MCEDP

The top-to-bottom renovation of Manor Inn, the youngest of Pinehurst Resort’s three historic hotels, was recently completed, opening up 43 guest rooms.

First opened in 1923 after the Holly Inn (1895) and the Carolina Hotel (1901) and originally owned by Emma Bliss, the Manor Inn was later acquired by Pinehurst Resort in 1990. The hotel’s cozier, relaxed charm has long been a favorite for golfers, foursomes and a few legends, like the late Arnold Palmer and his father, Deacon.

“The Manor Inn has always served as a golfing hub,” said Scott Brewton, Pinehurst Resort’s senior vice president and general manager.

All of the Manor Inn’s interior spaces have been completely renovated.  New spaces include larger guest rooms in soothing tones of greens, blues and grays, and The Market, a grab-and-go dining area for breakfast and lunch. In addition, there are several new hospitality spaces including the Club Room, the Library and the soon-to-be-completed Cask Room in the North & South bar, which is expected to open in late November.

The lone original component following the renovation is its fabled white exterior, made of a special stucco-style building material known as Kellastone, that was particular to its era.

“Our intention was to improve upon and modernize the guest experience while still preserving the Manor’s unique charm. I think we’ve accomplished that in fine fashion,” said Bob Dedman Jr, Pinehurst Resort’s chief executive officer.

The North & South bar will feature a few taps of craft beer from the nearby Pinehurst Brewing Company, as well as an extensive whiskey selection. Brewton said while the bar will have a limited menu, Manor guests using the hospitality rooms will have the option to order in advance from a special catering menu provided by Pinehurst Brewing.

Outside the bar, a new outdoor patio area with seating for 20 includes three fire pits and a water feature.

“We are very proud of this place,” Brewton said.

The Manor Inn renovation marks more than a decade’s worth of substantial reinvestments and reimagining of spaces undertaken by Pinehurst’s owners, the Dedman family.

Major projects in recent years include a four-phase renovation of the Carolina Hotel, followed by a renovation of the Holly Inn.

Pinehurst kicked off a $4 million renovation of its main clubhouse five years ago, plus construction of a $5 million aquatics complex near the Pinehurst Members Club.

More recently, Pinehurst Brewing Company opened one year ago in the historic steam plant building located within easy walking distance from the Manor Inn.

“Our mantra is simple,” Dedman said. “Always Pinehurst, but always better.”

(Original story by Laura Douglass, The Pilot 9/24/19; photo courtesy of The Pilot)