Surry Business

Sobotta Manor in Mount Airy is one of the 10 best-overall bed-and-breakfast operations in the United States, according to BedandBreakfast.com.

A second Mount Airy B&B, Maxwell House Bed & Breakfast, is BedandBreakfast.com’s “Inn of the Month” for September.

The BedandBreakfast.com web site, which describes itself as the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide, on Sept. 20 announced the winners of its third annual web-based awards program. After studying 10,000 reviews submitted by inn-goers, BedandBreakfast.com selected the award winners based on both the number of reviews and on a qualitative analysis of what was said about each B&B.

Sobotta Manor Bed & Breakfast is owned and operated by Thurman and Robin Hester. It is at 347 W. Pine St. (N.C. Highway 89), a few blocks from Mount Airy’s historic downtown district. The Tudor Revival-style house was built in 1932 by John Sobotta, a prominent local businessman and furniture factory owner. His home has been lovingly restored as an elegant, yet comfortable, bed and breakfast with an eclectic mix of antiques, sumptuous fabrics, fine linens and beautiful gardens.

The grand foyer and parlor have been richly decorated in an elegant, yet warm and inviting manner. Step through the front entry of the mansion and you’ll see the unique Italian marble fireplace, 10-foot-tall ceilings, and a magnificent staircase surrounded by hand-carved, black walnut walls. You can sink into one of the comfortable down chairs and relax in the red gentleman’s parlor stocked with books, a variety of magazines and a game table for chess or cards.

The wide porch overlooks the original terraced gardens that features a columned pergola. The Blue Ridge Mountains can be seen in the distance.

The complete list of “Best of BedandBreakfast.com” award winners is here.