In many markets across the country, travelers have countless options for lodging. From traditional hotels and independent Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rentals to traditional Bed and Breakfasts, Historic Inns, and Boutique Hotels, the options are plentiful. Creating something unique and keeping yourself apart from the competition is essential, as it will transform your property from just another place to stay into a destination with its own distinct identity.

Crafting a unique Inn with a cohesive vision and story and offering guests an experience they can’t find anywhere else should be an essential part of your business plan whenever you’re looking to buy a Bed and Breakfast or historic Inn. This uniqueness not only attracts first-time visitors but also fosters loyalty, as guests are more likely to return to a place that left a lasting impression. By differentiating your inn through location, design, and personalized service, you elevate it beyond mere accommodation.

If you’re looking to buy a bed and breakfast, start with Inn consulting with The B&B Team. We are far more than a real estate company that will help you with the buying and selling of a Bed and Breakfast or Historic Inn. We’re also the leading Inn consulting firm in the industry, with incredible knowledge about the market, how to find your target audience, and how to craft a unique identity for your business that will help you stand out from the competition. Contact us for help guiding you through the process of finding your dream property today!

Start with a Great Location

One of the key things our Inn consulting can help with when looking for a historic Inn or Bed and Breakfast for sale is location analysis. The location of your inn can set the stage for everything else. A picturesque setting, whether it’s in the rolling hills of a quiet countryside, along a serene waterfront, or nestled within a charming historic district, will naturally draw guests in.

Location is also important when it comes to guest appeal and finding your target market. After all, a location is so much more than its physical location. It’s also a set of experiences waiting to unfold for your guests. Whether it’s nearby attractions, seasonal appeal, or vibrant events that bring guests to your door, choosing to start a bed and breakfast in a location with a natural tourism draw will be an important part of any successful Inn.

Inn Consulting: Understand Who Your Target Market Is

While we’re helping you scout out locations for various Inns for sale, our Inn consulting service will also prove valuable in helping you identify and understand your target market. Knowing your target market is crucial for making your inn stand out.

Are you catering to romantic couples, families on vacation, or solo travelers seeking tranquility? Perhaps your inn is a haven for artists and writers or a retreat for business travelers who need a mix of comfort and functionality. Understanding who your ideal guests are will help you tailor your services, amenities, and even your marketing efforts. Most importantly, knowing your target market will help you know whether or not your investment is a good one – this is a key role for our hospitality consultants!

Once you have identified and understand your target market, you can work on crafting custom experiences and amenities for your business plan, and work on creating a cohesive style and voice for your property and its area. By aligning your offerings with the specific needs and desires of your target market, you create a personalized experience that resonates with them, making your inn not just a place to stay but a destination in itself.

Define the Style of Your Inn

Finally, as you work through the process of buying a Bed and Breakfast or Inn, we’ll encourage you to define the style of your Inn. This is, after all, the first impression your guests will have of their experience, and this – coupled with your personalized hospitality – is what guests will remember long after their stay.

Style is about so much more than decor, though. It’s also the atmosphere you create and the story that your Inn tells. Whether your style is rustic and cozy, modern and chic, or classic and elegant, it should reflect both the character of the building and the expectations of your guests.

When it comes to defining this style, even the smallest details matter. The scent in the air, the softness of the linens, the artwork on the walls—they all contribute to the overall experience. Helping you understand these details is an integral part of our Inn consulting and comes from decades of working with boutique properties around the country. This dedication to guest experience and establishing a consistent theme that complements your inn’s location and appeals to your target market will prove critical to your success.

Ultimately, making your inn unique is about creating a cohesive experience that begins the moment a guest arrives and lingers in their memory long after they’ve left. It’s about marrying location, market, and style into a seamless narrative that sets your inn apart from the rest. By paying attention to these key areas, you can craft an inn experience that not only attracts guests but turns them into loyal repeat visitors who can’t wait to return. If you’re ready to buy an Inn or Bed and Breakfast and want to hire the best Inn consulting firm in the market today, reach out to the knowledgeable B&B Team today!

If you are searching for properties near the Big Apple, read on.

Year-round tourism from a major metropolitan area like the five boroughs of NYC is strong. City life can be stressful, and people want and need to escape from time to time. Explore somewhere new. See some green or clean snow and quiet!

