At the request of Kay Thorp, we came to Lockeford from Alexandria, Virginia, to save the ancestral house and legacy of her husband John W. Thorp. John was Richard’s mentor in aeronautical engineering. (That story was the basis for our first television appearance on “Restore America” for Home Garden Television.)

We came with our daughter Kerri while our sons Christian and Kendt remained in Virginia and North Carolina.  Thus began a very different lifestyle for us all.

In the six-year process of preservation, restoration and rehabilitation - The Inn at Locke House Bed and Breakfast was born.  The three of us planned the process and worked along side the wonderful craftsmen who aided in the project. To honor Kay’s request, Richard has displays of John Thorp’s accomplishments in the inn and barn workshop.  He supports aircraft enthusiasts’  and builders interest in John’s designs, especially the T-18.

The Locke House challenged us to use the scope of our experiences.  Richard is a mechanical and electrical engineer who has focused on aeronautics.  My professional background is in education – language arts, writing, and theatre arts – and working with non-profit organizations.  Our daughter Kerri’s love of a challenge, natural interior design and managerial talents also came into play.  We share a love of nature, historic places and historic buildings. I thoroughly enjoy cooking and baking, especially when Kerri and I create new recipes. Being proprietors of a bed and breakfast inn seems just natural!

Visitors may find me in the baking kitchen or in the gardens. Richard may be working on airplane parts or fixing something in the barn workshop. Kerri may be here to greet guests.  We continue our involvement in the community following the adage “Bloom where you are planted.”

Lani 

See Our Media Features and some of the Awards the Inn has received.