The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism held a ribbon cutting celebration for Rosedale Manor Homestay at 204 Rosedale Ave. in Covington on Thurs., Jan. 26.
Marty and Ann Wells consider Rosedale Manor Homestay (circa 1906) as their dream business at what was the Hammond home that is more than a century old, one the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors changed its zoning law in order to accommodate the couple.
Marty and Ann moved to Covington in Jan. of 2021 after selling their 52-acre farm in the Piedmont region of Va.
At the reception where light refreshments were provided, Ann welcomed the many guests in attendance, ones who filled two rooms in the Victorian home overlooking the Jackson River.
Ann noted that she and Marty are only the third owners of the home that they have opted to run as a business that offers three private bedrooms upstairs to rent, the Jackson Room that overlooks the river and the historic district of Covington, the Princess Room and the Crawford Room, named for Edward Crawford, the builder of the home.
The upstairs features a shared bath, kitchenette, and common room replete with games.
During the ceremony inside the home, Chamber Executive Director Teresa Hammond welcomed those present, and Kathleen All, president of the Chamber, praised Marty and Ann for locating in Covington and wished them success in their new business venture.
Councilman Lance Carson and Mayor Tom Sibold represented the City of Covington, and Carson served as spokesman to render their greeting.
Mayor Jeff Irvine of the Town of Clifton Forge extended an invitation to call upon him if the Town of Clifton Forge could be of assistance, and James Griffith, a member of the Alleghany County Board of Supervisors, also welcomed the couple to the area.
David Crosier, the vice-mayor of Covington who is a member of the Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation congratulated the couple on their business venture.
Ann pointed out the architectural features of the home and noted modifications she and Marty have made to create a lodging facility that they hope will soon serve guests who will visit the Alleghany Highlands to view its many attractions.
After praising her realtor, Donna Keyser, for her hospitality and friendship that led to the ribbon cutting, Ann remarked, “We look forward to bringing recognition and visitors to the Alleghany Highlands by providing a homelike environment to guests who come to stay with us.”
Next, she invited all who were filling the two rooms to step outside to pose for media photographs of the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Hammond directed the ribbon-cutting ceremony which was held in the front yard next to the new “Rosedale Manor Homestay” sign erected beside the sidewalk that leads from Rosedale Ave. to the front door.
