What is now the Mooreland Garden Inn was built between 1914
W.O and Hannah Smith
and 1916 by a prominent Carlisle family. William O. Smith and his wife Hannah commissioned the home in the style of the Georgian Revival Manor near the end of the First World War. Smith, owned and operated a flower and bulb business and wanted to incorporate his occupational passions into his home. Thus, the manor was built with beautiful grounds to showcase his love of botany. The lot was bought in October of 1914, and built by 1916 when the Smith family moved into the property and lived here for many years. Mr. Smith’s passion for gardening and botany inspired much of the Inn today, to honor the unique history of this home. Dawn’s current garden passions flourish in the abundant grounds, and the name Mooreland Garden Inn itself pays homage to the original homeowners.
Great-Granddaughter, Kim Richardson and her daughter at the Inn
In August of 2024, renowned photographer, Kim Richardson stayed as a guest at the Inn. Richardson has an important connection to the property – she is the Smith’s great-granddaughter! Kim visited Carlisle August 8th-10th to reminisce about her grandparents’ home and see the evolution of their property. We were so excited to welcome her and share in our history and love for this spot in Carlisle. Kim wanted to honor her grandparents and the revival of their home as an Inn and shared a piece of her art. The Peony is a Richardson original “Rosa Adormecida” and the stunning details and color matched the decor of the Garden Room. Not only is the flower an ode to her own family’s history, but it also embodies the spirit of the Inn today.
Pat Craig at Pat Craig Studios
To honor the history of Carlisle and this property’s home, we sought the talented local framer – Pat Craig to showcase this beautiful piece. Pat is an active member of the Carlisle community and has dedicated much of her life to improving the small businesses in the area. Some of her work can be seen through the Carlisle Color-Blocking Initiative, leading to Pomfret Street’s and her own shop’s iconic purple coloring! The color-blocking allows for visual cohesion and creation of identity and community within small businesses, leading to greater success in Carlisle. This ideology guides much of Pat Craig’s work, as she fosters community and creates bonds amongst artists in town. She believes that by working with others and helping out, you end up helping yourself, a rhetoric that has guided her own business. Pat Craig Studio is a funky framing store and souvenir shop is a must-visit Carlisle spot. Located on Pomfret Street, the eclectic store is home to dozens of local goodies and unusual treasures. It is the perfect stop if you are looking for gifts around the holidays, or something fun to take home to remember your time in Carlisle.
Kim Richardson’s Peony in the Garden Room
Richardson’s stunning photograph now hangs in the Garden room as a remembrance to the remarkable history of our home. We are so grateful to Pat Craig for her talents in creating the perfect frame to showcase our new photograph. We are excited to have the artwork hanging in our home for our guests to enjoy and learn more about the history of our property.
