The Old Tale of the Carriage House
The ghost of Mrs. Maime Foster is always present

In 1885 plans for a large and gracious Victorian home were commissioned, but limited purse strings ultimately resulted in a comfortable, two-story “folk” Victorian home of 2,400 square feet. Built by local Jefferson carpenters in 1886, with minor additions in 1913, and a full restoration in 2001, the house today resonates with charm and sense of place. It is strikingly located, well away from the road, and sheltered by ancient oaks, towering locust, cherry, pine and popular trees.

Six stone fireplaces with cherry wood mantels, and the original patina of aged wood on the floors and ceilings in the five rooms downstairs, and one large room upstairs create a heroic almost timeless presence for the Victorian home. The dining room on the main floor was named the Cameo Room in honor of a lovely antique alabaster Cameo mounted on a wood plaque near the door.

Lisa Wytiaz, Vice President & Developer of Jefferson Equestrian Estates of which the Carriage House is the centerpiece says the inspiration to restore this house, establish the restaurant and re-create the distinctive equestrian lifestyle comes from the original owner of the home, Mrs. Maime Foster.
During the Victorian era it was relatively rare for a woman to attend schools of higher learning, but Mrs. Foster earned a college degree. After marriage most women just kept to the house, took care of their husbands and raised children. But Mrs. Foster was a lady of indomitable will and purpose. In the 60 year period following the Civil War between 1886 through World War II, Mrs. Foster, now a widow, ran the house, bred and raised horses, farmed the land, marketed the crops, paid the bills, put a daughter through college, survived the depression, became financially astute with investments, and was keenly interested in world affairs.

The house was subsequently sold after Mrs. Foster died, passing through a few owners including a Jefferson Boy Scout troop. There were stories circulating around town that the ghost of Mrs. Foster still haunted the house. Some said she was unhappy with some of the new owners who allowed her former home to substantially deteriorate. If true, we hope and trust the late Mrs. Foster is now content and at peace, seeing how lovingly the present owners have restored her home to its former beauty.

Chateau Élan Hotels & Resorts who operate and manage The Carriage House are pleased that you have come to experience this unique Victorian ambiance, and sense its history while savoring the foods and wines beautifully paired by our chefs and waitstaff.

So this evening, during your dinner, why not pause for a moment, raise your glass of wine or other beverage, and toast this wonderful lady by the name of Mrs. Maime Foster who provided the inspiration for the Carriage House. We know she would be delighted with your thoughtfulness.