Location: Granville OH, 35 mi East of Columbus Map
Constructed: 1812
The Buxton Inn, situated at 313 East Broadway in the picturesque village of Granville, Ohio, stands as one of the state's most enduring historic landmarks. Established in 1812, it is Ohio's oldest continuously operating inn, blending 19th-century charm with modern comforts across five interconnected buildings spanning more than an acre and 24,000 square feet. With 25 uniquely appointed guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, a historic tavern, and lush gardens, the inn serves as a beloved destination for travelers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a romantic or group getaway. Nestled in the heart of Granville—a quaint college town home to Denison University—the Buxton Inn has hosted luminaries from U.S. Presidents William Henry Harrison, Abraham Lincoln, and William McKinley to modern celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz, Yo-Yo Ma, and author Harriet Beecher Stowe. Its reputation extends beyond hospitality, however, as it is famously reputed to be haunted, with documented paranormal activity dating back decades.
The Buxton Inn's origins trace back to 1812, when Orrin Granger, a
prominent settler and friend of President William Henry Harrison,
constructed it as a stagecoach tavern named simply "The Tavern" to
accommodate travelers along the busy route between Zanesville and
Newark. From its inception, it functioned not only as lodging but also
as a post office and community hub, rumored to have played a role in the
Underground Railroad, with local lore suggesting a secret tunnel in the
basement for aiding escaped enslaved people. The inn operated almost
continuously as a tavern and lodging house, weathering the passage of
time through multiple ownership changes.
In 1858, James W. Dilley
acquired the property and renamed it The Dilley House, enhancing its
role as a social center. Seven years later, in 1865, Major Horton
Buxton—a Civil War veteran and entrepreneur—purchased it for $10,000 and
rechristened it the Buxton Inn, a name it retains today. Buxton managed
the inn until his death in 1902, during which it became a favored
stopover for dignitaries, including Presidents Harrison (who visited
frequently as Granger's friend), Lincoln (who stayed en route to
speeches), and McKinley. After Buxton's passing, the inn passed through
various hands until 1934, when Ethel "Bonnie" Houston Bounell, a former
opera singer widowed in 1933, bought it. Bounell, known for her
flamboyant personality and love of gardenias, restored its elegance and
lived there until her death from meningitis in 1960, often accompanied
by her beloved cat, Major Buxton.
Nell Schoeller, Bounell's close
friend and successor, ran the inn until 1972, when local
preservationists Orville and Audrey Orr acquired it for $75,000. The
Orrs spearheaded a major refurbishment, expanding from three to 20
rooms, adding a full restaurant, bar, and wine cellar, and ensuring its
listing on the National Register of Historic Places on December 26,
1972. In 2014, Columbus-based restaurateur Robert Schilling and his two
daughters purchased it for $1.8 million through their company, Urban
Restorations, with a vision to honor its heritage while updating
facilities. Their tenure saw continued restorations, including lobby
expansions, modern lighting, and restroom upgrades. However, a
significant setback occurred on October 2022, when an electrical fire in
the kitchen caused extensive damage—smoke, soot, water, and gas leaks
affected the kitchen, wine cellar, and several rooms, though no injuries
were reported as the blaze was contained within two hours. The inn
closed temporarily for renovations, which included new furniture,
repainted walls, upgraded bathrooms (14 in total), and refreshed guest
rooms. It reopened in phases, with the hotel resuming operations before
the restaurant in early 2023. In August 2024, it was briefly listed for
$1.95 million but withdrawn; by July 2025, it was relisted at $5.85
million by broker Brandon Hess of Shai-Hess Commercial Real Estate,
touted as a "timeless investment" with low vacancy rates and strong
revenue potential from events like weddings and retreats. As of
September 2025, it operates under the Schilling family's ownership, with
no confirmed sale.
The Buxton Inn comprises five historic buildings clustered around a central courtyard, reflecting Granville's early 19th-century Federal and Greek Revival architectural influences. The Main House, the original 1812 structure, features wide-plank hardwood floors, exposed beams, and period fireplaces, with the tavern room serving as a cozy gathering spot that once housed sleeping stagecoach drivers and Underground Railroad safe haven. Founders Hall and Warner House add Victorian-era elegance with ornate woodwork and stained-glass accents. The Pearl Street House and Ty Fy Mam (a Welsh-inspired annex) provide more intimate spaces. The property includes manicured gardens, a wraparound porch ideal for al fresco dining, and a wine cellar hewn from the basement's stone foundations. Modern updates post-2022 fire include energy-efficient lighting, accessible restrooms, and fire-suppression systems, while preserving the inn's creaky charm—no elevators, for instance, to maintain authenticity.
