Beltway burnouts Frank and Laura Mattingly—he from hospital administration, she from college administration—have lovingly created an inn that is affordable, elegant, and comfortable. The Mattinglys’ two-year restoration of the 1795 Federal mansion with Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian additions earned them the Historic Staunton Foundation’s Preservation Award for 1992. Furnished with antiques, the yellow mansion perches on Gospel Hill, which, like the inn, is named to honor the home’s first resident, blacksmith and preacher Sampson Eagon. It’s across from the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, a short walk to downtown.
The spacious, high-ceilinged rooms have canopied queen-size beds, down or non-allergenic pillows and comforters, sitting areas, and cable TV with VCR units. The Holt Room showcases Laura’s deift tile collection, setting the theme for the soothing blue-and-white decor.
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