About the Inn
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Originally called "Hillencrest", these beautiful estate homes were built in 1910. The Arts and Crafts architecture of both homes featured the latest ideas in construction, convenience and style with clay tiled roofs, sleeping porches and sun parlors. A. W. Romweber and his wife, Rose (Hillenbrand), sister to George M. Hillenbrand, raised their five sons in the home at the corner of Walnut and Hillcrest Streets. George M. Hillenbrand and his wife Sophia (Schrader) built their home to the north. Although they had no children, two great-nephews spent the summers with them for several years. One of the nephews, Ray Hillenbrand and his wife Rita, later purchased the home in the 1960's and raised their four children. This historic estate has been home to many families over the years, providing shelter and security. Its walls have heard the laughter and tears of almost one hundred years of family life.

Legend has it that Mr. George Hillenbrand was a charming man who was a born salesman. He was one of the owners of the American Furniture Company founded in 1881. Mr. Hillenbrand was the first mayor of Batesville in 1882 when the town first formed its government. Sophia was an artistic and creative person who enjoyed her work in a hat making shop and loved decorating her home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hillenbrand were gracious and generous. In 1920, they donated the land that the community now enjoys as Liberty Park. In the mid 1920's, both worked hard to promote the land development for the Rosemont housing addition. Mr. Hillenbrand purchased the farm to the North, owned by Sophia's parents, which he founded and developed into the Hillcrest Golf Course. The course was designed by a Scotsman, Dr. Robertson Smith.

The home was built with a master bedroom (now the Hillenbrand Suite) and two guest rooms (now the Hillcrest Terrace and Rosemont). Over the years, two more bedrooms were added. The Garden Spa whirlpool room was originally an outdoor sleeping porch. The back three-story addition with the Rooftop Retreat Bedroom was added by the Schuerman's in the mid 90's. The Library, located on the second floor at the top of the staircase, was the original billiard room connected by the back staircase to George Hillenbrand's office on the first floor. On the kitchen wall, a wooden box contains the original bell ringer system used to call the household help. One of those ringers is labeled "Billiard Room".

On the first floor, the Sun Room overlooking the golf course was Mrs. Hillenbrand's favorite room, which she referred to as her Garden Room. The furnishings from her Garden Room were donated to the Hillcrest Country Club. Mr. and Mrs. Hillenbrand's enjoyment and appreciation of the arts is reflected in the many unique details of this home--- the handcrafted plaster ceiling in the round Tuscany Room, the Rookwood tile mural above the mantle in the Rookwood Living Room, and the Rookwood tile flooring on the Veranda and in the Sun Room.

The home was purchased by Ray and Rita Hillenbrand (George's great-nephew) after Sophia's death in the mid 1960's. During the years Ray and Rita lived in the home, many changes were made. The kitchen was completely remodeled, eliminating two walk-in pantries and adding beautiful, custom oak cabinetry and hand painted wall tiles. Rita Hillenbrand enjoyed Southwest design and added the ceramic and clay tile to the Powder Room on the first floor and clay tile to the Tuscany Room. They also added the recreational facilities including the swimming pool, sauna and outdoor whirlpool. The basement was finished as a family recreation room. Much of the older mature landscaping was added during this time.

In the mid 1970's, Mr. and Mrs. George Molinsky purchased the property and resided with their five children. The home was extensively redecorated during that time period due to fire and smoke damage in 1980. One of the Molinsky sons was back to visit the home several years ago and recalled his fond family memories growing up here.

Later the house was sold to Dr. and Mrs. John Ayres, who resided with their two daughters for approximately two years.

After purchasing the home in 1988, John and Kathy Schuerman filled the home with the family activities of their five children and as the older children left for college, two more children joined the family. This year, those two children graduated from Batesville High School and the Schuermans have begun their dream of opening an Inn and sharing this unique, historic property with the community.

Stonebridge Inn opened for guests June 9, 2006 offering five luxury bedrooms with a private bath, steam shower or two-person whirlpool and fireplace. Kathy Schuerman and the Stonebridge Inn and Spa staff will continue the tradition of gracious hospitality and good stewardship of the property started 1910 by George and Sophia Hillenbrand.

John and Kathy Schuerman, Owners
Stonebridge Inn
July 2006