The Crossmans met while graduate students at Duke (Deanna in Cell Biology, Colin in Law), restoring homes across the street from one another. Their shared interest for reviving neglected homes and the thirst for more knowledge led them to an unusual honeymoon destination – Green Building School at The Shelter Institute in Maine.

After learning more about restoration, they continued their preservation efforts as a team. When the King’s Daughters Home went on the market in 2006, the newlyweds saw tremendous possibilities where others had seen limitations. The more they learned about the history of the building, the more convinced they became that converting it into a boutique Bed and Breakfast would be the most appropriate new use for the former retirement Home. It would also have a lower impact on the surrounding historic neighborhood of Trinity Park than other proposed uses.

Values they share as a couple formed the philosophical cornerstone of the project: a desire to preserve historic architecture for future generations; a deep respect for the environment and belief in saving resources wherever possible; and a love of technology.

After obtaining the necessary special use permit required to operate a B&B in a residential area, they were ready to proceed. Deanna resigned her post at Duke as an HIV researcher to become the general contractor for her most ambitious project yet. Two years later, the Crossmans realized their vision and officially became the Innkeepers.

Over the next four years the Inn thrived and grew to the point the Crossmans knew it was time for a new adventure. They want to share the unique, upscale boutique hospitality experience that Durham has come to love so much. Working with the Town of Cary, they were excited to find the perfect spot right in the center of downtown. While they’ll still be deeply connected to Durham and The King’s Daughters Inn, they will be focusing much of their attention on building The Mayton Inn.