A Morning at the Barn with Inn

Did you know there is a place with rolling hills, beautiful flowers, friendly animals, and a spot to sleep all nestled right in Brooke County?  I think many of you have heard of the Barn with Inn but haven’t experienced the real magic of this place.  I was granted an opportunity to see it for myself last Saturday.  Like many of you, I’ve driven by the entry to this place on Rt. 88 many times. My photographer eyes always had me drooling over what I could see from the road.  Any photographer would do the same!  It’s a lovely location with wonderful photographic opportunities.  I didn’t, however, realize quite how delightful it was until I entered the property and experienced it for myself.  

The Innkeepers, Harry Sanford and Chatman Neely have something no one else can offer in our area.  They run this bed and breakfast and give you an experience you won’t forget.  While you’re lounging by the pool, you may have a flock of hens pass through or you might even be greeted by Pretty Boy Floyd.  He just happens to be their turkey.  The dogs run free and are happy to spend time with the guests but if, for some reason, they don’t particularly feel like mingling at that moment, you could always visit with their pot bellied pig!  Isn’t that neat?! There are other animals, as well!  It’s such a unique place!

Please keep in mind this is private property.  While anyone is welcome with permission, only guests are permitted to com and go at their own leisure.  The innkeepers are very respectful of their guests overall experience and hope for them to have full relaxation during their break.  If you’d like to check out the area before you book your stay, feel free to call them!  When I called and asked permission to photograph on their land, I was greeted with a friendly voice and I couldn’t have felt more welcome.  They’re happy to make accommodations for visitors to come when other guests aren’t present.  Go ahead…call them! You won’t regret it!

Here are some shots I took after the official session (you’ll see those photos below).  I stayed behind to see if I could sneak some pictures of the animals without the kids running around.  Although, I MUST note that these animals were more than accommodating with the children.  I’ve never seen a group so comfortable around strangers.  I can’t say it enough…..it was a really great experience.  Harry and Chatman are doing wonderful things not only for these animals (most of whom are rescued, fostered, and/or adopted) but for the guests who come and stay!

Enjoy!

This pretty hen was just hanging out on the door step.  I was pretty close and she still just sat there and let me take her picture.

This picture below cracks me up!  Although it’s not technically sound from a photography standpoint and I wouldn’t have normally added it to the finished bunch, this shows what it’s really like out there.  These animals are permitted to come and go as they please.  Pretty Boy Floyd (the turkey) REALLY wanted his picture taken.  I couldn’t keep him out of my shots! HA!

Harry told me later that Pretty Boy Floyd hadn’t shown off this much in a long time!  He apparently likes to model.  Seriously, who would have thought I’d be able to get this close to a free range, friendly turkey?!  Here’s your finished photo, buddy!

Some more of the animals!

Since Pretty Boy Floyd was happy, I went back to get another picture of the pig.  He was tuckered out by that time though.  Despite my best, cheery, photographer voice, he just wasn’t having any part of picture time!

So pretty!

Now, let’s check out the original reason I went for a visit to this wonderful place!  I had the opportunity to photograph these two little girls!  If they look familiar, that’s because they were the flower girls in a wedding I photographed last fall at The Barn in Moundsville, WV.  They’ve grown SO much in less than a year and their posing skills have greatly improved!  I was so proud of them!! They did so great!  Lots of big smiles this day (It wasn’t just me….I know the animals helped too)!

Again, please be respectful of the innkeepers effort for privacy and relaxation.  I called ahead of time and requested permission to spend a couple of hours on the property taking pictures with my clients.  They don’t usually permit visitors on the weekend when guests are staying, but their guests this particular weekend were return visitors and didn’t mind our intrusion during their getaway.

Enjoy!

These animals didn’t even bat an eyelash when the girls stuck their arms in and giggled for them to come closer.  They trotted right over and greeted these sweet children.  Amazing animals!

We took a little walk on the mowed paths.  There was so much to see and explore!

What’s more fun than running in a beautiful, wild flower field?  Nothing that I can think of!

I told them to play “lion in the grass”.  Nailed it!

Then, we had to take a walk down by the lake.

…and then we marched up the road!

The day was beautiful but the sun was SO bright.  So, being the cooperative kids they are, they listened when I asked them to squat.  I couldn’t ask for better subjects especially with so much to see and do! <3

We had to get one shot of them with the “Slow – Dogs at Play” sign, of course!

Before we got ready to leave, this extremely friendly cat came over to say “hello”.  The girls were thrilled!

I hope you enjoyed the photos!!!  

You can find more information about the Barn with Inn by clicking here.  They not only offer over night lodging, but they also do weddings, special events, and farm-to-table foods!

Do it.  Call them!  You deserve a little getaway!