Born and raised in South Texas, Tracey Love Smith grew up on a farm and ranch in the small town of George West. She learned to appreciate the grace and hospitality of days gone by from her mother, Betty Love, a Houston socialite whose grandfather, Judge W. G. Love, was the first mayor of Houston Heights, and the value of resourcefulness, ingenuity and hard work from her father, Lynn Smith, a farmer and rancher, whose father, Sheriff W. A. Smith, was known as "The Law South of the Nueces".

A tomboy who began collecting china, silver and antiques at an early age, she bought the Inn's rolltop desk at the age of 13, her main modes of transportation for many years were a pair of stilts custom made by her father, her bicycle and her horses. Her doll buggy cradled not only her dolls, but her pet baby goats and cottontail rabbits.

A degree in Home Economics Education and Interior Design from Southwest Texas State University led to a brief stint teaching school and then to owning her own Interior Design business. A professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Ms. Smith co-chaired the restoration of the Charles Blucher House in 1993 while an active member of the Junior League of Corpus Christi. She was recognized that year, along with her co-chairs, as the Junior League's Active of the Year.

The opening of the Inn has been the culmination of a 15 year dream come true. After staying in Bed and Breakfasts for many years throughout the States as well as Europe, Ms. Smith has incorporated what she felt to be the best touches each of them had to offer. From her guest and public rooms, amenities and breakfast menus, to the Inn's hospitality, her goal has been to welcome and accommodate both those who are seeking a quiet get-away as well as those traveling on business.

Ms. Smith takes great pride in being a sustaining member of the Junior League of Corpus Christi, a Delta Zeta Alumni, a licensed Realtor and an avid sportswoman. A cradle Episcopalian, she is a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi where she is a Lay Eucharistic Minister. She resides at the Inn along with her Queensland Blue Heeler, Katie, and her Siamese cat, Ben.