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Little House
on the Prairie offers
outstanding value, By Daniel Hines| SULLIVAN, IL –It might seem strange to imagine
finding the mystery of the land of Oz, eating on the Queen Mum’s china
and enjoying a hot tub in your elegant room at most bed and breakfasts,
but only if you’ve never been to The Little House on the Prairie in
Sullivan, IL. The Little House on the Prairie is nothing like the popular television show of the same name. It takes its name from proprietor Guy Little, Jr., whose reputation as a host is rapidly exceeding his already well-established and equally well-earned reputation as a producer of musicals and theatre dramas. Guy is the founder of The Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan. For years, literally thousands of Theatre goers flocked to the small community of 3,000 people to see a host of famous stars (Van Johnson, Pat O’Brien, Harvey Korman, Betty Grable, Peter Palmer, June Allyson, Pernell Roberts, John Carradine, Bill Hayes, Eileen Fulton, etc. etc. etc) and, of course, one of Guy’s and history’s favorites, Margaret Hamilton.) That’s right, the "Wicked Witch" was a regular performer for the more than 20 years that Guy produced a wide variety of musicals and plays. And, she, as did so many of the other stars, became a close personal friend of Guy. Reminders of that friendship add a special touch to the Little House with special pictures from performances, and a very Hollywood feeling in the lush Cabana which also features a hot tub. The pictures are not obtrusive, however, but blend in wonderfully with the décor of the 1870's farm house which Guy has restored to an elegance that when combined with the mementos of his many years in show business, make The Little House on the Prairie one of the most unique and gracious, as well as beautiful, bed and breakfasts you will experience.
We have visited the Little House twice, once in the Fall, the other time at Christmas. Each time was a unique experience. The Fall visit was overwhelming because one just could not expect the extensive, elegant and yet highly tasteful decorations that include many restored authentic period pieces. The living room is large and roomy with a wonderful fireplace. The library is intimate and is a reminder of Guy’s stage background, being filled with many books on the history and art of theatre. It is also the site of a wonderful sound system that plays wonderful music from great Broadway plays. Upon arrival, you are greeted by Guy and his partner, Kirk Cameron, who will gladly offer you a tour of the facility, or, if you wish, bring you a wonderful fruit and cheese tray with your choice of wine. Both are pleasant hosts who are a wealth of knowledge on the actors and actress’ pictures tastefully interspersed with family pictures, some from more than a century ago. The Christmas decorations were an entry into another time, and Guy’s extensive theatre background—plus his own inherent good taste—made our Holiday one of the most memorable of some time. Each room had a Christmas tree of some sort, and a wonderful, furred Santa from Nieman Marcus stood guard in our bedroom. We rented the master bedroom each time, a large luxurious room, complete with a four-poster bed that required a step to climb into, a beautiful wood-burning fireplace, two sofas, a wonderful bath, and the hot tub. All this, wine and cheese, plus breakfast for only $125 per night on Fridays and Saturdays, and somewhat lower during the week. Our room was done in rich deep Burgundy that reflected an elegance of a bygone era. While the other rooms are smaller and not all have the hot tub, they are all done in the style of years ago. The Cabana is completed with white wicker furniture on a black and white tile floor. The bar is similar to that of a Florida sunroom, and the large hot tub practically invites a party to jump in and enjoy it. Guests can utilize any of the space such as the living room or library, and while there on a first visit, we met a young couple who had just moved to Illinois from Texas. The atmosphere creates instant friendships and conversation. Of course, no bed and breakfast is complete without the breakfast. Just when you think it can’t get any better, Guy and Kirk come up with yet another surprise. You order your breakfast the night before. The menu includes your choice of Belgian Waffles (the lightest and best one can eat), country butter, fresh fruits, a wonderful dish of nuts, cream and bananas, country bacon, and one of the best garden omelets I have ever experienced. If that isn’t enough, it is served in the formal dining room complete with beautiful silver and crystal. Oh yes, about the Queen Mum’s china—the pattern of the Wedgwood plates is the same as ordered years ago by England’s Queen Mother. (You might even get serenaded at breakfast. Guy, is also an outstanding performer and singer as well as producer. At breakfast when my friend said she would like to stay permanently at the Little House and was willing to work for her keep, Guy broke into song, "Every man needs a working girl". ) Of special interest to tourists is the fact that The Little House is located in the heart of Illinois Amish country, is only a few miles from the 13,000 acre Lake Shelbyville, and the Little Theatre—now managed by a local not-for-profit group-- continues to present plays with equity performers throughout the Summer. Because of its central location, the site is also a good stopping-off point for visiting Illinois’ wineries. Travelers to the state will discover that while the state is relatively narrow, it is a long, long way from the northern part of the state to the Southern part. If you plan a tour of the state’s wine country, you will certainly want to include The Little House in your plans. Many people have already booked reservations for special times through 2000. Oh yes, about the Oz reference. Be sure to see the pictures from Wizard of Oz, showing Ms. Hamilton in some of her most memorable scenes, but with personal messages to Guy’s daughter, Vanessa (such as in one scene, the Witch says to a terrified Dorothy, "There Vanessa, that will teach you to be kind to witches". It’s all part of the charm of this very charming and special place. You will know that you’re " not in Kansas anymore.") General information: Name: Little House on the Prairie Facilities: TV in room (hidden in antique
cabinets), hot tub in large room, Cabana, swimming pool open in Summer.
CD' s of famous Broadway musicals. |
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