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 After six months
of construction the tired but happy pair were able to open
the Inn in July of 1983, with seven guest rooms and a restaurant
open to the public.
The Winchester received its moniker due to the "mystery"
surrounding much of its structure. In the 1960's the owner
noted the many doors walled over, stairs inside closets
and windows boarded up. This reminded her of the famous
"Winchester Mystery House" in San Jose, California.
When the Gibbs began their ambitious project, among other
curiosities they too uncovered 11 windows and 13 doors,
but no skeletons! Since the house was locally well known
as the "Winchester House" they agreed that indeed
they would keep the name.
 The
summer of 1984 brought the first addition to the Gibbs family
when son Drew was born. Three years later Cate, Drew's little
sister joined the family. You may know their full names
better, as we have named two rooms after them, the Andrew
G. and the Catharine M. Many of you have watched them arrive
and grow, and now help us with the Inn.
Along with the expanding family, the business grew. In
1994 the Larkspur Cottage was built in the gardens, housing
the Inn's first suites. There was a bit of trouble with
the state historic commission, because they thought the
building design was "too authentic". The Gibbs
thought that was the idea! The following year the old Enders
House next door was purchased and completely renovated,
just like the Main House.
The building was named " Heritage House" in honor
of Laurie and Michael's families. Through the years both
families had given so much encouragement, that it was decided
to name the rooms after members of the family: parents,
grandparents, children and nephews. Sorry siblings, we ran
out of rooms.
 An
additional challenge for Laurie (an avid gardener), was
the barren, hilly lot surrounding the Main House. Armed
with a pick-ax, she began the process which a bulldozer
finished and established the flowing lines and the foundations
for the tiered gardens. The original chimneys in the house
supplied the bricks which hold the tiers in place. The basics
of the beautiful, mature gardens you see today, rapidly
began taking shape.
Years have passed since those first perennials were set
in the ground. We are proud of the gardens and the awards
they have claimed.
We hope that you will take time to stay and smell the roses.
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