About The Robinwood Inn
The History of Robinwood
The Robinwood Inn of Nashville IN has a rich history of creativity, hospitality, and dreams. The property on which the Robinwood Inn stands was acquired from the Matter family in the 1930's by Ed James, who built his home and studio here. Ed was an accomplished architect who designed most notably for Indiana University.
It was then acquired by another architect by the name of A. Judson Rogers, who after a fire built his "dream home." A. Judson Rogers loved nature and could often be found sitting on a bench at the edge of the property admiring the woods. Judson studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and designed several homes in Brown County and Bloomington. An outstanding artist as well as an architect, a collection of Judson's "cover sheet drawings" are housed in the Lilly Library on the IU campus in Bloomington. He named the property Robinwood. Both Ed and Judson must have enjoyed entertaining guests and used the smaller cabin at the front of the property, now known as Folktale Cabin, as a guest cabin. There is also a hand-carved mantel in the Fireside Retreat which dates back to the early 1940's that reads "The Ornaments Of A House Are The Friends Who Frequent It."
After his passing, his wife sold the house to Judy Robertson who loved to garden and dreamed of having a Bed and Breakfast. Such a business was a perfect fit for her since she is warm, friendly, and naturally hospitable. Judy renamed it Ashland Manor after her beloved nieces. Judy was denied formal authority to operate a Bed and Breakfast by the town of Nashville. However, in the spirit of seeing the "bigger picture", Judy ran a small-scale underground B&B for years....until she sold it to me.
I fell in love with the place immediately, one day while digging through the old chicken shack I found an old wooden sign. The carved sign simply read "Robinwood." Many clues were present along the years as to creative minds and generous spirits who shared this dream and called Robinwood their home. After renting Folktale Cabin and the Robinwood Studio as guest cottages for several years we were finally granted permission to become an Inn. I called Judy immediately to share the happy news and Robinwood was reborn once again.
Today, Lance and I feel very fortunate to be stewards of this special place, part of the bohemian spirit of Brown County, and especially fortunate to be able to share it with our guests...I guess it was all meant to be.
With Warmest Regards,
Tyra Miller
Permanent Residents of the Inn
The Robinwood Inn is a charming escape in a quiet setting and we strive to provide our guests with privacy, comfort, and hospitality. It is very possible to find your own little world here on the grounds and although there may be others on the property each cottage has its own private area.
We hope to have everything you need for a fabulous getaway awaiting you when you arrive at the Inn, but if you should need anything we are only a phone call away.
Two cabins at Robinwood are pet-friendly and we have a few of our own, so you may be greeted by our four-legged welcoming committee. You also may need to brake for free-range chickens and miniature horses, not to mention our woodland residents, whitetail deer, box turtles, rabbits and the occasional fox or wild turkey. For guests that stay at the Inn, there is a "Survival Guide" to familiarize themselves with all of our animals, the grounds, and the surrounding areas.
We invite you to stay with us at Robinwood Inn and become one of the "Ornaments" of our house.
