If you fit the profile of a future bed and breakfast innkeeper, you may be interested in the stories told by the innkeepers of two inns which were up for sale in October 1997: the Heritage Inn in Franklin, North Carolina, and Albany Guest House in Albany, Wisconsin. Although this feature was written years ago, some of the lessons are timeless.
Heritage Inn
Franklin, North Carolina
Innkeeper Sally Wade opened the Heritage Inn in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains in 1994, converting a commercial building to a bed and breakfast. It was her first and only experience as an innkeeper. After about three and a half years of being an innkeeper, she decided to sell the inn and resume her world travels.
How did you become an innkeeper?
I was traveling around the world full-time with a backpack and living in remote jungle areas of New Guinea and Borneo with the former headhunters. I was on my way to West Africa when I stopped in Franklin to visit my mother. I loved the area and never left. That was November 1992. I bought the building that was to become the inn in July 1993, totally remodeled it and opened as an inn in May 1994.
What do you like best about being an innkeeper? And what do you like least?
The best part is the wonderful, interesting people you meet. What I like least is being so tied down.
How did you decide to purchase this particular property?
I designed the building and made it into an inn. I thought it would be ideal for an inn because of its location (in a seven-acre private village done in a country theme -- all the buildings are rough sawn sided and have tin roofs) and the fact that each room could have a private bath, private outside entrance and private porch.
What are the inn's best features?
The private outside entrances, private baths and porches. Also, a waterfall entends the entire length of the wide verandah in front of the inn. It also is located in the magnificent area of the Smoky Mountains and is a popular tourist destination.
Why are you selling the bed and breakfast?
After a cancer diagnosis, deep soul-searching revealed that one should be doing what their heart desires. Given that, I want to retire and spend what energies I have continuing my world travels.
What is the asking price for the inn?
The price is $349,900 totally furnished.
Albany Guest House
Albany, Wisconsin
Bob and Sally Braem's Albany Guest House was the first bed and breakfast in Green County, Wisconsin. Established in June 1987, the inn is 30 miles due south of the state capitol building in Madison. After 11 years in the business, the Braems were ready to retire.
How did you become innkeepers?
We became innkeepers because after our six children left the nest, there was no good reason to stay in the traffic-infested Chicago area. (We had a home in Downers Grove, Illinois, 20 miles west of Chicago.) So we decided, after getting an early retirement from Republic Airlines (Bob was a Radio Mechanic/Supervisor), to return to our native state of Wisconsin and start a B&B.
When did you first stay in a bed and breakfast?
We had experienced a B&B on our trip to England and Scotland in 1977.
What are some of your inn's unique features?
This house has several great features. Natural oak and pine woodwork, wood floors throughout all three floors. We finished off the attic, adding two bedrooms, a large shared bathroom, and a sitting room with upholstered furniture and a television for third floor guests. We added five bathrooms to the original 1.5 baths. The large foyer and living room are in oak. The imported french tiles in the foyer are embeded in three inches of concrete. An open stairway leads to the second floor. We have six rented rooms, including four on the second floor with private baths.
What is the best thing about being innkeepers? What do you like least?
Our favorite thing about being innkeepers is meeting good people and making them feel at home. Our least favorite thing is cleaning bathrooms.
Why are you selling the inn?
We're getting along in years, and it's time to "retire" again.
What is the asking price?
We are asking $295,000 for the B&B and business. That includes one-plus acres and a three-car garage attached to the front of a large barn. We are situated within the village limits, only five to six blocks from "downtown."
