Built in 1894 by Rufus Owen, Sunny View Inn was a privately-owned residential estate for almost a century. In 1982 it became the Patrick Henry Boys Home, but in recent years the non-profit group consolidated their properties and Sunny View once again became available. Enter Sharon and Jimmy Wilborn, local residents and realtor extraordinaire who came in with a vision to make the estate a destination resort.

Sunny View’s origins are quite unique. In the late 1800’s Rufus Owen’s family had previously lost a home to a fire, so when Owen built Sunny View he over-engineered the construction. Hiding beneath the ornate wood floors and painted walls is cement, making the building virtually fireproof. This has given the home longevity while keeping it in near pristine condition.

The 5,000 square foot home is situated on 16 acres of lush fields. At the main entrance, the first thing that greets guests is a large block of granite with Rufus Owen’s initials and year of construction engraved on it. Wilborn explained this was a carriage stone (also known as an upping stone) where one would step up to, and down from, a horse drawn carriage.

A Look Inside

The estate offers a beautiful front porch that leads into a grand entrance with twelve-foot-high ceilings. Off the foyer is a library and a sitting room which are perfect for formal meetings, or just relaxing with a book and a cup of tea. Throughout the spacious home are five private, and semi-private suites. Although the home is post antebellum the decor and paint provide a modern touch while embracing the classic style of the time period.

Sunny View offers an excellent setting for events both inside and outside the home. The large dining room is perfect for a family reunion, or a black-tie event. A company could easily host an annual business retreat inside, or a couple could hold an outdoor wedding ceremony under the massive 100-year-old oak tree.

The property can be scaled up or down, formalized or countrified, to whatever your taste and budget requires. It is only a matter of time before producers start reaching out to Wilborn to utilize the historical property for commercial shoots.

One of the wonderful assets Sunny View offers is its location at 7005 Huell Matthews Highway in Cluster Springs, VA. The Inn is just outside South Boston and sits right on the North Carolina border allowing guests access to a myriad of Southern Virginia and North Carolina activities. Within a short drive there is downtown Roxboro or South Boston, Virginia International Raceway (VIR), South Boston Speedway, The Prizery, The Tobacco Heritage Trail, and Mayo and Hyco Lakes just to name a few. Be sure to consider Sunny View for your next event.

For more information logon to www.sunnyview1894.com. For pricing and to book an event email events@sunnyview1894.  

John Theo Jr. is new to South Boston but not new to writing. He has authored several books and penned many articles. Hyco Lake Magazine is thankful to share his perspective on our community. Please welcome John and get to know him better by going to JohnTheo.com, visit him at Cozy Cave Self Storage & More at 306 Webster Street, South Boston, VA 24592 or give him a call at (434) 579-2856!




































































































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