Nestled in the historic community of Paint Rock, Tennessee, alongside Kingston Tennessee, exists a wonderland fit for royalty known as Whitestone Country Inn.
You don’t have to trek through a rabbit hole to get there, but with all the choices of what to see and do, you may think you have; especially after you catch sight of a friendly white rabbit.
The room choices boast breathtaking views of the lake, pond, meadows, and sometimes, all of those. With so many options for exploring the property, you won’t want to spend the day inside.
Get your camera ready, and don’t be surprised if a few horses, goats, bald eagles, and other wildlife photo-bomb your snapshots.
Start the morning with an outstanding country breakfast provided by the host, and included in the room rate. From there, the choices are virtually limitless.
The inn is part of The Paint Rock Wildlife Preserve and Bird Sanctuary. The property itself sits on 120 acres covered with eight miles of peaceful trails that meander through the woods and alongside the lake. There is a fish pond, boat dock and ramp, tennis courts, and basketball. Racquets and balls can be loaned out at the Schoolhouse.
For those who like their activities a bit less active, there is shuffleboard, corn hole, a pool, hot tub, and of course, fishing. If you’re more of the sit and reflect type, finding a cool spot with a view to relax and ponder takes little effort. The property is covered with those. On a clear day you can see Mount Le Conte in the distance.
Whitestone Inn is the brain child of Paul and Jean Cowell who had a dream of building a place to give visitors a sanctuary for the soul, mind, and emotions in order to rest and encounter God. It took sixteen years of prayer before the Cowell’s acquired the inn, but it takes visitors only a moment on the grounds to see that the Cowell’s dream was realized, and then some.
The Cowells developed the property into a 15,000-square-foot main house with outlying guest facilities, and a 150-seat chapel, along with a 10,000-square-foot Victorian style parsonage that lends itself well to dinners and receptions.
Guests at Whitestone may choose from more than twenty lavishly, decorated, distinctive rooms and suites, complete with whirlpool tubs or spa showers, cozy fireplaces, comfortable chairs, and writing desks.
The dining is an experience all its own. The food reflects back to true Appalachian cuisine with some modern twists. Everything is prepared fresh onsite by the chef and staff. To coin an old southern phrase, it’ll knock your socks off. A most impressive signature dessert is the Raspberry Dark Chocolate Cheesecake created by staff member Rhonda Cameron.
If you’d like to get a taste, but can’t spare time for an overnight stay, independent diners are also served on occasion at management discretion. Reservations for dining only are required, and the inn kindly requests a 24-hour notice.
The name Whitestone came from a Bible passage; Revelation 2:17.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”
One tidbit that makes the stay here unique, is that pastors and missionaries who have visited Whitestone are constantly praying over specific rooms and those who stay in them.
Operators Matt and Rhonda Sexton, along with many members of their family, are the caretakers. Matt likes to say that they have been given stewardship of the spot for a little while.
“This is a place where hearts are changed and many authors have found sanctuary.” Matt said. “It may seem odd to say, but God brings people to this place. It’s a wonderful thing to know that people all over the world are praying for those who visit us at Whitestone.”
Sexton says that every person has something they are doing with their lives and something to overcome. “People come to Whitestone to interact with others and share their lives.”
Artist Bob Gray recently returned to his Paint Rock roots and provides a connection to the community. Sexton said Bob walked in one day and humbly asked if they needed someone to mow the property. He was hired on the spot.
“I’m back and causing a ruckus,” said Gray, with a laugh. “I am originally from this area and have watched the evolution of Whitestone through the years. It is a jewel.”
The Sextons later discovered that Bob is a multi-media artist of some acclaim. His work is now on display in the newly opened art gallery, just off the gathering room in the main building. Gray also plays guitar. The uplifting sound of his music can often be heard in the main house.
The innkeeper’s invitation to those who are seeking, “Whatever you’re going through in life, come and spend some time with us to receive an encouraging word. The lake, the trails, the people; that is the heart of this place.”
Fall at Whitestone is beautiful with the hardwoods changing hues, but there is no bad time to visit. A couple’s ultimate dream has been fully realized in this place.
Whitestone Country Inn is located at 1200 Paint Rock Road, Kingston TN., 37763. Reach the inn by phone at 865-376-0113 or 888-247-2464. Whitestone is 40 minutes from Knoxville and 75 minutes from Chattanooga. A virtual tour of the inn is available at their Website: www.whitestoneinn.com.
Email: moreinfo@whitestoneinn.com.