Let’s start with the Delaware Water Gap and the Pocono Mountain Region.  This area has been a resort region since the early 1900s. Today, recreational activities include year-round outdoor adventure, wineries, breweries, theater, music venues, shopping and museums. Marketing of the region by state and local entities is extremely successful: in 2017, travelers spent a record $398 million on lodging in Monroe County. These facts are huge when seeking a destination location to purchase an Inn.

Cherry Valley Manor is a beauty. 75 miles west of Manhattan. Easy drive from Philadelphia as well. Easy getaway miles. Six elegantly styled guest rooms with the relaxing amenities a getaway requires. Whirlpool and hot tubs, terraces, fireplaces, massage showers, swimming pool, all packaged in a beautiful manor house in the country. Current innkeepers are ready to retire. Your own vision and style can easily be brought to life in this Inn. Financially viable for a smaller property like this is rare. Worth a visit for sure.

Another nearby Pennsylvania property for sale is The Lafayette Inn. Again, a nice dive from city locations. NYC 80 miles to the east and Phillie 60 miles to the south. The town of Easton has grown over the years to a much sought-after artist colony. The food scene has grown as well. The Inn business is a wonderful combination of business, university and leisure travelers which keeps occupancy and mid-week business strong. A college town yes, and so much more.

New Jersey IS the Garden State. Sometimes it gets a bad rap, but the countryside is truly scenic and peaceful in many regions. The Sussex County Skylands Region is one and the Wooden Duck Inn for sale is another gorgeous property.  With New York City and Philadelphia nearby. Perfect! And the surrounding area has enough attractions to draw people. A wonderful quiet retreat getaway from city life. Just take a look at this aerial view of the Inn and surrounding acres and you can see what a perfect city escape this is.

Check out our other Northern New Jersey Inn for sale. Also in the Skylands region. The natural mountain beauty, lakes, historic towns, and agricultural attractions. Visitors to the region spend more than $575 million on lodging annually and overall tourism spending is growing.

Are you seeking an innkeeping lifestyle in a small community close to big city hubs with strong leisure and business tourism?  If you want to love where you work and live, these four inns for sale near NYC await your visits. Give The B&B Team a call.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

We can all learn from history, the good and the bad. The mistakes of the past are best learned and remembered so not to repeat them. We also want to learn from past good deeds and practices, so we can continue a legacy.

It was innkeepers that first bought historic homes and converted them to bed and breakfasts who are our industry’s bed & breakfast pioneers. All of us at The B&B Team often hear innkeepers say that they would love to go back to the simplicity of the ‘good old days’, no internet, OTA’s, online reviews, on and on. But the early bed & breakfast pioneers endured hardships that challenged them as well. Just not ‘cloud’ based, more down to earth.

George and Eleanor Pavloff took possession of an inn on Deer Isle Maine in 1975 after it stood vacant for many years. You can imagine what ‘issues’ they discovered in a 1793 building that lay empty and abandoned. How about “a suspicious gasoline odor that wafted from their faucets and perfumed their showers.” Ah yes, a nearby gas station underground oil tank, leaking. That is a real ‘down to earth’ problem. Time to hook up to town water. From an article in the July 1978 issue of Down East Magazine, ‘So You Want to Open an Inn?’ By Mimi Steadman.

The Pilgrim’s Inn in Deer Isle has housed and fed a few innkeepers since the Pavloffs. Current innkeepers, Nicole and Scott “strive to uphold that tradition of excellence” they have inherited. And as many of you know, with the care of a building over 250 years old, the challenges are ever present. The pride of ownership and knowing they are upholding an honored legacy is their reward. Their guests and the community are thankful for this.

Another pioneer was Marian Burns. In 1980, after many years as an educator, Marian bought a former summer cottage in Bar Harbor Maine, and Mira Monte Inn was created with just three rooms. At her death at age 88, Marian’s creation had grown into 20 rooms. Marian received many community and service awards over her many years of innkeeping. She was in constant motion, her brain never stopped planning a new project for the inn, her community and her guests. As an example, Marian received the Maine Innkeeper’s Association Community Service Award for her work with Hospitality for Habitat. A fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity that is still operating today and has raised over $220,000.

