The Herald Bulletin

Afternoon Update

Homes

May 8, 2010

Woman marks 15 years running cozy B&B

Alexandria overnight destination used to be farm house

ALEXANDRIA — Carolyn Cunningham faced a great deal of skepticism when she decided to turn her farmhouse — situated on a lonely country road — into a bed and breakfast.

Her own children thought she’d never find clients willing to veer from the beaten path to spend the night.

“My son said, ‘I can’t believe you think people will come all the way out here to sleep in your bed and breakfast’,” she said. “I told him the other day that I’m having my 15th anniversary in that place where he said no one would come.”

Celebrating her anniversary with an open house last Sunday, Cunningham had refreshments piled high on the kitchenette in the Florida Room. Excitedly showing visitors around, she pointed out the modifications she has made over the years and outlined what was still to come.

Fifteen years have brought a number of changes to the property and quite a few clients for unexpected reasons. While the location may seem odd at first glance, the lack of other accommodations in the area makes her establishment a prime stop for visitors to the James Dean festivals and new hires at the Red Gold plant.

“Twenty-five percent of my customers are new employees of Red Gold,” she said. “They are businessmen who stay for the week.”

Clients also come for the Indy 500, graduation ceremonies for three colleges (Ball State, Anderson University, and Taylor), and graduations for area high schools. One gentleman comes four times a year from Holland.

These visitors enjoy a homey stay that includes freshly cooked meals rather than an impersonal hotel stay and typical restaurant fare. Pictures of Cunningham’s 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren line the walls at every turn, making clients feel like extended family.

High-tech services are not sacrificed for the down-home feel. DirecTV is pumped into all the rooms (which also feature their own small refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots and toasters) and a complementary WiFi connection keep clients in close touch with their Facebook friends.

Purchasing the farmhouse and 17 acres in 1963, Cunningham raised her four children inside these walls. At the time, the property included a barn, chicken coop, large garden and a pig pen. Her children raised Angus cattle on some of the acreage.

After retiring from a career in nursing and the death of her husband in 1991, she began seeking something to keep her busy. Rearranging and redecorating the home to accommodate a number of guests has filled her time in a delightful way.

“I’m just a people person,” she said. “I love to talk to people.”

As almost a one-woman show (with a little help from a house cleaner), Cunningham has no time to grow lonely or bored. She keeps the books, markets the inn, makes the brochures, decorates the home in a different theme each month, cooks the breakfasts and even mows three acres herself.

But the smile on her face says that she loves every minute of it.

Each week, Emma Bowen Meyer features a Madison County home. If you know of a home that should be showcased, send an e-mail to emmagoldiemeyer@yahoo.com.

Text Only
Homes
  • 0219 comm home 3787.jpg Creating an oasis of charm

    When Pat and Judy Henck moved to the area 11 years ago, they were seeking a home with both land and a water presence. Their choices were limited.

    February 19, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0212 comm home 3668.jpg Home a needed retreat

    Turning tragedy into triumph, Jim and Jane Coyle threw themselves into the project of building a new home after the death of their college-aged son.

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0122 comm home 3448.jpg Getting your hands dirty

    While home ownership is a distant dream for most college students, Steve Marstall jumped at the opportunity to acquire a rental while he was studying at Purdue University.

    February 6, 2012 2 Photos

  • 0129 comm home 3518.jpg From distressed to dressed

    Talking to neighbors in the Forest Hills division, David Ayars discovered some interesting facts about the previous owners.

    January 28, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0115 comm home 3337.jpg Figuring out fireplaces

    Not only can fireplaces serve a utilitarian role, but they can also capture the attention of a room.

    January 14, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0115 comm home furniture4.jpg Furniture, like food, can be 'semi-homemade'

    Debbie Nelson is among a growing number of stay-at-home moms in Phoenix and around the country who have turned years of do-it-yourself experience into successful businesses.

    January 14, 2012 1 Photo

  • 0101 comm home 3132.jpg Whitaker home near Pendleton has unique charm

    December 31, 2011 5 Photos

  • 1225 comm home 3029.jpg Make it homey for Christmas

    December 24, 2011 1 Photo

  • 1204 comm home 2741.jpg Hite home ever evolving

    When Ralph and Kay Hite first built their home 43 years ago, they felt their three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom house was a mansion.

    December 3, 2011 3 Photos

  • 1106 comm home 2315.jpg ‘Not like anybody else’

    While many people are careful to decorate their home in an accepted and somewhat conventional manner, Beverley Esarey strives to place items in a way that no one else has considered.

    November 6, 2011 5 Photos

Galleries
Photographers’ pick
Featured Ads
More from The Herald Bulletin
AP Video
Father Accused of Using Leash on 11 Year Old Obama Helps Break Ground on Black History Museum Raw Video: Dozens Dead in Argentina Train Crash Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Released on Bail Two Western Journalists Killed in Syria Wounded Vets Regain Some Camaraderie in Kitchen Man Accused of Repeatedly Running Over Lover Ga. Authorities Say 5 Dead in Spa Shooting Raw Video: Obama Belts Out Blues FDA: New Suppliers to Ease 2 Drug Shortages Doctor Details Cancer Drug Needs and Shortage Raw Video: New Orleans Revels in Mardi Gras 'Super PACs' Overtaking Campaigns' Fundraising Raw Video: Mardi Gras Underway in New Orleans Mild Weather Could Affect Syrup Production Ex-IMF's Strauss-Kahn Questioned on Prostitution Raw Video: Iran Sailors Saved From Burning Ship Firm Suing Apple in China Open to Talks
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Helium debate
Helium
Poll

Should Indiana eliminate the inheritance tax?

Yes, Hoosiers should be able to pass on their money to family
No, family members didn't earn that money
Moot point, I won't be able to leave an inheritance
     View Results