The Company House Bed and Breakfast Inn, situated in Ducktown, Tennessee, features seven guestrooms available year-round for patrons. The home was originally built in 1850 and features a parlor room, dining room, and front porch area that guests can use throughout the day. The owner describes the home as "eclectic antique" style, with various pieces from the time period of the original construction on display throughout the house. Breakfast each morning is described as a "big country breakfast," usually featuring items such as biscuits and gravy, egg casserole, or other similar dishes. Each morning, between 7 and 8:30, breakfast is served "family style," and is prepared by Margie, the owner. Margie remarks that "the house has a magic to it," and that many who come to stay at the inn remark on the historic nature of the home.
The Company House Bed and Breakfast sits on Main Street in Ducktown, Tennessee. The home is painted white with green trim. A porch occupies space on the front of the building, with rocking chairs situated thereon so guests can enjoy evenings on the porch. The establishment occupies three-quarters of an acre in the town, and on the grounds, there is a koi pond as well as a garden area.
The interior of the building features antiques that are characteristic of the 1850s, which is the time period the house was first erected. The seven bedrooms each have unique names, with some of them being Old Tennessee, Burra Burra, and Hiwassee. Both the Old Tenessee Room and the Burra Burra Room have a queen bed and a twin bed, while the other five rooms have only a queen bed. All of the individual rooms have ensuite bathrooms, towels, washcloths, and bubble bath soap. In the hallway between the units is a basket that has shampoos, conditioners, and other similar items that guests can use if needed. Margie remarks that the home is "just like an old house that was built in 1850," with modern amenities. Common areas within the home include the parlor room and the dining room. The parlor room has a television and seating available, as well as a grand piano. Guests have mentioned that Mike, the innkeeper, has been known to play the piano for those staying at the home before. There are also board games in the parlor that patrons can play if they choose.
Breakfast is served in the dining room each morning. Margie says that the meal is served "family style," with all the patrons of the establishment eating together. The food served is different each day, however, Margie reports that it is a "big country breakfast," and usually features biscuits and gravy, eggs, or a breakfast casserole. Accommodations can be made for those with food allergies or sensitivities, Margie just asks that visitors notify her the night before so she can prepare for the meal with their needs in mind. Guests in the past have commented especially on the "duck wings," which are sweet rooms that Margie occasionally makes for the morning meal.
While staying at the bed and breakfast, there are policies in place that guests are asked to abide by. There is no smoking allowed at the inn, and pets are not allowed either. Additionally, only children over 12 years old can stay at the establishment. Lastly, Margie says that the "last one in at night locks the door." She reports that they haven't had problems in the past with occupants being loud or inconsiderate and that patrons are "like friends and family," during their stay. The Company House Bed and Breakfast Inn is open year-round, and Margie says that the busiest season for the inn is generally the summertime, due to many outdoor activities possible in the area.
Margie hopes that visitors to the bed and breakfast can feel comfortable and at home during their stay. In the hopes of providing an ambiance that is conducive to how she hopes guests feel, Margie says that she and Mike, the innkeeper, try to be friendly and help patrons with anything they may need. She says that she is able to interact with visitors on a regular basis and that in the evenings Mike often plays the piano in the parlor with those staying lounge and chat.
Those who have stayed previously at The Company House Bed and Breakfast Inn often comment on the breakfast they eat during their stay, as well as the hospitality of the innkeepers. One former guest said "The breakfast is made fresh each morning. The food was delicious and presented well. The owners were friendly and the house was clean. The 170-year-old house is unique and has lots of history." Many patrons note the availability of Margie and Mike to recommend places in the area to visit and eat. Some of these attractions include Fields of the Wood, which is a biblical theme park with the 10 commandments carved into the mountainside, the Ducktown Basin Museum, and the nearby city of Copper Hill. The area around the bed and breakfast has multiple steams, mountains, lakes, and trails that guests can enjoy as well. Blue Ridge Lake and Lake Ocoee are two notable areas for water sports such as kayaking. Multiple white water rafting companies are also close to the inn, and visitors can hire guides to take them down rapids rated as 3s and 4s. There are multiple eateries and breweries in the area as well, including Rod's Rock and Rolls, the Copper Hill Brewery, and the Buck Dog Brewery. Margie and Mike also offer recommendations to visitors in the area based on individual preferences.
The Company House Bed and Breakfast Inn has been functioning in its current capacity since 1993. Margie purchased the building, which had been abandoned for around 12 years prior to her ownership, and began to refurbish and restore the house to the condition it had been in the 1850s. During the renovation, they added bathrooms so that each of the guestrooms could have an ensuite bathroom, redid the plumbing and electrical wiring, and added central heating and cooling to the building. She and Mike, the innkeeper, also put up new wallpaper, paint, ceiling fans, and storm windows. While there were many updates and renovations done to make the home ready to be an inn, there are still original design features across the home, such as the front door. The door is the original one from 1850 when the house was built.
Margie never planned or dreamed of being a bed and breakfast owner, but has enjoyed her time as the owner of the Company House Bed and Breakfast. She came upon the home when she was visiting relatives for Thanksgiving, and knew that she needed to repair it. She said that "God brought me here for some reason," and that she has made many friends through the years of running the inn. Many of the guests of the establishment "become like family and friends when they come here," she said.
The home was originally built in 1850 and was owned by a doctor and his family. After living in the house for years, they sold it to another doctor and his family, Dr. Luche Kimsey. Both of his sons that grew up in the home became doctors as well. During the Civil War, they converted their home to be able to treat wounded soldiers, both those fighting for the Confederacy and the Union.
318 Main Street
Ducktown, Tennessee 37326
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Margie Tonkin
