Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast, located in Durham, North Carolina, is currently owned by Monica and Daniel Edwards, who purchased the house in 1997. When the house was built in 1910, it was constructed to be the home of one of Durham's founding tobacconists. Vast amounts of money were put into the creation of the home and, as a result, the rooms for the bed and breakfast already had private bathrooms, which meant that Monica and Daniel did not have to make any major changes to the structure itself. Additionally, Morehead Manor has a few outdoor areas and provides guests with breakfast every morning. Monica wants her guests to feel comfortable and relaxed and has a goal to help them with what they may need.
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast offers five guestrooms: the Tiger Room, the Eagle's Inn, the Jasmine Room, the Orchid Room, and the Magnolia Suite. Each of these guestrooms has its own style and décor. Both the Tiger Room and the Magnolia Suite have a king-sized bed, the Jasmine room and the Orchid Room have queen-sized beds, and the Eagle's Inn has two queen-sized beds. Each unit is equipped with its own bathroom, robes, irons and ironing boards, and locally-made bathroom products. Multiple rooms also feature sofas and desks, which visitors sometimes use to work online. The most popular units are the Tiger Room and the Magnolia Suites. Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast has several common areas, which include the Pecan Dining Room, Jacob's Library, and Preston's Parlor, which offers a television that guests are welcome to use. Monica, the owner of Morehead Manor, explains that the interior of the house is sometimes different than what patrons expect. "It's not what people think from the outdoors," she remarks, saying that "although the house is a Colonial revival-styled mansion, the interior welcomes guests with hues of warm and inviting colors." Guests to the property sometimes come for weddings, college tours, or other events.
Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast is cream-colored with large windows, chocolate-colored trimming, and a green roof. Situated on about an acre, the establishment has rear and side gardens, swings, a patio that is used for events, a bocce court, and a hammock. The inn is located in a historic neighborhood.
Because Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast is located near downtown Durham, various features and activities are available. Monica suggests that people visit some of these attractions, namely the nearby universities, Duke chapel, the botanical gardens, the primate center, the Museum of Life and Science, and the Nasher and North Carolina University Museums of Art. Durham is also home to several annual festivals. Third Friday's is a monthly event which occurs from April to November. Monica also suggests that people participate in the Carolina Gourmet Food Tour, which takes participants to multiple "uniquely Durham" eateries to taste the various food items that are available. With an international airport a few minutes away, people can fly to and from various parts of Europe through direct flights.
Breakfast is included for guests to the Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast, and it often consists of either a sweet or savory main dish. Monica and Daniel can make accommodations for those with allergies or specific dietary restrictions. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and desserts are also included for those staying at Morehead Manor.
Daniel and Monica want their guests to feel comfortable, relaxed, and rejuvenated. Monica explains that they try to meet the guests' needs in order to accomplish this. They are usually available for their guests but also have a digitized guest services guide with information about the inn and the area in case they cannot be found around the property. Monica expresses that she wants her guests to "come as guests and leave as friends." She enjoys "meeting people and providing a space for them to come to relax and enjoy themselves."
Monica and Daniel try to ask guests about what they want to do, how they can make their stay more comfortable, and how they feel about the property. Some guests have explained that they appreciated the cleanliness of the establishment, and others have complimented the breakfast. One guest, in particular, said that "the artwork and details throughout the entire property are well curated and give a beautiful ode to black culture and the local area. I felt welcomed and appreciated. The accommodations are lovely, the beds are comfortable, and the food is great." Another guest described Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast as "a warm and welcoming place to stay." They continued on to say, "We loved being able to learn a little bit about the area from [the innkeepers] as well as enjoying their hospitality! The artwork and décor make it extra special, and all of the gathering spaces, indoors and outdoors, are unique and inviting."
At Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast, policies have been put in place to benefit the house, guests, and owners. One of the current policies asks that visitors reschedule if they are sick or feel they have been exposed to illnesses. As a result of this policy, Monica and Daniel have been more flexible with their cancellation policies. Smoking is prohibited within the house but is allowed in the designated smoking area on the property. No pets are allowed, mainly because the inn has two resident Siamese cats. Monica is willing to put her cats in a separate location if guests are allergic or prefer her to do so. Monica expresses that she understands that not everybody likes pets, and she respects their needs when it comes to her cats. These policies have the purpose of making the establishment more comfortable if possible.
The outdoor patio is often used for hosting events at Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast. Baby showers, book clubs, bridge gatherings, and luncheons are some of the events that are hosted on the property. Weddings are relatively common, and they can be performed in the gardens, inside the house, or in the Carriage House, which is another feature of the property. Events can be held throughout the year, seeing as the property is open year-round. Guests who have hosted events at Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast have complimented the layout of the property and the accommodations that Monica and Daniel made.
Morehead Manor was built circa 1910 and was referred to as the Tom Cobb House. This house and others in the neighborhood are part of a designated historic district, with the manor itself being listed on the National Historic Registry. The building was originally built for the CEO of one of the founding tobacco companies in the area. The current owners of the manor, Monica and Daniel, have owned the property for 25 years.
In 1995, Daniel and Monica stayed at their first bed and breakfast. They enjoyed their stay and decided that, in time, they wanted to own their own property. They wanted to create a space that was comfortable and accommodating, though they initially planned to do it when they retired. However, in 1996, far as they were from retirement, they were given the opportunity to purchase Morehead Manor. In 1997, they opened the doors of the Morehead Manor Bed and Breakfast and they have been operating it ever since.
914 Vickers Avenue
Durham, North Carolina 27701
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Monica and Daniel
