The Morehead Inn, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, has a history dating back to 1917. Originally built as a private residence for Charles Coddington, a local businessman, the house was designed in the Colonial Revival style by notable architect William Peeps. In 1984, it was lovingly restored and transformed into the elegant and charming bed and breakfast as it is today. The Inn retains many of its original architectural features, including the grand staircase, hardwood floors, and fireplaces, providing guests with a glimpse into the historic charm of the early 20th century. Its history is intertwined with the growth and evolution of Charlotte, making it a unique landmark that combines historic significance with modern hospitality. The inn has since become a popular destination for weddings, special events, and those seeking a distinctive accommodation with a touch of Southern hospitality. Its historical architecture and elegant ambiance contribute to its allure.
A Background on Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1768. Named after Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the city played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. During this period, the Battle of Charlotte occurred in 1780, leaving an impact on the city’s development. In the 19th century, gold was discovered nearby, leading to the first U.S. gold rush. Charlotte became a hub for gold mining, and its first branch mint was established in 1837, producing gold coins until the outbreak of the Civil War. The city’s growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century, solidifying its position as a transportation center. Cotton mills and textile industries also flourished, contributing to Charlotte’s economic expansion. In the 20th century, the city diversified its economy, moving from a textile-based economy to one driven by banking and finance. The establishment of Bank of America in Charlotte in 1998, along with other financial institutions, transformed the city into a major banking hub. Today, Charlotte stands as a thriving metropolitan center, blending its historical significance with modern economic and cultural vibrancy. The city’s history is showcased in various museums, historic districts, and landmarks, providing visitors with a glimpse into its fascinating past.
History of The Morehead Inn
Charles Campbell Coddington
It all started out with Charles Cambell Coddington. In 1907, Charles Campbell Coddington, a young man full of initiative and resourcefulness had been granted exclusive rights to distribute Buick automobiles in the Carolinas. C.C. set his sights on Charlotte, ready to grow his business, traveling in the first Buick seen south of the Mason-Dixon line. The Morehead Inn provides a delightful account of the events that followed:
“A routine stop at a Greensboro drug store, however, proved to be life changing. There he first laid eyes on 18-year-old Marjorie Lyon. She was a breathtaking young woman who had recently been voted the most beautiful in North Carolina, and C.C. put everything on hold until he could arrange a meeting with her. A month later the rendezvous took place and a year afterward they were married.
https://www.moreheadinn.com/About
The newlyweds chose to lay down roots in Charlotte. Coddington’s business saw great success and in 1917 the couple hired London-born architect William Peeps to design their new residence. Construction began at the corner of East Morehead Street and what was originally known as Coddington Avenue (now Berkeley Avenue); it was to be patterned to resemble Marjorie’s childhood home in Pennsylvania. Upon completion the Coddington’s and their young family moved in and immediately began to transform their home into one of the city’s best-known centers of hospitality. The family’s prominence in the local scene was nearly unrivaled. C.C. was a well-known, prosperous businessman and Marjorie was revered in the Charlotte area as a leader in social and civic activities. She held a reputation for being an exceptionally delightful hostess until her untimely death in 1925. Shortly thereafter, unable to bear the memories the home held, C.C. left Morehead Street and moved into the Duke Mansion in Myers Park. A few years later, he too died in a yachting accident in the Pamilico Sound off the North Carolina coast”.
CC. Coddington House: Significance
Historic, Architectural, and Cultural Importance
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission judged the property known as the C.C. Coddington House as having cultural significance in 1985 due to:
- The C. C. Coddington House, completed in 1917-18, was designed by William H. Peeps (1868-1950), an architect of regional significance
- C. C. Coddington (1878-1928). the original owner, was a leading businessman in Charlotte, both as a distributor for Buick automobiles and owner of Radio Station WBT
- The C. C. Coddington House is one of the few early twentieth-century homes to survive on E. Morehead St., one of the grand boulevards of the Dilworth neighborhood. While other similar properties on Morehead Street eventually gave way to the needs of commerce, the Coddington house remained a private residence until 1980.
The jewel of the Dilworth neighborhood, the “Old Coddington House” has stood the test of time, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which demolished many older structures in the area. Opened to the public as the Morehead Inn in 1984, it was renovated in 1995.
The Morehead Inn: A True Southern Hospitality Experience
Between the main house, and the carriage house, the Morehead Inn boasts a unique array of 12 elegant suites, each uniquely designed and decorated with period furnishings. Each guest suite has a different theme and all are named after streets in the historic Dilworth Neighborhood. Each suite at the Morehead Inn has an air of southern sophistication with polished period furnishings, fine antiques, and quiet elegance. The Morehead Inn does a remarkable job of balancing its grand, stately presence, with accommodations that offer both luxury and the often overlooked simple pleasures of life. Staying at the Morehead Inn offered the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy each moment as it came.
The Solarium
After browsing photos of the different suites, I was immediately drawn in by the bright and airy decor and features of the Solarium. With its vibrant natural light and white wicker furniture, it seemed perfect for my weekend of ‘southern comfort’. Additionally, I liked that it was located in the main house. The spacious suite featured a large living room area, a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, a private entrance, and a whirlpool bath and shower.
Suite Amenities:
- Bathrobe
- NEST fragrance bathroom amenities
- Bathtub/whirlpool and shower combo
- Bottled water
- Mini cooler
- Desk
- Living room/sitting area
- Cable TV in living room as well as bedroom
- Iron and ironing board
- high speed wifi
- AC
- Space heater
- Hair dryer
- Full American breakfast included
A Classic Southern Breakfast
When describing the breakfast a few words that come to mind include: flavorful, satisfying, served with a side of genuine southern hospitality. The main breakfast dish rotates daily allowing guests to be delightfully surprised as to what might be awaiting them in the dining room. The chef manages to turn classic dishes such as French toast and egg frittata into flavorful and colorful masterpieces. Additional dishes included a casserole and sides such as scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, marmalade, and sausage gravy.
Regardless of the day, breakfast always started with yogurt, fresh blueberries, and an exceptional granola (made in-house).
Breakfast also included beverages such as coffee, tea, and orange juice that tasted like it was freshly squeezed right in front of you.
Additionally, the Morehead Inn offers a selection of traditional brunch cocktails including Mimosas, Bellinis, and Bloody Mary’s (cost not included).
The Morehead Inn: Main House
The Tearoom
The Library
The Living Room
The Dining Room
The Parlor
The Morehead Inn: Location
Nestled in the charming historic Dilworth neighborhood, the Morehead Inn is conveniently located just minutes from uptown. It is near several local attractions including the following of which I had the pleasure of visiting during my stay at the Morehead Inn.
- The Mint Museum (Uptown Location) – 6 min drive
- The Mint Museum (Randolph location) – 9 min drive
- The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary – 9 min drive
- Lilbelle Boutique – 6 min drive
- Girl Tribe Boutique – 5 min drive
- Bank of America Stadium – 5 min drive ( I walked there for a game and it took me a little under 30 min)
The Morehead Inn
1122 E Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204
