal contemporary is the design of the interior of Inn on Turner. There are two king rooms and two queen rooms. None of the rooms have a specific name, and all of them have consistent decor. The bedrooms have light blue walls, paintings, lamps, and either a king or queen-sized bed. Each room is equipped with a dresser and a ceiling fan and also has its own bathroom. Other amenities that are provided are hair dryers, clothing steamers, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating, filtered water, hypoallergenic pillows, mattresses, and spa line linens. All toiletries in the room are provided by a local company called SeaOats, curated in Beaufort exclusive to Inn on Turner. Outside of the bedrooms are sitting rooms with couches, coffee tables, windows, and seating. The two living spaces are open to all guests staying at the inn. Upstairs there is a TV lounge area where guests can watch movies, sit and read, and interact with other guests. Downstairs is a formal living room with multiple sofas. The area is often used for happy hours or as a place to sip on morning coffees. A lobby is located within the inn, and it features additional seating for guests.
A complimentary breakfast is sourced locally at Inn on Turner. The field to fork breakfast is served to those who are guests of the property. Breakfast consists of entrees such as French toast, stuffed pancakes, seasonal fruit dishes, breakfast meats, and eggs such as frittatas and huevos rancheros. The house ham is smoked on the property, and almost everything is locally sourced. Duck eggs and chicken eggs are both used in breakfasts, organic and locally sourced. For those who have allergies, the chefs and owners of the property, Kim Bell and Jonathan Haas, are able to accommodate as long as they are given a 48 hours notice. Options include dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian meals. Happy hours occur daily on the property from 5 pm to 6 pm, and guests have access to a selection of wines.
Within the city of Beaufort are multiple attractions and dining venues. Three restaurants that are suggested by Kim are Bluemoon Bistro, the City Kitchen, and the Blacksheep Restaurant. Bluemoon Bistro has coastal cuisine with French influence. The Blacksheep Restaurant has seating on the docks with wood-fired offerings. Located on the waterfront, the eatery has gluten-free and vegetarian options for those with dietary needs. City Kitchen sits on Town Creek Marina, and it offers coastal cuisine.
Activities near Inn on Turner include the Rachel Carson Reserve, the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and the North Carolina Aquarium. Hungry Town Tours is a local tour company that consists of walking and cycling tours around the city, specifically through the historic district. Beaufort Paddle offers kayaking expeditions. Also in the area is Cape Lookout National Seashore with its Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Sports Fishing, numerous beaches, hiking trails, sailing opportunities, and is part of the Civil War Trail.
Kim Bell and Jonathan Haas, the two owners of Inn on Turner, have the motto of "travel like a local." They want guests to the property to experience the coastal features in the area and make memories along the way. Kim Bell expresses that she wants the property to be relaxed, fun, and stress-free. "Build a wonderful escape for yourself," Kim says concerning staying at Beaufort and Inn on Turner. Kim Bell and Jonathan strive to help accomplish these goals by providing "Customized Travel and Personalized Care" for their visitors. As hosts, they help with making dining reservations, suggest activities and local restaurants, and book the rooms. Inn on Turner does not use online booking; it is preferable to have people call or email them to make reservations. Additionally, they can access their reservation request form on their website.
Jonathan Haas and Kim Bell enjoy being innkeepers at Inn on Turner, and they often think of ways to improve the property. Since the time they took ownership, renovations have been made to the property for the purpose of making it a more comfortable and positive place for guests to stay. Some of the modifications that have been made include updating decore in all of the rooms and property enhancement.
For the owners of the property, kindness is the number one priority. Inn on Turner strives to be an all-inclusive establishment. To do this, they have set a few rules in place. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on the property, encouraging wellness travel, and pets are not allowed due to the small size of the inn. There is a family policy concerning children. Parents who come to the inn with their children should plan on having separate rooms as all rooms are double occupancy. If a family is booking the entire property for a multi-generational family reunion or gathering, children are allowed as long as they are supervised by a parent or guardian.
The "Dine Inn" at Inn on Turner is a feature that guests and local residents alike can participate in. Referred to as the Table d'Hote, the meals are charity-focused and include three-course dinners and wine selections. A portion of the reservation for the meal supports Backpack Friends, which is an organization tasked with reducing food insecurities for children in the community. Other events at the Inn on Turner are dinner parties, anniversaries, retirement parties, birthday celebrations, and multiple non-profit events.
Inn on Turner is TripAdvisor traveler-ranked as one of the top 15 inns and bed and breakfasts for the U.S., consistently ranked as "best of the best" with numerous five-star reviews. These reviews note the breakfasts, happy hour, local activities, and amenities. According to one review, Inn on Turner is "located a few short blocks away from the water and the historical city." Another comment regarding the property states, "The inn is a historic home that is beautifully decorated, perfectly blending old and new. We stayed in the downstairs bedroom, which had a comfortable bed and was very roomy and quiet. The front porch is lovely to sit on, especially when enjoying happy hour with a nice glass of wine or a mint julep, compliments of Kim and Jon. The inn is a short walk to the water and a beautiful historic city." Other reviews have commented on the hosts, the breakfast, and the convenience of the inn.
Built in 1866, Inn on Turner was initially called the Historic Delamar Gibble House. When Kim Bell and Jonathan Haas purchased the property, they turned it into an inn and revived it with fresh decor. In the process of buying the house, Kim and Jonathan changed the branding, name, focus, furnishings, and more. Located in the front of the house is a plaque that indicates the house's original name and the year it was built. Because Inn on Turner is located in the Downtown Historic Watertown District, it is surrounded by other buildings that were constructed in the 1800s. A Civil War Trail is in the area, and Beaufort Historic Site is available to those who are curious about the town's history.
Kim Bell was an interior designer and chef, while Jonathan Haas was a homebuilder and chef. Purchasing the inn in 2015 gave them the opportunity to practice their professions in a new environment. Jonathan and Kim blend their passions, creating a unique environment for guests.
217 Turner Street
Beaufort, North Carolina 28516
United States
Coastal Contemporary
Kim Bell and Jonathan Haas