On May 2, 2019, Mira Monte Inn sold to Bruce and Cheryl Ueno. During their transition, they had spent many hours with Marian’s family. Learning about operations, but just as important, about Marian and the legacy she left. The day before closing, Rick and I were out to dinner with Cheryl, Bruce and one of Marian’s sons and his wife who have been managing Mira Monte with other family since Marian’s death. Bruce and Cheryl surprised us all with a photo of a wonderful portrait of Marian that Bruce had commissioned from an artist friend of theirs.

The portrait will hang in Mira Monte Inn along with her many award plaques. Bruce and Cheryl believe her presence belongs there; her legacy will forever be a part of the Inn. As you can imagine, there were a few tears at the dinner table that evening. What a lovely tribute and thoughtful gesture from Cheryl and Bruce.

So next time you are spending hours on your computer with challenging issues from the ‘cloud’, raise a glass of wine to the heavens, give a toast to the bed & breakfast pioneers.

“…the septic is in great shape, thanks, had to put new tile in room 3, it looks great…the chimney you had repaired 25 years ago, well guess what?” Found three layers of wallpaper in room 7, what were you all thinking, yikes. Oh, and by the way, you were right about our guests, they are what keep me going, they are great!” Cheers!

To end my little tribute, here is a true Marianism, (she was known for many).  “One may not get everything they want but they can always get some.”

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Beyond Santa Fe, New Mexico, just 30-minute drive north, rests the village of Chimayo. Nested in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The desert is peaceful here, some ancients viewed it as magical and healing. Today the spiritual mood of the place still exists. And the natural beauty! Chimayo is a verdant oasis worth a visit in the Land of Enchantment.

The B&B Team affiliate, Marilyn Bushnell, recently visited Chimayo and stayed at the Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast. She was able to explore the area. Chimayo is a great central location for day trips to Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Abuiqui, Taos, and the high road to Taos. Here are some of the enchantments she experienced.

“I love Georgia O’Keefe, so I stopped in her dedicated museum, drove the ‘turquoise’ trail to ABQ and took in the very different scenery and food of the region.” Marilyn

The level desert with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the distant horizon make the sweeping sunrises and sunsets special. The sky, desert and mountain hues can be seen in paintings (Georgia O’Keefe for sure!), woven blankets and baskets, painted doors and adobe walls. Everywhere you go there is desert color.

“I loved the weavers (the one gentleman I met has had his weaving on display in the Smithsonian).” Marilyn. Chimayo Weavers.

The Trujillo family have been weavers in Chimayo for eight generations. “I see the colors-the browns and greens in the ground and trees, the blues of the sky, the reds, purples, oranges in the sky at sunset, the yellows in the plants. I weave with these and other colors. I’m influenced so much by the landscape and anything I see.” Irvin Trujillo

One special and enchanting place is the little church, El Santuario de Chimayo, one of the most beautiful examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in New Mexico. It’s best known for the curative powers of the ‘holy dirt’ found in a small prayer room inside the sanctuary.  The church draws more than 300,000 visitors a year. The upcoming Holy Week will bring pilgrims walking from Santa Fe and some as far as Albuquerque. Believers or not, the church and the grounds communicate a heightened sense of spirituality. A place to experience the sounds of silence.

Colors are in the food too! Rancho de Chimayo Restaurant is located in Chimayo. A long time family run New Mexican restaurant.

“Signature dishes of spicy guacamole, hand rolled tamales, blue corn enchiladas, carne adovada and chile rellenos.  A refreshing prickly pear margarita made with our signature tequila or glass of fine wine from our full bar will compliment your meal but please leave room for a fluffy sopapilla dipped in fresh local honey or one of our seasonal desserts as a finale to your visit.”

Got my attention!

Marilyn said “...don’t forget to mention Chimayo Chili Pepper; Food and Wine wrote an article about it.” From Food and Wine .

“The most prized culinary item of the region is its distinctly reddish-orange chile that attracts purveyors from all nooks of the globe. Despite being so well-known, it is grown only in this community in small batches by a group of farmers who harvest the crop each fall.”

After Marilyn’s time exploring and tasting, back to the Inn to relax and rejuvenate.

