Harry and Janice Allen invite you to visit their beautiful century-old farm house. The Cypress Inn has the romantic charm of a time long ago yet has been newly renovated with all the conveniences of today; television, telephone, air conditioning, magazines, and newspapers.The Cypress Inn rests quietly among old oak trees near the western bank of the Ogeechee River. An enchanting walk along one of the riverside trails, after a refreshing shower of rain, just might reveal a Native American artifact or treasure from the civil war peeking into the sunshine.Whether you are looking for peace and quiet, or hunting and fishing, this is the place for you. Camping is available at nearby Coleman Lake State Park. A five-star dining experience awaits you at the Coleman Lake Restaurant. Sample the seafood buffet or try local favorites like quail and gator tails while overlooking the river.The Cypress Inn is located 20 minutes north of Swainsboro or an hour south of Augusta just off the historic Old Savannah Road. Whether we are your destination or just a stop on your way to Savannah or Tybee Island, we are sure you'll want to come back again.Brief history of the Cross FamilyThe Cypress Inn was built in 1903. The style of the inn is Greek Revival with a touch of Victorian. As long as there has been a deed to this land, it has belonged to the Cross family. The beautiful residence that is now the inn was used as a summer retreat. The Cross family originated from the English Shire of Lancaster and can trace their family tree back to the time of Edward the First (1272-1307). Almarick Crosse is the earliest recorded member of this historic family. The family held the estate at the Crosse Hall until the reign of Henry the Eighth (1509-1547) at which time the family moved southward. Some members located in the Shire of Chester and some settled in Somerset. Robert Cross, who is believed to be the first of the Cross family to arrive in this country settled at Ipswich, Massachusetts about 1634, and his descendents later moved to Maine. Another branch of the family settled in Virginia. A renowned member of this branch was Col. Hardy Cross who fought in the War of 1812. Cross was the married name of Mary Ann Evans, who is better known to the world as George Eliot, the distinguished woman novelist.