Today we’d like to introduce you to Luanna Cole.
Hi Luanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 1994, we purchased what is now the Plantation House Boutique Inn. At the time, it was simply a home with a little land where our kids could play and explore freely. The house itself has a unique antebellum architectural style, and we instantly fell in love with its charm.
After living there for three years, friends kept telling us it would be a perfect place for a wedding. That suggestion sparked the beginning of the Plantation House as a premier wedding venue in 1998. For 20 years and over 1,000 events, we celebrated countless couples’ most memorable days.
In May 2017, we closed the wedding chapter. Then came a simple question from Norris: “Hey, do you want to do a Bed and Breakfast?” My answer was yes—it just felt right. In January 2019, the Plantation House Boutique Inn was reborn, welcoming guests with the same warmth and charm that first drew us to this special home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Surprisingly, the transition to a bed and breakfast has been one of the smoothest journeys for us. There were a few early challenges, though—mainly not having a permanent space for Norris and me. For the first six months, we slept in whichever guest room wasn’t booked. As business picked up, we found ourselves in our grandchildren’s playroom, on a daybed with a trundle that was, frankly, murder on our backs!
Now, don’t get me wrong—sleeping in the guest rooms had its benefits. It allowed us to see the inn through our guests’ eyes, notice what worked, and figure out what needed to change. But eventually, we realized we needed a real space for ourselves. So we converted our study into our permanent quarters, and a few years later, renovated it with a new bathroom, beautiful closet, and a perfect little study.
Everyone needs a space—including innkeepers! Beyond that, nothing has been too hard. We started this business on faith—faith in the unseen—and we continue to run it that way today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Plantation House Boutique Inn is more than just a place to stay—it’s a home where guests are welcomed as part of our extended family. Each room carries the name of one of our grandchildren, and every detail reflects warmth, charm, and the personal touch that comes from running a family-owned inn.
We specialize in creating memorable, intimate experiences for our guests—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a romantic retreat, or simply a peaceful escape. What sets us apart is the combination of antebellum elegance, cozy comfort, and a genuine dedication to hospitality. Our goal is for every guest to feel like they’re walking into a home that’s cared for with love, not just a hotel.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’ve built: an inn where guests feel known, welcomed, and cherished. At the Plantation House Boutique Inn, it’s not just about a place to stay—it’s about creating moments, memories, and a sense of belonging that keeps people coming back.
What makes you happy?
What makes us happy is simple: people.
Hospitality has always been at the heart of who we are. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing our guests smile, laugh, relax, and truly enjoy themselves during their stay. Knowing that we’ve created a place where people feel comfortable, cared for, and welcomed brings us tremendous gratitude and joy.
One principle that guides both our business and our lives is the Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. It may sound like a cliché, but it never goes out of style. Norris and I appreciate genuine kindness, warmth, and thoughtfulness, and we strive to extend those same qualities to everyone we meet. True hospitality isn’t about things—it’s about making people feel valued.
On a personal level, I find happiness in nature. Butterflies, blooming flowers, majestic trees, and beautiful outdoor spaces all bring me a sense of peace and wonder. Most of all, though, I cherish my family. The moments we share together are life’s greatest blessings.
Norris is happiest when he’s surrounded by the things he loves most—cowboy culture, rodeos, horses, and the outdoors. Like me, however, family is at the center of everything he does.
Above all, we share a strong faith that shapes our values and guides our decisions. We hope that faith, kindness, and love for others are reflected in our home, our business, and every interaction we have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.plantationhouse.us/
- Email: Reservations@plantationhouse.us
- Instagram: @plantationhouseboutiqueinn
- Facebook: The Plantation House
