Each of our guest rooms are dedicated in honor of very special names and families who all have something very special in common as a collective. They each cared for and helped shape Victoriana into what she is today.

Built-in 1865, the inn was initially known as Willow Manse by its owner and builder Henry Clay Dodson, a U.S. Army officer during the Civil War era. Dodson used the property as his private residence, where he lived with his wife and six children. He secured the well-known architect, Edmund Lind, to help him design the home.

From there, the home was purchased by Norman Mott Shannahan and Ethel Valliant Shannahan in 1911, and the house was redubbed as the “Shannahan House”.

Mary Valliant, beloved sister of Ethel Valliant Shannahan, lived in, loved, and cared for the home for many years as well.  After 1952, the two sisters looked after each other and for the home after Mr. Shannahan passed and filled the home with joy and laughter. which remained in the Shannahan family until 1987 when the house was lovingly and carefully converted into a bed and breakfast inn by then owner, Janet Bernstein.

Today, the current owners and caretakers of the majestic Victoriana Inn, The Knighton’s, take great pride in the original architecture preserved for over 150 years, from a Victorian period stairwell, original wainscoting, paneled doors with transoms, custom millwork mantels, and more. 

They enjoy welcoming guests through their historical doors to partake in the warmth, gentility, and restorative experiences that Victoriana has to offer.