Today we’d like to introduce you to Heavan Harris.
Hi Heavan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Historic Hattie House began its story in 1885 as the original Abingdon Hotel, welcoming travelers arriving by train to the heart of downtown Abingdon. Over the years, the building served many purposes before eventually sitting underutilized and in need of new life. Today, the Hattie House has been thoughtfully restored as a boutique inn that honors its historic roots while offering modern comforts. Our mission is to create a welcoming, memorable experience where guests can connect with the history, art and charm of Abingdon. Located within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, the beloved Barter Theater and the incredible VA Creeper Trail, we’ve become a place where visitors can slow down, explore and experience the best of our community. What makes the Hattie House special is our belief that hospitality is personal. We strive to create a atmosphere that feels welcoming, authentic and reflective of the rich history and creativity that makes Abingdon such a unique destination.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Although we have been richly blessed. Restoring and operating a historic property comes with unique challenges, from preserving the character of a building that’s been standing since 1885 to navigating the day to day realities of hospitality. Like many small businesses, we’ve faced the challenge of introducing ourselves to a new audience, building awareness and creating an experience that stands out in a competitive market. There are also the unexpected hurtles that come with caring for a historic home, every simple project can become more complex than anticipated. That said, each challenge has strengthened our team. We’ve learned to be adaptable, lean on each others talents all while staying guest focused. Seeing folks connect with the history of the building and leave with wonderful memories makes the hard work worthwhile.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the Hattie House, we specialize in creating memorable stays the connect guests with the history, culture and charm of Abingdon. Where the old meets the new. You can walk across 1885 hardwood flooring to your modern kitchenette in a welcoming atmosphere. What sets us apart is our belief that hospitality should feel personal. We aren’t a large chain hotel, we are family and we take pride in creating an experience that reflects that character. From local artwork and thoughtfully designed spaces to recommendations for exploring downtown, we strive to help guests feel at home.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What we love the most about Abingdon is the community. It is a town where art, rich history, small family operated businesses and the great outdoors all come together in a way that feels genuine and welcoming. From the Barter and local galleries to the VA Creeper Trail and our vibrant downtown, there is always something to discover yet, it still maintains the charm of a close knit community.
If there is one challenge, it’s that many people simply haven’t discovered Abingdon yet. Visitors are often surprised by just how much there is to see and do once they arrive. The good news is that more people are starting to experience what makes this area so special and we are so excited to be a part of sharing that story with new visitors everyday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.historichattiehouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historichattiehouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historichattiehouse
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@historic.hattie.h
