A warning

I haven't written in quite awhile. Didn't lose the desire and would have loved having this little area to vent, but was afraid someone would read it and get hurt. It has happened before, so I stopped writing anything that I was feeling only adding a little fluff here and there for those who may want to venture here. I find though, now, that I need a space to reflect, to review, to rant and rave, and I cannot worry about the feelings of others in the process. So, if anyone ever reads this, sees something that can be taken personally, I do not apologize. I do not regret the words I've written or plan to write and I will not soften their blows. This is not your window for venting it is mine, and if you cannot take the words in my heart and in my head, do not venture further.

Chamberlain Family Reunion

This is the latest from the Ashton Country House. August was a celebration of birthdays (Great Gramma Mart turned 91....we won't tell you how old the rest of us turned) as well as a big family reunion. All the daughters headed to the big house bringing family and extended family with them. It was loud, it was chaotic, but mostly it was fun. We were lucky enough to have a very talented photographer capture several hours of the madness and mayhem on film. Thank you Dominique Attaway! Click on the blog title to see the Great Big Happy Family and enjoy!

New Year

It's been so long since I've written and so much has happened. My dad remarried and is very happy, though he has been diagnosed with cancer (the doctor assures he'll die with cancer, not of cancer). My daughter married her sweetheart and the father of her baby. My son went off to the Culinary Institute and has been home on two separate occasions. My daughter gave birth to a baby boy. I found a friend I lost, and I lost a friend and will never find her again (it's sad how divorce makes EVERYONE choose sides). I've discovered that my sweetheart and business partner is not good at managing business but he's great at many other things. My son is having a difficult time at school right now and my daughter is visiting with the baby. Dick's daughter is in China picking up her new adopted daughter and his other daughter and family are in Disney World picking up Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. The Ashton Country House is a lot of fun but draining on many levels. The barn renovations have halted until funds can be found and I'm just taking everything one minute at a time. Happy New Year People!

The Ashton Country House

Welcome to the Ashton Country House situated on Ashton Farms in Staunton, Virginia. We are located near Lexington, Charlottesville and Harrisonburg which gives one easy access to colleges and universities in the area. Located just in the city limits of Staunton, we still have the feel of quiet, country living. One can hear the cows communicating with song birds while, in the distance, a train makes its way over the tracks. Come enjoy a walk up our gentle hills, a cycle ride into town or just a leisurely rest on our front porch swing.







We have several rooms from which to choose. Our largest is the Master Suite, a spacious yet comfortable room which contains the only king-sized bed available here. This suite also has a separate sitting room that can be transformed into another sleeping area. A perfect room for a family with small children!

Four of the remaining five rooms in the house are all comparable:

The Audubon Room is a whimsical bird sanctuary.

The Garden Room is is an array of colorful blooms,

and the Cottage Room is quaint yet spacious.

The Jefferson Room is the only other room that can actually sleep four, thanks to the daybed that opens into a queen-sized sleeper. It is directly off the main floor front door and is closest to the public areas.

The only room with its own access to outside is the Hideaway, a perfect room for people with pets or those who just wish to be apart from the Main House. A precious little area that is decorated in a style that honors the Pennsylvania Dutch.

There is no smoking in the house, but plenty of comfy areas outside where one can enjoy tobacco. We are pet and people friendly so bring your entire family to enjoy our home.

Prices vary depending upon the season, the package you choose or how many are in your party. We have everything from dinner and breakfast packages to just plain bed and breakfast. So be sure to give us a call to make your reservations: Local (540)885-3001, Toll-Free (877)885-3001, FAX (540)885-3304.

We look forward to meeting you!

Caroline and Dick

Big Changes

So much happening this month hence the reason I have not been here in a coon's age. They say things happen in threes and that seems to hold true for what is occuring in my own life.

First, the big announcement from the daughter came at the beginning of the month. She is expecting my first grandchild in January and she and Mikey will marry in August (on Richard's birthday). It will be a very small wedding, held at Mikey's grandmother's house followed by a true redneck (sans alcohol) BBQ that Dick is going to cater. It should be a lot of fun. Send thoughts and prayers their way! I will continue to live here though part time as that brings us to the second big event of June.

We bought the B&B (or I should say Dick bought the B&B). Yes, the Ashton County House in Staunton, VA is "ours" and will be open for business in two weeks! He surprised me with the closing the first Wednesday of June and we've been busy trying to get our lives organized, packed and moved into the new digs ever since. We spent last week hauling personal items south and will probably do that again several times for the next two weeks. Richard is busy with securing licenses and redesigning the website (or having one of his sons-in-law do it) as well as doing everything else that is necessary for his consulting business. I will continue with Williams-Sonoma for the time being, though only two/three days a week and traveling back and forth (thank God Staunton is only 2 hours away). Once the B&B takes off this may change, but until then I will be the happy commuter.

Finally, Kyle graduated last week and is off to summer school at the local Tech school. He needs to take an English course and a math course before heading up to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He will also be working this summer which means his plate will be extremely full. Not sure if Bravard will be finishing her Associate's Degree before the baby is born, but I have done all I can to counsel her in that regard. She is an adult and the decision has to be hers.

So, until I have time to do this again, stay safe and be happy. God bless!