A guest who has visited the Inn 11 times expresses her experience. “Walk the grounds and down the lane or sit under the portal or the patio in back to watch the birds flock to the feeders. Count the millions of stars at night by the fire pit. Wish I was there right now but have rich memories of our stays.”

The opportunity to live, work and play in the Land of Enchantment, the opportunity to create your own rich colorful memories as innkeepers/owners of Casa Escondida may be just what you are seeking.

Casa Escondida Bed & Breakfast for sale. An historic and artisan-rich village location with a popular tourist-rich location, countless area attractions that draw guests, and with quality style. Listed exclusively with The B&B Team® / Bushnell Services.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

The B&B Team has years of experience in working with prospective buyers. We recognize features buyers are searching for and work with them to match their wants and expectations. Here are 5 features that often top the list.

1.       Financially Viable

2.       Destination Tourism Location

3.       Good Condition

4.       Expanded Owner’s Quarters

5.       Acreage

All these 5 boxes can be checked off for the Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast. A secluded Mid-Atlantic country estate bed & breakfast for sale.

1.        Financially Viable means inns and B&B’s that generate enough income to cover operating expenses, debt service (mortgage), and owner’s compensation. The Wooden Duck has strong financials. Our valuation supports the price and represents a price that an informed buyer and lender will understand.

2.       The destination tourism location of the Wooden Duck is ideal. A macro-location. Located near a major metropolitan area from which to pull guests. New York City and Philadelphia. Perfect! And the surrounding area has enough attractions to draw people. A wonderful quiet retreat getaway from city life.

      “The cool evening air and small town was the perfect relief from the NYC summer heat and bustle. The property was beautiful and well maintained.”

Read about all there is to do in all four seasons in the Sussex Country Skylands Region.

3.       Good condition that includes the beautiful house with 7 guest rooms, adjacent carriage house with 3 guest rooms, gardens, patios and swimming pool. The property is surrounded by 10 acres of picturesque natural woods. All well maintained and in excellent condition.

       “The Wooden Duck is a slice of heaven. We found this property on the internet, and were not disappointed. The photos shown are perfect depictions. This is a gorgeous property in a beautiful setting. The interiors are charming, with a great pool. If you are in this area, look no further.”

4.       Expanded owner’s quarters. A lovely retreat getaway for the innkeepers! Includes a spacious living space with private office. A large master bedroom with spa quality luxury bathroom.

5.       Acreage. The 10 acres surrounding the property offer guests the peace and quiet a vacation getaway requires.

       “This B&B is a beautiful property in a beautiful, peaceful setting in a wooded area. It’s quiet and quaint. There are wonderful common areas, equipped with games, small fridge and a Keurig machine. All the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.”

In searching for your ‘picture perfect’ Inn there are often disappointments and un matched expectations. The B&B Team can help you avoid those disappointments. First you have to realize there is no perfect!… but there are properties that come close to it! The Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast is one that is sure not to disappoint and come very close to perfect!

The B&B Team loves to help prospective buyers find their ‘almost perfect’ Inn. Give us a call.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Inns with restaurants for sale, #3 in The B&B Team series, features The Tranquil House Inn and it’s acclaimed 1587 Restaurant for sale.

On the outer banks of Shalowbag Bay with vistas of Roanoke Sound sits a stately Outer Banks North Carolina Inn. There is a reason this Inn is called The Tranquil House, nestled away in the corners of Manteo, a laid-back seaside town located on Roanoke Island. The property enjoys relaxing views with sounds of the sea and boats bobbing at anchor in the nearby marina. Boardwalks surround the historic downtown of Manteo, making it easy to enjoy leisurely walks.

Food! Always a good way to connect to an area. The Carolinas are known for their distinctive foods, from downhome barbeque and fish fries to creative upscale cuisine. Tranquil House’s 1587 Restaurant is known for its upscale creative and sophisticated cuisine.

Wonderful reviews say it all.

“What an incredible experience! Pork shank, scallops, and catfish were all incredible! Can’t begin to go into detail! Service top notch!”

“Worth a visit if you like a quiet adult atmosphere, subdued lighting and classical music in the background. There is an interesting view of Manteo harbor from the window tables. The menu is varied, with several daily and seasonal specials.”

Local word of mouth is a plus in a lodging property that has a restaurant component. Locals know the Inn and restaurant first hand and will recommend it to visiting friends and family.

