n October 14, 1880, J.C. Watkins married Flora Zachary and to accommodate their growing family, they built a large Queen Anne style house on a knoll overlooking the small mountain village of Dillsboro, North Carolina. Flora was the granddaughter of the founder of Cashiers, NC. J.C. was a prosperous merchant and the local magistrate, and was fondly referred to as the Squire.

The home stayed in the Watkins family for over 100 years. Then in 1983, Emma and Tom Wertenberger came to Western North Carolina with the dream of opening a bed and breakfast. They became owners of the Squire’s home and began the process of renovating to welcome guests to the first bed & breakfast in Dillsboro.

Two wide porches invite you to relax and enjoy cool breezes and mountain views. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, tall windows and hardwood floors. And the breakfasts are generous with wholesome foods from local sources including herbs from the gardens.

Squire Watkins Inn is an easy walk to Dillsboro, where you’ll find crafts, artist studios, collectible shops and restaurants as well as scenic railroad excursions and rafting and fishing on the Tuckasegee River. And if you are looking for a bed and breakfast near Sylva, NC, you’re just 5 minutes away.