ONCE UPON a time, there was a cozy cottage on a hill. Isn’t that how all the best stories begin? The story of Shelbyville local Vicky Black and her whimsical Hilltop Bed and Breakfast is no different. In 2012, Black bought the property that now holds her adorable cottage. In its original condition, the purchased property was not an inviting space to rest. There were two buildings on the property. One of the buildings was an old farmhouse. That farmhouse is now home to a lovely family, and the other building was a coal shed. The previous owner converted the coal shed into a pool house and then a studio apartment years later. When Black acquired the property, she slowly remodeled the simple apartment into a dreamy guest house straight out of a fairytale.
If you arrive at the cottage in the daytime, the first thing you will see are gorgeous fields of flowers and vibrant garden beds. There’s a classic white picket fence that wraps around the picturesque building. Then, off to the side of the cottage stands a towering row of Leyland cypress trees offering privacy to guests. If you adventure down the little brick road, your quest will lead you to a treasure. Shimmering below your feet, your heart races in anticipation. What could it be? You find a pool of water with the most brilliant and bright orange koi fish splashing underneath the water’s surface. With the koi pond in front of you and the world behind you, sit down on the old stone bench and allow your mind to escape you. Listen to the water trickling down from the fountain, remembering what it feels like to be a child without a care in the world. You’re safe here. You can relax. So breathe in deep and take as long as you need.
On occasion you might hear a busy bee working nearby as Black works in her glass shack next door. Inside the craft shack, she creates beautiful stained glass art. Feel free to pop in to say hello, but don’t stay too long! Breakfast is waiting inside!
Open the front door to find fresh fruit, muffins, hot and cold cereal, coffee, and hot tea. Grab a mug out of the cupboard, fill it up to the brim, and head back to a guest-favorite spot: the sunroom. Sit quietly, sipping your warm coffee, and enjoy the morning show as hummingbirds and cardinals zip around to their respective feeders. On occasion, a yellow finch will flutter by for a visit.
Wherever you find yourself resting on the property, Black desires that you make yourself at home. You will know this to be true the moment Black meets you with the key. The warmth of her demeanor, her knack for hospitality, and the thoughtfulness of her actions will help you leave your worries at the door. Whether you are a local and need a change of scenery or have family members coming to visit that need a place to stay, Hilltop Bed and Breakfast Cottage is the perfect getaway. Here you can unwind and let go of the tensions of the day. –GN