Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aubrey Talley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Aubrey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

The Three Pines dream was envisioned by our owner and local entrepreneur, Holly Crowl. After nearly a year of dedicated restoration work by the Crowl family, community, and friends, we successfully opened our doors in September 2019. Shortly thereafter, COVID-19 changed the business landscape for everyone, and our venue had to adapt. We became a cherished space for guests seeking intimate, private gatherings away from large crowds and busy venues. Our historic property, with its charm and grandeur, alongside our private 3.5-acre grounds, has become a prime location for hosting private retreats and celebrations. As preferences shift, many of our guests prefer our intimate and cost-effective venue that provides overnight accommodations, indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations that are all-encompassing for life’s memorable occasions including birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, baby and bridal showers, weddings, and celebrations of life we have the pleasure of hosting.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Holly Crowl has restored and given many properties new life. In her words “Three Pines came about from our love of Petersburg, Illinois — for both its past and its future. On a muggy night in August of 2018, a group of ten friends wandered around the house, the barn, and the grounds. At that time, the property had fallen into disrepair; the walls had begun to crumble and the weeds had begun to grow. So these ten friends — all of who had grown up in Petersburg or now called it home — dreamed of how to save this remarkable place. It had once been loved, could it be again?” Yes!

“They conceived of a new future for the property filled with overnight stays, whole-house retreats, and barn weddings. It would be a way for both locals and out-of-towners to get to know the house on the hill, a Petersburg landmark, that has anchored the community. Less than a year later — thanks to countless people who rolled up their sleeves to sew, paint, sand, and weed — Three Pines opened its doors.”

Our ultimate goal is to return Three Pines to our community for everyone to love and cherish as much as we do. Three Pines, The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, private residences, The Edward Lanning home — many names, many years, many hearts have passed through its walls. We are proud to be the caretakers of this property as it celebrates 150 years. We look forward to the next 150 years and the hearts that will continue to carry the significance of this landmark through time.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

As a 16-year-old eager for my first job, I was thrilled when my film teacher announced that Three Pines Petersburg was looking for new housekeepers. Just the day before, I had mentioned to my mother my interest in the history of the home and my desire to join their team. My teacher gave me the hiring manager’s contact information, and I immediately set up an interview. I secured the housekeeping position and….that’s where it all started! During my time on staff, I formed a mentor-mentee relationship with Becca Newton, the previous property manager, who is now a good friend. Becca, highly qualified and talented in her role, recognized my potential and encouraged me to take on more responsibilities.

Over the years, I trained gradually, familiarizing myself with the property and its unique characteristics. At 16, I could never have imagined that the awe-inspiring mansion I stepped into would one day be under my management. Now, five years later, I serve as the manager and innkeeper, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of our owner, Holly Crowl, and the Three Pines team. Holly’s passion and dedication have been instrumental in our ongoing efforts to improve the home and welcome new guests each year. The connections I’ve made with everyone involved in this dream have played a significant role in my growth as a young adult. Three Pines holds a special place in my heart and will always feel like home, no matter where life takes me.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Managing a Victorian mansion built in 1875 has its challenges, and we’ve come to embrace the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” During one particularly severe spring downpour, the original slate roof, though beautiful, required maintenance and couldn’t withstand the torrential Midwest rains. A portion of the original horsehair plasterwork collapsed, and we found ourselves constantly emptying buckets in a stressful race against the leaks. Fortunately, the sun did shine again, and we were able to make the much-needed repairs, and even find a local man specializing in antique plasterwork, through Holly’s community connections. Though costly, these repairs were crucial for the continued health and preservation of our business. We are sure there will be more ups and downs to come, but we’ll be there with our buckets and determination to get these running smoothly once again!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.threepinespetersburg.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/threepinespetersburg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThreePinesPetersburg/

Image Credits

-Photo 4 shot by: Rachael Marie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarie_itsme?
Website: https://rachaelmarieitsmephotography.com/book-now?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYShxmQaynCi07lS4xaC3tS6_3k7p7Qg2llppxd_FJyVaEhAeVwJSoQ78c_aem_cxXVPtgoj6UC46RXBpX0KA
-Photo 5 shot by: Andrea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forevermorephotographyllc/
Website: https://linktr.ee/forevermorephotography?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYKUUh2tDVycsUmqOcW2tKMuABoRf-lcLNh0ISrBujAPZ3XUzFVbWHvGv0_aem_zZEKEIgZWn-pk_aUOFIDiQ
-Photo 6 shot by: Sam Fink
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumosco/
Website: https://www.lumoscophoto.com/portfolio?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZrzl44qRyAFZH1NzTc0MQ6W-i8HDCVSogEJwI_BpCedPUGUgUSFtDIDUU_aem_pFw-VuNU1kGWa1F4v6Svkg