Overnight Delights

VIRGINIA

Pure Village Court (now Village Inn)
Harrisonburg, VA

The Pure Village Court opened in 1937 with 26 units. It was named after the Pure Oil Company which owned the gas pumps out front which are now long gone. Pure Oil required the use of their architectural motif, better known as the "English Cottage" style developed in 1925 (many examples in this section). Another example is Sanders Court which was a franchise of Pure Oil and used the same cottage style in its motor court, gas station and restaurant.

The Pure Village Cottages eventually became the Village Inn, keeping the steep gables with blue tile roofs, tall chimneys, bay windows and flower boxes. As more units were added (there are 37 now), the gaps between the units were filled in with more cottages. The Village Inn's restaurant has also been expanded over the years. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2.

Star-Gables Motor Court [gone]
Harrisonburg, VA
The Star-Gables Motor Court bore a striking resemblance to the Pure Village Court. However, from the info I have been able to dig up, it was owned by a different man. The Star-Gables was built in the 1940s and each unit had its own entrance and carport at one time. It was abandoned for many years and was razed by 2008.

unnamed apartments
Harrisonburg, VA
These unnamed apartments are yet another example of the gabled cottage style. This complex is north of Star-Gables and remains intact and is well-maintained.

formerly Don-Dee Court [closed]
New Market, VA
A bit further north is Don-Dee Court which had larger, stone cottages. The name originated from its owners (Don P. Hughes and M. Dee Willson). It was later known as the Christopher Inn. It had 22 units of different sizes and styles but has sat abandoned for many years because of a condemned sewer. It is owned by Rogers Auto Parts across the street (which now uses the sign for advertising and the buildings for storage).

Payne's Motel
Fredericksburg, VA

Payne's Motel was originally known as Payne's Motor Court. With its cylindrical office, it looks to be from the 1930s or 1940s. It once had a nice sign, a garden area, and was painted light green. It is still nicely maintained. For more, see this website.

Riverview Inn
Colonial Beach, VA

The Riverview Inn was built in 1949 and was recently restored. It is just down the block from the Potomac River. For more, see their website.