Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Verm.
Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We’re Craig and Karen Verm, two musicians turned innkeepers. Craig and I were brought together through a deep love of music. We met in graduate school in 2002 at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. After finishing our degrees and getting married, we were fortunate to have two very successful careers in music: Craig sang internationally in South America, Europe, Asia, as well as the US, and I taught at some of the leading music schools, Rice University and Carnegie Mellon University among them. Our daughter Lauren has lived in Pittsburgh and Houston, and had the amazing opportunity to travel the world with us (some of which she was old enough to remember!).
With such a busy performing schedule, Craig was often on the road for several months of the year. After the fallout of Covid on our respective careers, we were ready to settle down and find a way to spend more time together as a family. It was an unexpected turn of events to many who know us, yet also not at all surprising: I love to bake, Craig is an accomplished handyman, we both love to host, and our varied experiences and skill sets prepared us beautifully for our new careers as innkeepers. Even better, we get to make music – together – in an intimate space, which is incredibly fulfilling.
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?
Hurricane Helene was definitely a hurdle to overcome, happening less than 4 months into our new ownership. Our property was not damaged, but our first big “leaf season” ( high season for Asheville area hospitality) was destroyed. However, we were able to offer housing to those directly affected by the hurricane and to crisis management workers in the days immediately following the storm. We were glad to offer our space for those needing some rest and respite.
Many of the Tiffany Hill “family” of former guests offered to donate money to our business, but we elected to put it into a fund to house volunteers – we gave away over 100 nights of wildly discounted or free stays to those who had come in to restore our area. It turned out to be a huge blessing – not only could we keep our business afloat, but we had the opportunity to encounter some of the best of humanity, as churches, families, and individuals came to North Carolina to meet the need here.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We do not have staff, beyond one part time housekeeper. We are the chefs in the kitchen, menu planning and executing a home-cooked meal for each guest. We are taking reservations and refreshing rooms. We are taking care of the grounds and experiencing a steep learning curve in the gardening realm, ha! I am proud that, after having two decades of entirely separate careers (often in different states, or even countries), now we have the chance to work together every day!
But what truly sets us apart from ANY other Bed and Breakfast is our music. We thought we might perform for special events, or if a guest found out about our backstory, but it has quickly morphed into a daily event. After Craig and I finish serving breakfast, the “Fourth Course” (as dubbed by a regular guest) is a musical offering. It’s not often you can have a freshly prepared three course gourmet breakfast, but to have a Metropolitan Opera baritone and a professional pianist serenade you to start your morning afterward? We have discovered that it is very unique and a major draw for guests.
More than that, we love being able to share our craft with others! We love to answer questions about music, performance careers, or whatever people like to know! Craig often talks about how you can’t really see the audience when you’re under the bright lights on stage – people in the seats appears as black silhouettes, but on Tiffany Hill, he connects with our guests, as he sings musical theater, opera, Frank Sinatra, and quite regularly, Happy Birthday! If I am playing solo piano, I let guests know they are free to continue conversation or get another cup of coffee if they like: whereas classical music often has a distinct set of manners – when to clap, when you can talk – our intimate space foregoes all of that. Where else can you hear live music performed by professionals, in a casual atmosphere and served with homemade dessert and locally roasted coffee? What could be a better way to start your day??
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The former owner, Selena Einwechter, dreamt of the Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill and built the main house in 2009, continuing with a carriage house with two larger suites a few years afterward. But because Tiffany Hill was purpose built to be an inn, everything is designed with guest privacy and comfort in mind. Each of the seven suites are spacious, with seating areas and en suite bathrooms. There are conveniences such as coffee bars in each wing or within rooms themselves. We have a beautiful front porch with rocking chairs that overlook the property and walking paths and gardens in the back of the property, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet we have to offer. Selena had a brilliant vision, executed beautifully, and we have added even more touches to do our very best to think of every possible detail.
Our very loyal guests have to be mentioned in the success of our business. We have so many guests who choose to return, some even monthly. We have so enjoyed getting to know all those we have the honor to host – Craig and I are incredibly grateful for all of the individuals who make our livelihood a joy!
Pricing:
- 265-405 nightly, depending on day of the week and room size
- a very generous whole house rate, for either 5 main house rooms, or the whole property (7 rooms)
- additional Suite Surprises such as charcuterie trays, celebration cakes, chocolate covered strawberries…
- discounted Biltmore Tickets, and partnerships with local businesses like Flat Rock Playhouse
- wedding packages and in room or outdoor massages also available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiffany-hill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bnb_on_tiffanyhill/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063519164760&sk=about
- Other: https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=001aO446VI6uo8I4Qi29t3iGbWkAqU04rEMgXWbgGmHKWnTQkKfVxyqt7qWKwA7raeuJNBED7641ZIx26xdX7qKZSs6nDBvRA25esCFS1gbDsI%3D