The Town of Manteo has one of the highest concentrations of attractions in the OBX (Outer Banks).  Manteo has wonderful mild temps throughout the year, making it a year-round tourism destination. For a relaxed weekend getaway to extended stays, there is abundant fun stuff to see and do.

·        Roanoke Island Festival Park

·        North Carolina Aquarium

·        Elizabethan Gardens

·        Oceanfront beaches across the causeway

·        Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse

·        Wright Brothers National Memorial

The Tranquil House Inn and 1587 Restaurant offers a wonderful opportunity to live and own a hospitality and dining business in a vibrant destination like the Outer Banks and the town of Manteo.

The Tranquil House Inn was built in 1988 to resemble the historic beach hotels of the 19th century. Very attractive architecture with balconies and porches all facing the water to catch the sub- tropical breezes.

This North Carolina waterfront inn and restaurant for sale has a long and stable history of revenue, RevPAR, and occupancy with a business that derives from a robust restaurant business and lodging. The 25 guest rooms have a simple décor with clean lines and contemporary furnishing. There are a variety of room choices all with either harborside or village views.

If rooms and food with a view in OBX strikes your passion button, take a serious look at The Tranquil House Inn. A prime property with nowhere to go but up.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Travelers throughout the world have always sought hospitable places to rest and eat. The history of country Inns that offer food and hospitality for the weary journeyer goes back centuries. The term ‘hospitality’ derives from ‘hospice’, meaning a place of rest. Today our historic inns & restaurants offer ‘hospice’ plus so much more.

The B&B Team has a number of historic inns & restaurants (commonly called full-service inns) listed. This and future blogs will be featuring these properties. Country Inns where guests are surrounded by rich history. Warm and restful guest rooms. Plus a restaurant that adds another dimension, a lively atmosphere were guests gather to enjoy good food and drink. A wonderful hospitable combination.

Where should we travel first?

In the hollow of a ledge, near a pine grove, a log home and tavern were built in 1853. Today this original simple dwelling is the Asa Ransom House Country Inn, a Western New York Inn & Restaurant.  The area and Inn are steeped in history. Asa Ransom was literally the first citizen of the town. Along with the tavern business he built a Grist Mill. Ruins of the mill can be found on the property’s eight acres. The Inn resides in the town of Clarence, the oldest existing town in Erie County. The reign of hospitality grew throughout the centuries. Dining rooms were added in 1975 while keeping the charm of the 19th century. Another guest room wing added in 1993 overlooks the rear gardens and pond.

Location is always key with country inns. The Asa Ransom House is on NY Route 5 (Main Street), the main east-west highway that runs straight to Clarence, NY.  Small town America is alive and well in the town of Clarence. A trip to Clarence and the Asa Ransom House will bring you back to a simpler time.

The Inn is just 15 minutes from Buffalo and 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. The Inn draws guests travelling to the rich Buffalo-Niagara Region which is part of the Great Lakes Region.  An important statistic; “There are 4, count em, 4 cities in upstate NY with metro populations of over 1,000,000 people. Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany/Schenectady/Troy. The entire population of Upstate NY is about 6,000,000 people.” That is a lot of people to draw from! Locals are also frequent customers to the restaurant. The restaurant serves New York based food and wine. Their extensive herb gardens add local flavor to the menu.

With a focus on food, special events and lodging of 10 guest rooms, new owners of the Asa Ransom House Country Inn will have an excellent opportunity to build new business. It is there to be had!

The B&B Team loves working with future innkeepers that have the vision and vitality to take an already solid successful Inn and restaurant to another level. Looking forward, the view looks great!

If you are an aspiring innkeeper who is considering a career in innkeeping with a full-service dining component take a serious look at the Asa Ransom House Country Inn & Restaurant. The B&B Team can help guide you through the process.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

Enjoy an impromptu picnic on a knoll overlooking a winding river

Take a twilight or evening stroll on historic city streets

Stop in a café for an espresso and pastry

Snuggle with your love on a park bench gazing at the rich architecture of the city

This must be Paris? No, its Vergennes. The small Vermont ‘city with a heart’

I found some inspirational reading on Vergennes in a lovely article written by a young woman, Christina Caniyo.  As young people often do, Christina moved away from her home town of Vergennes. But she came back in 2000 and discovered a community transformed and revitalized. She describes it now as…

A city with an “eclectic mix of people from all walks of life”. A city “filled with pioneers. No longer is it the city people drive through to get somewhere else. People come here to set down their roots.”

