The name Iona originates from the Isle of Iona off the western coast of Scotland, less than a mile from the Isle of Mull. It translates as “Purple Jewel”, but more often is referred to as “blessed”. Saint Colmcille found a monastery there in 563 AD, and it is currently known more for Iona Abbey that still operates there.
Iona Stables and Inn is so named because the hosts want people who stay there not only to feel blessed, but comfortable, as if on an island of rest and relaxation.
It’s located near what’s called Argo’s Corner in DE, on a working farm where depending on the time of year you may see soy beans, or tall stalks of corn.
Iona Stables and Inn is a bed and breakfast in the truest sense of the term. It can be found on AirBnB in a quick search of homes near Milford, DE. There are two options for rooms, one on the first floor, another on the second floor. Each of the two rooms has room for two and a dedicated bathroom. There are steps into the house, even for the first floor room there’s about 4 steps.
The house is decorated with some impressive antiques, and when we stayed, it was also beautiful decorated for the Christmas season throughout.
The second floor room (the one we stayed in) is fairly “roomy”. It is both private and quiet, sharing the floor only with the host’s office. While both rooms can access the private bathroom, it is set up such that only the bed and breakfast guest staying has access.
Guests have access to their own room and most of the common space. The hosts are gracious to only make contact as necessary, but are available as/if needed. They welcome conversation if you’re up for it and can provide a number of recommendations for pretty much anything you need from gas stations to restaurants to movie theatres, you name it.
Breakfast has options. The hosts will offer a variety of fresh fruit, breads/toast, eggs cooked to taste, meats (bacon, sausage and yes…even scrapple!), you get to pick what you want!
Iona Stables and Inn offers an impressively central location for a number of local venues. It is less than half an hour from Lewes Beach, the outlets in Rehoboth, Dover Downs (where numerous celebrities have entertained in the past), the Firefly Festival, Harrington Raceway, as well as the Milford Sports Complex and DE Turf Sports Complex. And that’s just naming a few.
One of the most unique aspects of Iona Stables and Inn is that it is actually a working stable for horses, so not only get a view of the stable from the house, you can board your horse at the stable if you set it up ahead of time (additional charges apply). And if you just need a spot to plug the trailer in while you stay in the Inn, they’ve done that as well.