A passerby called in the alarm at 7:11 Sunday morning and firefighters who were already out on another call got to the inn within minutes.
A neighbor across the street captured dramatic video of the fire as it raged through the second floor and attic of the Inn.
The restaurant was closed at the time, but there are two occupied apartments on the second floor. Three people managed to escape. But, one of the owners, David Wallace, was injured when he scrambled out a second floor window.
Wallace is hospitalized in fair condition, having suffered cuts from broken glass and smoke inhalation.
Southampton Fire Chief Glen McKenney tells Action News, "We had people jumping out of windows, and the second floor and attic were well involved."
It took firefighters an hour to get it under control.
Joanne Mann lives across the street and grabbed her camera when saw what was going on.
"I woke up to the smell of smoke. I looked out my window and the whole area around here was nothing but smoke," explained Joanne. "We looked out the window and I could see flames coming out the top of the Churchville Inn."
The historic structure was built in the 1800's. Since then it's gone through several incarnations as a country store and tavern. The Wallace family extensively renovated the building in 1986 and opened it as the Churchville Inn. It quickly became a popular dining and banquet destination.
The landmark has been part of the fabric of this small community for generations.
Joanne Mann summed up the emotions of many, saying, "Sad day. Very sad day. There's a lot of history here... and great food."
Fire investigators are still going through the rubble, and so far they have not issued an official cause. But the fire appears to have started in the attic area over the rear of the building.