I was very pleasantly surprised by the vitality and very upbeat vibe in Vergennes. The restaurants, shops, and art galleries are all housed in beautifully restored downtown storefronts. So welcoming and enticing, I wanted to explore every single one.

Yes, and the people do smile and say hello. First thought is…Do I know you? Don’t think so but I would like to get to know you. That is the kind of community Vergennes is.

Like Paris, Vergennes has a beautiful setting on a river, Otter Creek, seven miles upstream from Lake Champlain. The river has a 40-foot falls in the downtown, both above and below the falls are beautiful spots for boating. On a summer day you can view maybe a dozen sailboats and other pleasure craft, up from Champlain. Along the banks, park benches can be found for that romantic snuggle and impromptu picnic.

And the food! An excellent example is the French style bakery, Vergennes Laundry by CK– Coffee, Bakery, Brunch & Dinner. That espresso and pastry I mentioned. Pan au chocolate or a pecan sticky bun, delicieaux. For dinner, a cassoulet or Sancerre poached scallops.

Another example of great eats. Park Squeeze with seating upstairs and gothic bar overlooking the city lights. Writer Christina Caniyo recommends the Creek Heritage Farm pork burger and their ginger mojito.

And Vergennes has an Opera House. This historic Opera House was built in 1897 and was restored and opened to the public in 1997 after a 27-year-closer, just in time for the building’s 100th anniversary. The calendar of events includes a variety of local Vermont music groups, dances and movies. But no phantoms in this Opera House, except maybe at a Halloween costume ball!

If you are looking to make a change in your life style and career; if you want to take a permanent vacation from a fast-paced race that you really don’t care about winning anymore, then the thriving city of Vergennes may be the place you. If you have dreamed of owning your own business in a ‘small city with a heart,’ let’s talk.

The Strong House Inn is a fourteen-guest room Inn built in 1834. A classic Federal style home with Greek Revival flourishes. Later additions were added in the 1950’s and the mid 1990’s, ultimately creating an all-inclusive compound of lodging and event spaces. The surrounding 4.9 acres has amazing mountain vistas.  A perfect setting to host weddings, retreats and other celebratory events.

In addition to the leisure traveler, the Strong House Inn enjoys a steady business clientele. Nearby United Technologies and Middlebury College have an ongoing business relationship with the Inn. In addition, the Inn has been offering retreats and special events for many years. In the slower season, October through June these retreats and special events help fill the Inn. The repeat business from the business traveler and the retreats is strong. The Inn has the indoor and outdoor space that is perfect for relaxed getaways in this idyllic Vermont setting. Yet so close the ‘city lights’ of Vergennes.

The Strong House Inn has been owned and operated by the current innkeepers for many years. They are now ready to retire and hand the keys over. They love their community and plan to stay in Vergennes. The B&B Team would be pleased to help new owners’ transition to their new life and business at the Strong House Inn and Vergennes.

A fellow Vergennesian describes his community as a city that “exudes that ‘cradled ease’ one experiences in a small town.” 

The B&B Team would love to introduce you to the Strong House Inn  Vergennes Vermont Champlain Valley inn for sale. Let’s talk.

Au Revoir and Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

What is a DMO?

“In travel and tourism terms, DMO stands for Destination Marketing Organization. They represent destinations and help to develop their long-term travel and tourism strategy.”

Galena Illinois has a strong one,  Greater Galena Marketing Inc. Their mission is to promote Galena Country and they do an outstanding job.

Where is Galena Country? In the Northwest corner of the state near the Mississippi River

What is Galena Country?

“Spot an eagle while hiking the trails overlooking the Mississippi River. Grab a bite to eat at one of our renowned restaurants. And that’s just the beginning. Galena Country also boasts some of the best vineyards in the Midwest. Plus, Main Street Galena has built a reputation of its own with art galleries, antiques stores, and eclectic boutiques all housed in beautifully restored 19th century buildings. Capture your story and what Galena Country has in store for you.”

