Martinsville Mondays:
A Legacy of Southern Hospitality and Historic Charm in Martinsville
The Oakdale Inn
Nestled along one of the most beautiful streets in Martinsville, The Oakdale Inn is more than a bed and breakfast, it's a living piece of local history, a haven of hospitality, and a symbol of Martinsville’s enduring spirit!
Linda and Lee Prillaman purchased the property in May 2022, drawn to the character and charm of the home. “It may sound crazy,” they said, “but certain properties scream out what they’re meant to be.” With each bedroom already featuring a private bath, the house seemed destined to become a bed and breakfast. In 2024, they welcomed Erin Givens as Innkeeper, ushering in a new era of warmth, tradition, and hospitality.
From Family Estate to Elegant Inn
Built in 1951 by Dick Simmons , CEO of the American of Martinsville furniture company. The home was originally designed as a bustling family residence for Simmons, his wife Louise Henry Acker, and their five children. The property was part of a close-knit “Simmons compound,” with relatives living in neighboring homes. It was a place filled with stories: horseback riding near the old stable, apples from the orchard, pool days at grandma’s across the backyard, and treasured meals that brought generations together.
Simmons, a larger-than-life character, even stored his hot air balloon in a section of the home now used as the innkeeper’s quarters. He was known to fly across the county with a bottle of champagne and a bottle of whiskey, ready to toast or make peace with any farmer whose field became his landing site.
An expansion in the 1960s added even more character: a theater room, additional bedrooms, a quiet space (once filled with Dolly Parton memorabilia), and a brick patio perfect for entertaining. That spirit of celebration and connection still echoes through the halls today.
A Place to Gather and Celebrate
Over the years, the home has evolved from family residence to gallery, office space, and vacation rental until finally finding its true calling as a full-service inn. It now welcomes an array of guests, from musicians performing at Rooster Walk to bridal parties, reunions, church retreats, and themed celebrations like “Cowboy Christmas” and whodunit mysteries. It’s not just a place to sleep , it’s a space for laughter, connection, and making lasting memories.
The Experience
Daily breakfast is now part of the experience, with the scent of fresh-baked cookies greeting guests at the door. Flower arrangements, personalized welcome trays, and thoughtful details are all part of the warm and inviting atmosphere. Staying at The Oakdale Inn is a cozy blend of comfort and charm. Guests are welcomed with trays of sweet, salty, and minty treats , including a sea salt and dark chocolate bar made by local favorite Cocoa Trails. Complimentary beverages, bottled water, teas, and coffee (from our very own local coffee brewer Third Shift Coffee) are always available, with a fully stocked kitchen and cozy coffee station nearby.
Each of the six rooms (one king, four queens, and one with twin beds) features luxurious 800-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, a curated selection of six pillow types, and Nest NY Sicilian Tangerine toiletries. Visitors can relax with a book from one of the home’s curated collections or unwind with a movie in the wood-burning fireplace theater room. For those seeking activity, the basement includes a full workout space with kettlebells, a spin bike, yoga mats, and more.
The outdoor experience is just as charming handmade Troutman rocking chairs invite guests to sit on the porch or patio, where string lights, a fire pit, and a garden view create the perfect setting to enjoy a beverage, roast s’mores, or simply stargaze. A friendly chorus of birds greets each morning, and longtime locals say the property’s resident groundhogs , once named and fed by Louise Henry herself still wander the grounds today.
The Oakdale Inn enjoys a prime location in the heart of Uptown Martinsville. Visitors are within walking distance of beloved local destinations, including the Virginia Museum of Natural History, Piedmont Arts, the Dick & Willie Trail, Black Box Theater, Uptown Pinball, and a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and attractions. It’s a home base for adventure and a quiet retreat all at once.
Guests frequently comment on the beauty of the architecture, the serenity of the grounds, and the thoughtful details throughout. Whether it’s the wood-burning fireplace, the birds nesting on the porch, or the perfect sunset view from the garden, it’s easy to feel at peace here.
Future plans include theming each guest room to honor Martinsville’s iconic furniture legacy, celebrating companies like Bassett, Hooker, Gravely, Stanley, and American of Martinsville. It’s a meaningful nod to the area’s industrious past and an optimistic vision of what’s still to come.
Direct booking is now available through the Inn’s website, along with listings on major platforms like Expedia. The inn also recently obtained its ABC license, allowing for complimentary beverages to be served on-site and further enhancing the guest experience.
Rooted in Community:
The Oakdale Inn has always been more than a structure, it’s a gathering space deeply connected to the heart of Martinsville. Once a playground for neighborhood children and the backdrop for family adventures, it now serves as a welcoming haven for travelers and community members alike. The story continues to unfold with each event hosted, every new visitor welcomed, and the shared memories created within its walls.
Beyond the Inn, its owners have contributed to revitalization efforts like The Ground Floor in the historic HOLT building and support organizations such as Young Life and a local microschool, working to build spaces of connection, faith, and growth in the community.
More than anything, The Oakdale Inn is a celebration of Martinsville’s legacy, a reflection of its roots and a beacon of what’s possible. It honors the boom years of the furniture industry and the families who shaped this city, while offering a renewed sense of purpose and pride.
Its mission is simple but powerful: to provide a place where people can rest, reconnect, and experience the abundance of love, excellence, and community. The Oakdale Inn reminds us that Martinsville is still a city without limits and its next chapter is just beginning.
Some people leave an impression not because they seek the spotlight, but because of the way they invest in the people around them. That's exactly what Linda, Lee Prillaman, and Erin Givens have done. Not only for me and Daydream Photography, but for our entire community.
Getting to know each of them has been one of the unexpected blessings of growing my business. From the very beginning, they've been encouraging, welcoming, and genuinely interested in seeing others succeed. They have a way of making you feel like your work matters, and that's a gift not everyone possesses.
As Daydream Photography has grown, I've been fortunate enough to cross paths with people who believe in supporting local businesses and strengthening our community. Linda, Lee, and Erin are among the first names that come to mind when I think about that kind of leadership. Their kindness, generosity, and willingness to give their time never go unnoticed.
The impact they have reaches far beyond any one organization or event. They help create connections, celebrate the successes of others, and remind us what community is really about. Whether they're lending a hand, offering encouragement, or simply showing up when it matters most, they continue to make Martinsville-Henry County a better place to live and work.
On a personal level, I'm grateful for the friendship and support they've shown me. They've encouraged me as a photographer, as a small business owner, and as a member of this community. It's people like them who make you want to keep giving back and doing your part to make a difference.
Thank you, Linda, Lee, and Erin, for everything you do behind the scenes and in front of it. Your compassion, leadership, and dedication inspire more people than you probably realize. Daydream Photography is better because our paths have crossed, and our community is stronger because of the hearts you each bring to it every single day.
