The building is a historic site in Norfolk. The Original Carriage House was built in the early 1840's. Its patrons then were horses. From the first floor, if you look up at the center of the room, you'll see the large opening where hay used to be loaded into carriages.
A 19th century timber merchant, Captain John L. Roper, bought the property after the Civil War. The family carriage, horses, riding equipment, and even a sleigh were kept here in the carriage house. The family's mansion, facing Freemason Street, was demolished in the 1930's. For years, the old carriage house stook idle until one of Mr. Roper's granddaughters decided it would make an ideal tea room.
Ever since they have been serving up an ecclectic cuisine to their faithful customers.