The History
Originally the home of Simon Reid Curtis, the southern mansion was built in 1897. It was the first dwelling built in Lee Hall Village and is the only 19th century building remaining. Mr. Curtis was known as the “Boss Man” of then Warwick County. Mr. Curtis’ family was very well known in Warwick County and owned a great deal of land including Mulberry Island (which is now Ft. Eustis) and End View Plantation. Mr. Curtis designed the house to accommodate his family residence, Hall of Records and Tax Assessor’s office, a General Store and the county Post Office. Simon and Nannie (Cooke) Curtis had four children; Carter Coleman, Douglas Cary, Elsie Cook and Nannie Reed. Mr. & Mrs. Curtis enjoyed sharing their home with guests and were known to host elegant social events and political gatherings. The Curtis’ hosted many special guests including General Pershing and W.C. Fields. They also rented rooms to officers and their families during World War I and World War II. The Curtis home played an important role in the growth of Lee Hall Village and Warwick County.
After the death of his parents in the 1940s, the eldest son Coleman continued to live in the home with his wife Edith. Edith was a collector of antiques and filled the home with her treasures. When Edith passes away the house was saved from destruction by Mr. & Mrs. Lucas. They purchased the property in 1995 and completely restored the home and opened as the Boxwood Inn.
In June of 2009, the Simon Reid Curtis House was added to the Virginia Landmark Register. The home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August of 2009. In December of 2008, Kathy and Derek Hulick, along with Kathy’s son Josh and his wife Rebekah took over the Boxwood Inn.
The Haunting
Stay where the ghosts stay when visiting Williamsburg! Boxwood Inn Bed and Breakfast in Newport News has seven spirits haunting the building. The energy connected to it is strong. How strong? Strong enough to consistently drain new batteries during paranormal events held there.One of the gentle spirit here is said to be one of Nannie Curtis. Harmless activity is the norm, such as doors opening and closing on their own. She is also said to enjoy knocking on doors in the morning. Sleeping in is apparently not her idea of fun for this world. There is also an elderly gentleman, holding a cane, who appears on occasion.
For booking info
Please visit their website: https://historicboxwoodinn.com
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