Oprah & McCrabby agree:
take a day or two to relax here
McCrabby did that last weekend, staying at his favorite Bed & Breakfast location with Mrs. M. It was so nice (our sixth stay there) that McCrabby thought he should share this gem with readers.The Inn is owned by Kathy and Tom VanDaff, who are delightful people to get to know, and who will take your reservation personally, and tend to all or your needs. They have owned the Inn (and completely refurbished it) since 1987.
This inn is a terrific get-away, an unbelievable place to hold a summer wedding (McCrabby's daughter was married here), and the Inn has been featured on Oprah. While the Oprah segment seems lost, here is a video story on Greencrest, that references Oprah -- CLICK VIDEO below).
It is, without question, the nicest bed & breakfast McCrabby and Mrs. M have ever stayed in.
In fact, the McCrabbys are planning to Inn-sit for Kathy and Tom sometime this summer (we'll post something here), so if you'd like to visit when McCrabby is there, and when Mrs. M is fixing breakfast (worth the trip just for her cooking), let us know. We'd love the company.
Now, before McCrabby gives you the history, here's a deal: if you want to visit Greencrest Manor, drop McCrabby's name for a ten per cent discount off your room.
Now, the history: Greencrest Manor was constructed, in the 1930's, as the private home for one of Battle Creek's most prominent residents. George R. Burt, son of Michigan lumber baron Wellington R. Burt, who came to Battle Creek to pursue a business career. He and his new wife, Nellie Zinn from Lafayette, Indiana, vowed to build a home on their favorite picnic spot, overlooking St. Mary's Lake.
In the course of purchasing the property, Burt passed away. His widow fulfilled their dream by completing the structure in the authentic French-Normandy style and surrounding it with extensive formal gardens.
In the early 1960s, the estate was purchased by the Catholic Church and for nearly 20 years it was used as a seminary. The estate was then sold, and the subsequent series of owners allowed the property to fall into disrepair.
In 1987 the estate was purchased by its present owners, Tom and Kathy VanDaff, who dedicated themselves to returning the property to its former glory. Two years of careful renovations followed. At last, in the spring of 1989, the property proudly reopened in its current role as a bed and breakfast.
Give yourself a break.. This place will renew you.
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McCrabby
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