The inn offers 25 distinctive guest rooms and suites, each
custom-designed with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and homespun
touches to evoke a sense of stepping back in time, yet equipped with
modern conveniences like private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi
(free in public areas), and flat-screen TVs in select rooms. Rates
typically range from $150–$300 per night, depending on season and room
type, with packages for weekends or extended stays. Room categories
include:
Standard Rooms (e.g., in the Main House): Cozy singles
or doubles with queen beds, period decor, and garden views; some feature
original 1812 features like slant-ceiling garrets.
Deluxe Suites
(e.g., Room 9, Bounell's former residence): Larger spaces with sitting
areas, fireplaces, and clawfoot tubs; known for paranormal activity.
Annex Rooms (e.g., in Ty Fy Mam or Pearl Street House): More
contemporary with en-suite baths and private entrances, ideal for
families or groups.
Post-renovation, all rooms boast fresh
linens, updated HVAC, and enhanced cleanliness standards. Guests praise
the "homey" feel and quiet ambiance, though some note the historic
nature means varying room sizes and occasional quirks like thin walls or
steep stairs. The inn accommodates large groups (up to 50+ for events)
and offers group rates, making it popular for reunions or Denison alumni
gatherings.
Dining at the Buxton Inn is a highlight, centered on the on-site
restaurant and The Tavern, both emphasizing farm-to-table Midwestern
cuisine with a nod to historic recipes. The restaurant, open for lunch
(11:30 AM–2 PM) and dinner (5–9 PM, Wednesday–Sunday), seats about 60
and features a menu of "timeless classics" like pan-seared walleye,
herb-crusted rack of lamb, beef Wellington, and seasonal salads sourced
from local Ohio farms. Appetizers include house-smoked trout and
artisanal cheeses, while desserts highlight homemade pies and
cheesecakes. Entrees average $25–$45, with vegetarian and gluten-free
options available. The Tavern, a dimly lit cocktail lounge with leather
armchairs and a roaring fireplace, specializes in craft cocktails, Ohio
wines, and pub fare like shepherd's pie or charcuterie boards ($15–$25),
evoking its 19th-century roots.
Reviews from 2025 rave about the
food's quality—"A+++ fantastic, nothing like fusion; just timeless and
flavorful"—and the porch's pleasant atmosphere for summer meals, with
attentive servers like "Jade" earning praise for friendliness. However,
some diners note portion sizes as generous but service occasionally slow
during peak times. The inn's low vacancy supports steady patronage, and
private dining in the wine cellar or gardens accommodates events.
The Buxton Inn is a premier venue for weddings (up to 150 guests in the courtyard or tavern), corporate retreats, and holiday parties, with customizable packages including catering and AV setup. Its proximity to Denison University (a 5-minute walk) makes it ideal for academic events or campus visits. On-site activities include garden strolls, historical tours (self-guided or ranger-led via the National Register status), and seasonal happenings like fall foliage walks or summer porch concerts. Paranormal enthusiasts can join ghost tours (informal, guest-led) or stay in "haunted" rooms for a thrill. The inn's event spaces generate significant revenue, contributing to its appeal as an investment.
The Buxton Inn's ghostly lore adds a layer of intrigue, with
hauntings documented since the 1930s and investigated by paranormal
groups. At least four spirits are reported:
Orrin Granger: The
founder, seen as a man in knee breeches; sightings include a 1970s
encounter where he vanished mid-conversation during renovations.
Major Horton Buxton: Often smelled via cigar smoke in the kitchen and
dining room; appears as an elderly man in a dark suit by the fireplace.
Ethel "Bonnie" Bounell: The most active, appearing in a light blue dress
with gardenia perfume; footsteps echo on back stairs, and she enters
locked rooms (e.g., Room 7 in the 1980s, advising a sleepless guest).
She resided in Room 9 until 1960.
Major Buxton the Cat: Ethel's pet,
manifesting as a brushing sensation or bed-jump in Room 9; featured in
1940s media.
Activities include doors slamming, clanking dishes
in the tavern (a "hot spot"), and increased phenomena during quiet
periods like COVID closures. Staff and guests report lights flickering
and chairs moving, but the inn embraces its haunted status without
fear-mongering—many book "ghost rooms" for the experience.
Granville, in Licking County, is a National Historic District known for its Welsh heritage, Victorian homes, and rolling Appalachian foothills—30 minutes from Columbus and near state parks like Dawes Arboretum. The inn's central location on Broadway enhances its role as a village anchor, boosting local tourism. Economically, it employs locals and draws visitors for its blend of history and hospitality, with a proven ROI from steady bookings. As a National Register site, it symbolizes preservation efforts, though its 2025 sale listing raises questions about future stewardship. Despite challenges like the 2022 fire, the Buxton Inn endures as a living piece of American history, inviting guests to "feel at home" amid whispers of the past.