The Longing for Home Bed and Breakfast: A Review from a Three-time Customer

Location
The Longing for Home Bed and Breakfast is located in the sleepy little town of Rogersville, Alabama. You'll find it by the two large, brick-lined driveways at 1017 Lee Street (map it) less than a mile from downtown.

Scores
Setting 5/5
Uniqueness 4/5
Hosts/Staff 5/5
Local Area 4/5
Decor & Cleanliness 5/5
Handicap Accessibility 1/5
Amenities 5/5
Food 5/5

Setting
Longing for Home is situated far off Lee Street on 15 acres of beautiful North Alabama land. The east boundary is a wooded stream which has a well-kept walking path. It's prefect for an afternoon stroll. There are two inviting gazebos which are perfect for both a lazy afternoon conversation or a wedding ceremony. If you're a Summer visitor, bring your bathing suit for a dip in the swimming pool.

Uniqueness
The Longing for Home Bed and Breakfast is a modern replica of a 19^th century farm house. It was built as a private residence, but refurbished as a bed and breakfast in 2008 by it's current owners, Bill and Betty Maloney. Each of the three main bedrooms on the upper level have a unique theme. The Maloneys go out of their way to make each room and each guest feel unique. They always have plans to add new features and luxuries to the house and grounds. On our last trip, Bill told me about the soon-to-be-added Smores bar. A secluded, outdoor hot-tub is also on the planning board.

Hosts/Staff
It is the hosts who set a bed & breakfast apart. Bill and Betty Maloney are two rare finds. They are genuinely warm people and have no need to pretend for the sake of their guests. They will make time for a chat or make sure you are not disturbed if you prefer.

Local Area
Though Rogersville is a sleepy, Alabama town, the surrounding area still offers some great indoor and outdoor fun. Just across the highway from the B & B is Joe Wheeler State Park and access to the Tennessee river. You can tour the TVA Wheeler dam, fish, golf, even take a river cruise. The Shoals are just 25 minutes west. Huntsville and it's many attractions, including the Space and Rocket Center, are 45 minutes east.

If you'd rather stay in, check the Longing for Home web site for added specials like a one-hour, rejuvenating massage. I had mine on a perfect Spring day on the pool deck.

Local dining runs the gambit from fast food to a good steak dinner at Stanfield's to the all-you-can-eat Saturday night seafood buffet at the State Park lodge. For lunch, try Whitt's barbeque or the Savannah Café.

Decor & Cleanliness
The first thing you'll notice about the Longing for Home Bed & Breakfast is the beautiful pine floor throughout the house. Guests are welcomed to grab a book or DVD from the fully-stocked library. An east-side sunroom doubles as the breakfast area. There you'll find a one-cup coffee maker, soft drinks, snacks, and a popcorn machine. I don't think you'll find a speck of dust in the entire house.

Handicap Accessibility
This is the only category where Longing for Home Bed & Breakfast gets low marks. Obviously, a converted home is not expected to be handicapped accessible, but it's something to consider when booking. All three bedrooms are upstairs and even the Sleeping Porch has a three-step entrance. My wife sometimes uses a cane and we were pleasantly surprised when Betty offered our breakfast in-room. Not only does everyone enjoy breakfast in bed, but it saved a round-trip on the stairs.

Amenities
The Maloneys take "bed and breakfast" very seriously. Every bed is a individually-adjustable Select Comfort Sleep Number^® and every meal is delicious. You'll find hotel-sized soaps and bath accessories in every bathroom. If you need anything, check the upstairs, hallway sideboard. You'll find band-aids, an iron, extra shampoo, and just about anything else you may need. If not, just ask. The Maloneys are all about making sure you are comfortable.

Sunshine Daydreams was the former master suite and therefore the largest bedroom. It has a private bath with both a walk-in shower and whirlpool tub. You can even have your breakfast on the east-side balcony. Country Graces is a large room towards the rear of the house. It has been remodeled to include an in-room toilet and classic claw-foot tub for a luxurious soak. Both Sunshine and Country have king-size beds.

Simple Pleasures is fitted as a typical Shaker bedroom. Pegs line the wall and act as a convenient closet. A built-in desk/bookcases provides a work space for the business traveler. The bath for Simple Pleasures is just two steps directly across the hall and has a deep, Greek soaking tub. The bed is queen-size.

For the adventurous-at-heart, there is the Sleeping Porch. It's exactly what the name says, a curtained area of the west porch with a large trundle bed. There is even a private steam shower off the porch. A word of caution, neither summers or winters in Alabama are conducive to sleeping outside. Check the weather forecast before booking the Sleeping Porch.

The Maloneys recently added mini-fridges to each room. The whole house has wi-fi access. Just ask for the code if you need to connect.

Food
The second "B" in bed and breakfast is also taken very seriously at Longing for Home. Betty does an amazing job. You can expect quiche, omelets, even little egg souffles. Fresh fruit or a fruit compote is usually the side dish. If you're lucky, you may find your plate filled with carrot-cake pancakes. I had never experienced carrot-cake pancakes until our first visit to Longing for Home. I was surprised and not disappointed.

Betty does her best to provide for special requests. Before our third visit, we called one week in advance to explain our need for a diabetic menu. Every breakfast was diabetic-friendly and still delicious as ever. Betty even had sugar-free fudge as a birthday treat for my wife.There's no need to stop for a snack before check-in, either. You'll find a bottle of sparkling grape juice and a tray of cheese, crackers & fruit waiting in your room.

Restrictions
No pets inside. Howie, the golden retriever, likes the house to his self. Larger pets can be accommodated in the outdoor kennel. No guests under the age of 13. Two guests maximum per room unless prior arrangements are made.

Overall
We've stayed at the Longing for Home Bed & Breakfast on three occasions. I don't think I need to say more about how much we love it. The atmosphere is relaxed and the hosts are magnificent. You couldn't ask for a more delightful bed & breakfast experience. If you decide to stop by, tell Bill and Betty theBarefoot sent you.

References/More info
Longing for Home Bed & Breakfast web site

The following video is a walk-thru of the Longing for Home B & B I shot on 16 October 2010. It is just under 14 minutes long. You'll see the grounds, lower level, and all three bedrooms. Enjoy.
Link to author-made Longing for Home B&B video.