Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Evangeline
Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was living in New York and had just divorced and was out on my own for the first time since I was 25. I was 53 at the time and had few marketable skills other than secretarial work. My ex insisted that I leave work when my son was born, I was 38. So needless to say, I was sitting in a tiny apartment in Yonkers, wondering what to do. I knew that I had to have a plan for retirement after my ex stopped paying child support and alimony when my son turned 18. I decided that the best venture for me was to attempt innkeeping.
I am originally from New Orleans and my parents were very hospitable and welcoming people. We always had a house full of friends and my mom fed everyone (who adored her.) I decided that my talents lay in that direction and knew that since I would be 55 by the time my son turned 18, nobody would want to hire me in a high-level professional capacity. I knew that I would be taking a big risk, but it was something I knew I was capable of.
I started looking for a place in the “temperate” south since I had lived in NY for over 25 years and always swore I would go back. I wanted a place that I could have a business that was also my home, so I could afford to live there regardless of whether I had guests or not. So, I started looking for available turnkey properties. This was during the Covid epidemic, and everything was completely shuttered so I was alone except for visits from my son for about 18 months. I spent a great deal of time fantasizing about being free from the cold and of having my own home for the first time in my life.
One evening (after some wine) I accidently clicked on “abandoned” properties and my house popped right up. I thought it was beautiful because I love abandoned, creepy and haunted places, but immediately went back to the turnkey properties because I couldn’t fathom how someone who had never purchased a house, restored a house or started a business would be able to do the “next to impossible.” That was when my problems began…
I started having dreams about the house and felt a presence urging me to go see the it. Apparently, it was MY house and I was continuously urged subconsciously to go see the house. I was not a big believer in the spirit world or hauntings, etc. but after much aggravation, I contacted a high school friend who lived a couple hours away from Newberry to come see the house with me. It had been abandoned for 30 years and still had a lot of the furniture in it! My friend conveniently enough is a medium so she went with me.
After visiting, she told me that there were spirits there (most notably the previous owner) who were absolutely adamant that I purchase the house and restore it. She said that they knew my family somehow and that they said they would “help” me get it together. So I hired a team of contractors and traveled back and forth between NY and SC twice a month for the weekend to manage the work and furnish the house. It took two and a half years to get the house in shape for guests, but I am happy with the way it turned out. I am also doing well in the business side and am loving my clients, my house and my life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since I was last featured, Hurricane Helene tore through Newberry and up into North Carolina. There is great devastation and need in the local area. I opened my doors and have invited friends and neighbors without power to do laundry, get water and store food. I have also been cooking and distributing meals to families with no transportation, who are unable to get to our main commercial road to pick up food or groceries.
I feel very strongly that lodgings have a responsibility to not only open their spaces to needy travelers, but to also service the community by offering to help with things like cooking and laundry as long as there is a need.
I have opened a new shop on Main St. in Newberry across from the Opera House called MOJO Bat. It is the only metaphysical shop in the surrounding area and offers spiritual items to comfort and inspire. I am loving being downtown with my neighbors and participating in community events.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a degree in metalsmithing, which I received in 1997. Unfortunately, I was unable to use my expertise because at that time, you had to purchase all your equipment to continue working in the field. I moved to NY and went on to secretarial work, which I continued until my son was born. When my son was 5, I received my master’s degree in Public Health. I still remained a creative person although I was unable to devote my time to my art.
After my marriage ended, I decided to return to the South where I am originally from. I purchased a house which I completely restored to 1900 and now have The Gilded Bat Bed and Breakfast. My property is a Gothic Victorian/horror themed bed and breakfast. We also do paranormal ghost hunts and have themed gatherings.
Frankly, I am known as the town weirdo, but I love it and everyone is really nice.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It is really hard for me to pick just one, but I would have to say that it would be all the travelling i did with my parents. They were both educators but saved up all year long for a monthlong vacation abroad each year. Since I am in my 50’s, I remember visiting places all over the world that have completely changed now. I have so many wonderful memories and stories to tell which make me so grateful that my parents were the people they were.
Pricing:
- 195 – 225 per night plus tax
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gildedbatbnb.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegildedbat
