Stuart Hill
The natural beauty of the Virginia countryside is ever present at “The Hill”. Stroll the scenic gardens or hike down the winding path to the century old carriage barn that is nestled next to a rippling mountain creek. Take a moment to sit by the water as it cascades through the rocks and enjoy the natural oasis, a place to decompress your senses and reinvigorate your energy. Perhaps you would enjoy a moment of tranquility by the fountain garden and coy fish pond. Feel the gentle southern breeze as you relax on the wrap around porch and enjoy the antics of the Mockingbirds, Bluebirds, Goldfinches, Hummingbirds as well as the beautiful Virginia Cardinals as they alight amongst the flower gardens and bird feeders and nest in the giant magnolias, walnut trees and hemlocks.
While the vistas at Stuart Hill are magnificent, southern hospitality for our guests is of paramount importance. A refreshing glass of afternoon lemonade, a cup of hot coffee or tea and a sweet treat
on the wrap around porch or in the vintage tea parlor welcomes our B & B guests to the south! Overnight guests are treated to a scrumptious breakfast served in the traditional southern dining room or on the verandah, and even a breakfast to go if desired.
Stuart Hill Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to plan your overnight stay, but we can also host your very special event. It is a beautiful setting for weddings, family reunions, church events, birthday and anniversary celebrations, baby or wedding showers, and even tea parties! We are here to help you plan your event here at the “Hill”.
We look forward to serving you in our home with a touch of warm hospitality and our very own “Quaint Southern Charm”!
About the Owners
Innkeepers Ed and Kitty Cade relocated from the Delmarva Peninsula coastal area of Delaware and Maryland in 2016. Ed was with an engineering firm for 31 years and Kitty was a teacher and aquatic director. Married for “over 40 years, the Cade’s have always been history enthusiasts with a keen interest in collecting and restoring antiques as well as a love for landscaping and gardening. Having enjoyed the hospitality of Bed & Breakfasts throughout the years, the couple was lead to purchase and refurbish this stately, century-old Colonial Revival style home with the desire to offer a unique place for guests to find rest and relaxation in what is now known as Stuart Hill Bed & Breakfast.
With warm hospitality and “Quaint Southern Charm”, the Cade’s hope to accommodate those who desire to stay at the B & B as well as those who desire to utilize our home and grounds for their special occasion.
History
The property here at Stuart Hill has a fascinating history. Built by David Spencer Bill just after the turn of the century circa 1910, this Colonial Revival Style home was originally known as the D.S. Bill House. It is not only historically significant for the people who have lived here, but also for the preservation of its beautiful original architectural features. Once a part of the historical landmark, Grassdale Plantation, the land on which the house and carriage barn now stands was inherited by David Spencer Bill at the death of his uncle, namesake and benefactor, David H. Spencer of Spencer, Virginia. The Spencer family holds a significant place in Virginia history for the development and production of plug tobacco, of which D.S. Bill as a young man was a part.
This elegant country farmhouse has 14 rooms and still retains many of its original attributes including beautiful hardwood floors, large window features, a magnificent front entry door, elegant fireplaces and of course, the graceful wrap around porch. The house still stands in grandeur on the hill much as it has for over 100 years.
If the walls could talk, they would tell of days gone by, of its designer and builder, David Spencer Bill with his wife and young son, farming the land as his Spencer family had done since the early 1800’s. The walls would speak of a local physician and humanitarian, Dr. Benjamin F. Nolan and his wife, who purchased the house and lived here during the 1920’s as he practiced medicine in the Spencer area. Local history shows him pictured in the Martinsville Bulletin sitting astride his horse in front of this house, with medical bag in tow preparing to make house calls in the community.
The house would also be proud to be known as the family home of Jack and Mazie Lester and their five children in the mid 1900’s. Powell Jackson Lester is a historically significant figure in the fact that he was one of the five famous “Lester brothers” who provided a wealth of history through their contributions and accomplishments in the development of the lumber industry in the area. While Jack Lester farmed the land here, he also worked alongside his brothers at Lester Lumber Company. It became the primary source for wood resources needed for the growth of the community and building expansion and also supplied the materials for the thriving furniture industry. Other notable contributions by the Lesters (not brothers) included the 1926 construction of the Liberty Heights Swimming Pool in downtown Martinsville which proved to be a popular attraction of the time. It also boasted a skating rink and oak dance floor that were said to have brought famous big bands to its venue. The pool was also designed to provide a reservoir for fire protection for the Lester Lumber mill. Lester Aviation Company constructed the first airport in Martinsville and was also responsible for the later development of the Blue Ridge Regional Airport that is still today a thriving and important part of the region just west of this property.
The families that have called this place their home since then were inspired by the beauty of this grand old house. They have loved it and have made significant contributions of their own to preserve it for us. If its walls could talk it would tell of days gone by – of beautiful weddings and receptions, grand parties and dinners, of carriage rides and prize horses, of entrepreneurs and beauty queens, of births and deaths, of work and rest, and of the young and old who cherished their time here for the last 110 years.
And now, Stuart Hill Bed & Breakfast and the Cade family has become a part of the history of this house, sharing our home with guests who wish to experience its grandeur once again and to discover the elegance of quaint southern charm.