Have you ever been inside the Old Oak Inn in Soldiers Grove? Well, have you been inside of it since the Roths bought it one year ago and started remodeling it?
The Roths are inviting everyone to an open house at the 112-year-old landmark building located near Highway 131 and New Well Road following the Dairy Days Parade in Soldiers Grove at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17.
The massive structure was originally built in 1900 as a mansion for wealthy businessman and Soldiers Grove merchant O.K. Himley. Over the years, it has been a private residence, nursing home, restaurant and lounge. Under the Roth’s ownership, the Old Oak Inn has become a bed and breakfast that serves as a destination for weddings, gathering and private parties.
“We focus on radical hospitality and making foods from scratch and as local as possible,” Holly Roth said.
The Roths said they purchased the historic landmark because it is a sister house to the Roth House, a historic house they run as a bed and breakfast on Pine Street.
The Roths have made some changes to the building to make their guests feel more at home. The commercial effect of the restaurant has dissolved into a more home-like feel. One of the dining rooms has been changed into a sitting parlor. All of the carpets have been removed to reveal the original oak floor on the lower level and heart pine on the upper levels. The kitchen was also remodeled.
The entire house features exquisitely crafted woodwork. Antiques placed throughout the house accentuate the feel.
This summer, the exterior of the building is being repainted by Jeff Adams and Bruce Pittsley; both are local artists and carpenters. The Roths want to see the house transformed by their work to resemble the 'Painted Lady' that she truly is.
So, this Sunday after the Dairy Days Parade drop by the Old Oak Inn for tours of the Victorian home originally built as the Himley Mansion. You can also linger on the large porches and listen to the old time music of Kevin Dohse and Jane Keeley while you enjoy some complimentary lemonade and cookies.
The Old Oak Inn’s accommodating Acorn Lounge will also be open for business.
