Exciting things are happening here at the Baer House Inn. Fun new stuff. Really cool, really old new stuff. Really expensive new stuff.
Here’s what’s new at the Baer House this past couple of weeks.
Some of you probably saw this post on Facebook, but here it is again.
This is our new dining room set for the grand ballroom at the Baer House Inn. A 17th centrury, hand carved table with 8 leaves and 14 chairs. This lovely work of art was hand crafted in Amsterdam in the late 1690’s and brought to America via merchant ship, where it made it’s way to Meridian, Missippippi at some point about 250 years ago. The family who owned this table and chairs was in the furniture business for many, many years; the estate finally passing to a single man who died of brain cancer with no heirs. The estate was liquidated by a distant relative who had no use (or room) for this emaculate gothic furniture and we ended up the high bidder on a on-line auction. (Yikes!)
That’s right, we bought this amazing work of art, sight unseen, at an on-line auction. (Say what?) Scary adventure – really scary adventure – but it seems like that’s what we’re all about these days. Turns out it was lovely and more than we expected from the expericnce, thank God.
Next we purchased this equally exciting sideboard to accent our showpiece dining set in our grand ballroom. This one, we saw first hand at a local antique dealer before writing the check.
This amazing sideboard, or more appropriately named huntboard, was originally commissioned for a ships’s captain in the 1750’s. That’s right, this piece of furniture came off of a ship! A ship, people! A sailing ship on the high seas in the 1700’s. How cool is that?!? I can’t say for sure, but I’m going to call it a pirate ship, because that sounds so much cooler than a merchant ship. (Think Captain Jack Sparrow.) This piece of furniture used to reside in the captain’s quarters of the Black Pearl. How incredibly cool is that?!? (Excuse me while I wipe drool off the keyboard.) Hey, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. A ship is a ship right?
Now, where was I? Oh, yes, the grand ballroom. Our grand ballroom is so amazing right now, with the acquisition of these two fabulous pieces, I wish you could all see it for yourself. It’s a totally “wow” experience when you walk through our front doors and lay eyes on the dining room furniture. Did I mention our huntboard came from Jack Sparrow’s quarters onboard the Black Pearl? (It didn’t but . . . ) Seriously, it came off of a ship. I am not making this up. It. Came. Off. Of. A. Ship. (I just think that is so cool.)
Anyway, we’re working to upgrade and improve each of our guest rooms as well, as time and money allow. It is our goal to make the Baer House one of Vicksburg’s finest museum homes, offering comfortable rooms at affordable prices with genuine hospitality that will keep you wanting to come back year after year. We want to make you comfortable in lavish surroundings, indicative of hospitality associated with the south.
This adventure here in Vicksburg has been a blessing beyond all measure. I think I was meant to entertain and to entertain in style. I am having so much fun finding truly unique pieces to fill our new home with character, history and pizazz. I had no idea antiques were so interesting.
And, in case you’re thinking it’s all about the house, it’s not. Here’s a little taste of something that cannot be purchased or sold at any cost. It’s a gift from God Almighty and another reason why I am truly humbled and thankful to be living in Vicksburg, Missippippi.
It’s not about the stuff people. That fabulous sunset, is a work of art from our heavenly creator and cannot be bought or sold. It is a gift to be savored. Nope, it’s not about the stuff.
Thanks for visiting today. Please enjoy the simple things dear readers, for they are many and come at no cost to you.
What makes you happy? What simple things take your breath away? What awesome antiques haveyou come across that make you go “wow?” Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
(Please excuse any typographical errors for I was very tired when I composed this.)
Word of the day: Euchre
Fun fact about me: I don’t know a thing about antiques. But I’m learning.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, September 2015. Original photos by P. Rickrode and Google Images.
What an amazing adventure you’re on! Love the pieces…and the sunset. Being in my backyard garden, watching the birds, makes me happy. Enjoy! ❤
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Well your hummers are pretty amazing so keep on enjoying. And thanks for visiting today and sharing this fabulous journey we’re on.
Patrica
Oh, I like the new photo as well!
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A piece of the Black Pearl, sure I’ll go along with your story! Beautiful furniture you’ve got there, but you’re right – it’s the simple things in life that are priceless. Like the pitter-patter and fresh scent of rain after a long drought. I’m a true Oregonian and have missed the rain this summer. It’s awesome seeing you enjoying your new adventure in Mississippi. Have a fab week!
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Oh, so glad you guys are finally getting some rain out there. It’s been a terrible summer for the west coast for sure.
Thanks for your support through this transition. It means a lot to know there’s people following the journey.
Have a great week!
Patricia
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You’ve done a wonderful job with that Dining Room Patricia. It’s just gorgeous. Patrons will love coming together in the morning for breakfast. And that sideboard? Truly a unique piece of art. The perfect piece to display food and drinks. I can totally see tea being served in the afternoon. How exciting! 🙂
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Thanks Karen. We love it. We feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity.
We don’t serve tea (unless someone requests it specifically) but we do serve wine and appetizers for social hour in the evenings. That’s pretty fun.
Thanks for visiting today.
Patricia
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Wow, those pieces are stunning! I think I would be afraid to use something as old as that table. Not afraid it wouldn’t hold up, but that clumsy as I am, I’d damage it. Still, nice to see it being used and enjoyed!
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Well things were built to last back in those days. These new pieces are very chunky and heavy. So far, guests are loving the dining experience, as I’m sure you would too.
Thanks for stopping by.
Patricia
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Holy wow, that dining room set is GORGEOUS. Great photos – you are going to have people flocking to visit when they see all these.
p.s. I’m all fangirl over your new venture. I can’t believe I know someone who owns such a pretty B&B. You’re like a movie star now. 🙂
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Movie star status? Really? That’s cool, but it’s really just the same little ole me.
I hope you can come for a visit some day and experience all of this wonderfulness for yourself. It’s pretty stinking awesome. I still can’t believe it’s mine.
Thanks for visiting and spreading the love fangirl.
Patricia
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Wow, simply stunning. And all those antiques are amazing. What takes my breath away? The arrival of the ducks in our pond, every single spring. Then the arrival of their little ducklings, and the first time I see them playing in the water or walking across the yard. Oh, and the rocky mountains. Every time I leave them, I cry. 🙂
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Baby ducks would do it for me too. I still stop and squeal like a little kid when I see baby animals in the wild. And when I see the front gates of Disneyland, but that’s a whole other topic.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your joys. The simple things are the best.
Patricia
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You scored some great pieces here! Your B&B looks like a gilded age mansion. So cool.
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Thanks Phil. We’re loving the upgrades. And I’m learning so much about antiques.
Thanks for visiting.
Patricia
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Super cool, Patricia. I love furniture with history or a cool story. I strolled some flea markets this month, it’s like searching for treasure. Love the sunset pic too. Glad your move and settling in is going well! So will you all have parlor games at your inn, say maybe euchre? 🙂 Happy weekend!
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