Couldn’t have said it better! This description paints a wide picture of Galena: a destination that has something for everyone, including just plain fun!

Ansel Adams once said; “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” Galena has a picturesque background at every turn and corner to make your own photographic memories. “…hosting well over one million visitors each year.” That’s a lot of photos!

Romantic tourism is very strong in Galena Country, from weddings to honeymoons to engagements and re-commitments. A lot of people get married in Galena, which means more memories made, more photos made to last a lifetime.

Galena’s B&Bs and guest houses have the perfect setting to experience Galena Country.

The B&B Team is offering a Galena B&B for Sale. Farmer’s Guest House is situated just minutes from Galena’s Helluva Half Mile. What’s that? More than 125 shops and restaurants, one door after another. A perfect location.

Built as the Farmers Home Hotel in 1867, this icon of hospitality in Galena is one of the few historic buildings in the downtown Galena National Historic District that is still fulfilling its original purpose. It has great curb appeal, and the interior is just as appealing.

When searching for a bed and breakfast to purchase there are many qualities, features and details to look for.

• Strong history of business
• Strong destination location
• Great place to live and own a business
• Well maintained building
• Room for growth

The Farmer’s Guest House has it all. Interested? For more information please give us a call.

Capture your story in Galena Country at your own B&B. Help create memories for your guests in an outstanding destination location that has it all.

Thanks for Listening,

Janet Wolf

In 2012 our friend, colleague and The B&B Team member affiliate Scott Bushnell, who sadly passed away this year, wrote an article about trust. I would like to revisit and share his inciteful  thoughts on this subject, the importance of trust and transparency between buyer and seller.

“Just yesterday I received a call from an innkeeper with whom I have had a relationship who was considering selling his inn, a 7 room bed and breakfast inn in a nearby state.  Just what we do!  Thanks for the call!   We opened up a dialog about the inn, its size, its location, discussed the process, and then I suggested he send me a copy of his 2010 and 2011 financials.  You would have thought I was asking for his FBC (first born child).  “I just will not get into the hassles of trying to explain my financials and business with ANYBODY.  Just sell my inn!”  He was adamant and fixed in his stubbornness.

My antennae went up like a dog’s ears at suppertime.  After failing to convince him that this is an important step to understanding the revenue and net operating income of the inn (to help establish its value), we closed our conversation that perhaps the best way to sell his property is as a residence through the local MLS system since a buyer would never be able to get a commercial loan on that property without the bank seeing the financials.  He was satisfied with that…I guess.

But the point is trust.  I lost trust with him.  Was he cheating the IRS and did not want to let anybody discover it?  Were his numbers so poor that I would be trying to sell his inn only on its potential?  Does he even have records?  All kinds of distrustful thoughts went through my head.  I hope all them are wrong.  If a seller, perhaps even unwittingly, withholds information from a buyer, trust is jeopardized, and with the limited number of buyers and the huge inventory of inns for sale, buyers will look elsewhere.  Building Buyer/Seller trust is critical.”

Almost 6 years ago and this scenario, unfortunately, still plays out like a broken record! When our team members get calls like the one Scott described we do our best to educate both buyers and sellers, explaining the process and how best to proceed. These relationships must be based on trust. Both parties must understand that we have their best interest in mind from start to finish.

Besides the initial trust that must be established, there is transparency. From another wise soul:

“Lack of transparency results in distrust and a deep sense of insecurity.” Dalai Lama

I think Scott would be amused that I am quoting the Dalai and him together in this blog!

Hiding information, whether it is in your financial records or condition of your inn, will eventually come out into to the open. It is inevitable. Yes, sometimes something may be buried (like an old oil tank) and the seller may not be aware of it. This happened just recently in one of our transactions. But it was discovered and removed with all parties cooperating, result… kumbaya! Trust was established before the tank discovery which made a huge difference.

More from Scott:

“Innkeepers…think about the “surprises” that made YOU angry when you bought your inn.  We’ve all been there.  Think like the buyer of your inn.  What roadblocks can be removed now to build Trust and not jeopardize the chances of a timely and financially rewarding transfer.”

Thanks for Listening and…

Thank you Scott. Your legacy and wise counsel lives on.

Janet Wolf