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Meet Heights House Hotel: A boutique hotel with a storied history

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Heights House Hotel’s two-room bridal suite

Heights House Hotel’s two-room bridal suite | Photo provided

Over the past 162 years, Heights House Hotel – formerly Monfort Hall – has seen an array of owners, renovations, restorations + changes. Commissioned in 1858 and later completed in 1860 as an Italianate style mansion, it’s one of the few remaining pre-Civil War houses in the Raleigh area.

Now, it’s entering a new phase – as a boutique hotel and event space – with the help of husband and wife team Sarah + Jeff Shepherd.

The Shepherds have lived in the Boylan Heights neighborhood – where the house sits on the highest point of the now-historic neighborhood – for the past decade, and are the visionaries behind the new hotel. After acquiring the property in 2018, they worked alongside Maurer Architecture and Greg Paul Builders during renovations on the historic property, which began in early 2019.

Heights House Hotel owners Sarah and Jeff Shepherd

Heights House Hotel owners Sarah and Jeff Shepherd | Photo via Adam Chapin Photography

Adam Brophy

The renovations were thoughtfully chosen to highlight the authenticity of the original architecture while incorporating modern and vintage touches. Every item is being handpicked – from artwork and fixtures to vintage rugs and custom furniture.

The 10,000-sqft. house can comfortably accommodate 20 guests across its nine large ensuite guest rooms. Other features to look out for include:

  • 15-foot ceilings
  • Original hardwoods
  • Large pocket doors
  • 10 fireplaces
  • Grand common spaces including a library and parlor

Take a peek at how the Shepherds redesigned the Drawing Room:

Drawing room pre-renovation

Drawing room pre-renovation | Photo via Raleigh Commercial Photography

Drawing room post renovation

Drawing room post-renovation | Photo provided

The Shepherds hope every guest that walks through the front door feels the intention and genuine love that went into resurrecting this very historic landmark.

Heights House will make its official debut on April 1, 2021. Interested in booking a room? Learn more about reservations here.

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