Since 2017
Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains and right off Nelson Route 151, Open Heart Inn is a welcoming home for travelers and guests from far and near. Comprised of a farmhouse, cabin, and 10 acres of rolling fields, Open Heart Inn offers comfortable accommodations in stunning Nelson County and is uniquely located near hiking trails, breweries, cideries, wineries, Wintergreen Resort, and much more.
Open Heart Inn’s roots go back to 1840 when the original farmhouse was built. The cabin was built in 1930 and was an old country store providing the Roseland community with goods and a place to sit on the front porch and gossip. Rumor has it that cars didn’t drive through Roseland until the 1960s! In 1975 Bill and Helen Oglesby bought the property and lovingly restored the property, adding a modern addition in the 1990s and enlarging the cabin to include the back bedroom. Bill and Helen are local legends, and we work hard to honor their legacy. Helen was an artist and antiques dealer and the cabin was her gallery and shop for many years.
In 2017, a few days before their wedding, Laura and Mike Thibault learned that Laura might need open heart surgery due to a congenital heart defect. It was a shocking diagnosis, and one that sparked a lot of big questions for Laura and Mike. They were both working long hours with longer commutes at stressful jobs in the DC area, and were desperate for a change and a way to reconnect with nature, community, and creativity. As they met with cardiologists and heart surgeons to discuss Laura’s options, they also went looking for a piece of land in Nelson County, Laura’s hometown. After lots of consultations with doctors and soul searching, Laura ultimately chose not to have open heart surgery.
Instead, Laura and Mike chose to open their hearts and their home in a different way. Purchasing a rambling old farmhouse and cabin has been a beautiful adventure for their whole family, and they are excited to welcome you to Open Heart Inn.
We can’t wait to host you and your family,