Carriage House Inn – Aiken’s Downtown Charm I grew up in Aiken, and I have always been charmed by the historic house nestled in the heart of downtown Aiken on Laurens. The beautiful white house has been restored into a Bed and Breakfast. The sign in front of the Inn, supported by two wrought iron posts, reads as ‘Carriage House Inn, Circa 1872’. Feeling like a true southerner, I walked up the arched stairway, guided by the wrought iron railings, to get to the main entrance of the inn. I was greeted with warm welcomes as I walked through the double entrance to the Inn’s main parlor on the first floor. The furnishing touches and décor are upscale, bright and cheerful with a touch of southern elegance. I could smell the breakfast cooking and hear people laughing from the kitchen area. As I explored the Inn, I made my way to the kitchen area. The sun rays were shining through the windows, and the room was filled with the warmth and graciousness of the south. There was a variety of tables for the guests – beautifully decorated with plates and napkins. I browsed the breakfast menu (and peeked at the actual breakfast – the smell was too inviting). The complimentary breakfast includes a breakfast buffet with eggs, bacon, sausage, assorted breads, oatmeal, fresh fruit, assorted cereals, and specialty items such as blueberry french toast strata, pancakes and more wonderful breakfast delights. It looks scrumptious! As I explored the bed and breakfast, I asked about the sign in front of the Inn – ‘Carriage House Inn, Circa 1872'. In 1872, the Carriage House Inn was originally called the Efron House, built by the Efron family, to use as their home. The current brick warehouse was built in the 1930s and was used for Aiken's Winter Colony, as a taxi and limousine service which was owned by Isadore Efron. In 1987, Ann Thomasson purchased and renovated the property. By 1998, she transformed the property into the Carriage House Inn. Ann Thomasson received the Stewardship Award from the Historic Aiken for the property, and she’s not done yet! New additions and renovations are expected to be completed soon. The Inn is going from 13 rooms to 37 rooms. The Pendleton Guest House is the newest edition, featuring rooms with luxurious steam showers and whirlpool bathtubs. Another exciting aspect of the new addition is the renovated and expanded courtyard, which is located behind the Main Inn. The Guest Suites overlook this gorgeous courtyard, and it will be available for private functions. In addition to the Courtyard, the Pendleton Guest House has expansive roof top space overlooking Aiken that will also be available for private events. Aside from enjoying the Inn’s Courtyard (your back yard – home away from home), explore the charming downtown Aiken. It’s a doorstep nearby. Carriage House Inn is in the heart of locally owned restaurants – fine and casual dining, coffee shops and bakeries; opportunities for shopping enthusiasts, arts and theatre, banks, a local drug store, a trolley tour …the list goes on. Carriage House Inn has all the ingredients of Southern hospitality and accommodations that are unique to their locale. It’s Aiken’s Downtown Charm!
