The Inn at Honey Run, Homestead unveiling new-look Honeycombs

Holmes County is known for its willingness to collaborate between business partners, and one such collaboration is creating a new look at a local inn.

Nearly four decades ago, The Inn at Honey Run founder Marge Stock built the Honeycomb Suites into the hillside, creating a unique set of 12 suites with a view of Holmes County nature at its finest.

However, after that period the furniture and suites began to look dated, so The Inn at Honey Run general manager Jason Neis decided it was time for a new look.

He teamed up with Homestead Furniture & Interiors, and on Tuesday, June 16, the collaborative effort of the two local businesses will be on display during a grand opening in which the public is invited to view the Honeycombs by Homestead at The Inn at Honey Run.

The event will take place from 4-8 p.m. and will feature the newly remodeled suites that took 12 months to complete from the initial blueprints to the finished product.

Ernie and Laverne Hershberger will present a more in-depth look into each of the rooms, describing what their team at Homestead was seeking to present.

“It’s been a fascinating process — fun to watch take shape,” Neis said. “Laverne and I are of a like mind in that we are trying to push harder to get out of the old mold and seek a new direction in things.”

That new direction brought a fresh, new look to the Honeycomb Suites that were built in 1988 and haven’t had any type of major update since.

“We’ve done light renovations over the years, but they needed a total overhaul,” Neis said. “I initially approached (Homestead) about partnering with us, and they showed a real interest. Laverne was the creative force behind the room designs. He created these themes and made every room unique, and they are stunning.”

Each of Honeycomb Lodging’s 12 rooms has been designed in a distinct style, with Homestead Furniture given creative freedom to shape each space. From major furniture pieces to the lighting sconces and the bathroom amenities, every detail reinforces each room’s theme.

Included in the themed rooms are Traditional - Parlor, Transitional - Meridian, Modern Farmhouse - Farmstead, Rustic - Cabin, Global - Wanderer, Mid-Century Modern - Icon, European - Edinburgh, Coastal - Seaside, Memphis Milano, Live Edge - Woodland, Mission - Craftsman and Modern - Studio.

“It’s been a really great collaboration between partners,” Laverne Hershberger said. “They have extended to us every opportunity to utilize our expertise in renovating the Honeycomb Suites, and it’s been fascinating to come up with the unique and interesting designs in each room that make each suite special.”

Not only have the inside of the Honeycomb Suites been renovated, but each also has its own outdoor patio that lets nature envelope its occupants.

Neis said this has been a long overdue project, and the excitement surrounding the grand opening is building.

“This is an exciting time of growth for us right now, and the Honeycombs are just part of our ongoing effort to offer the newest in innovation and technology while at the same time maintaining the feeling Marge created in presenting real quiet solitude and peace that is surrounded by nature.”

Neis said the inn itself will undergo renovations soon, and the two cottages on the campus also are tapped to be renovated this year.

“This will be the first time in 45 years that The Inn at Honey Run will be completely renovated and looking new,” Neis said. “The Honeycomb renovation process is a gamechanger for us, and the goal is to create a special and memorable experience, and because each unit is different, people can come back and get a uniquely new experience each time they stay.”

He said eventually they will create a passport book describing each of the 12 Honeycomb Suites.

Neis said he is eager to share the vision and innovation with the public at the open house. People can come during the four hours and venture through the entire Honeycomb facility.

The Inn at Honey Run is located at 6920 County Road 203, north of Millersburg.