Weaver
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- Jan 24, 2012
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OK guys, since I know you will be forthcoming with opinions, figured I would throw this out for some commentary.
As you know I am looking for a property, three front runners are on the cutting room floor now. On to #4 looking good with supportive county government and planning department. #4 is not currently a B & B, nor is it even activly listed for sale, owners pulled it off the market prior to auction last year.
The place has everything as far as amenities I could ever, ever, ever want, except a pool (which I would love but don't need for opening nor the hassels), linens, and the critters for the farm-stay portion. I do mean everything I could want for except enough rooms. Plenty of land for expantion.
Currently 2 large homes, one with 5 bedrooms, one with 2 (over 2200 sf for 2 bedrooms). Caretaker house in the barns, liveable to say the least with minimal upgrades. I should mention here the construction/architecture of the homes do not easily lend themselves to additions (stone and antebellum porches). Additonally, minimal upgrades to either of the two larger homes to get 7 rooms running. (5-7 won't support the place without additional events and 4+ puts me in commercial kitchen land so I am of the mind go big or stay home) Initial number crunching tells me the magic number of rooms will be 12-14 assuming no events. So here is my question to you knowledgable and experienced innkeepers.
Put start-up costs aside (assume funding for construction is not an issue). Some construction/remodeling is necessary for converting a building for event space, and reconfiguring another space for the commercial kitchen.
Would you build additional accommodations (in the form of cottages - near but not attached to the other homes) before opening or after a season of running with the 5 - 7 rooms?
Barring unusual weather conditions substantial construction could be done in the "slower" season.
As you know I am looking for a property, three front runners are on the cutting room floor now. On to #4 looking good with supportive county government and planning department. #4 is not currently a B & B, nor is it even activly listed for sale, owners pulled it off the market prior to auction last year.
The place has everything as far as amenities I could ever, ever, ever want, except a pool (which I would love but don't need for opening nor the hassels), linens, and the critters for the farm-stay portion. I do mean everything I could want for except enough rooms. Plenty of land for expantion.
Currently 2 large homes, one with 5 bedrooms, one with 2 (over 2200 sf for 2 bedrooms). Caretaker house in the barns, liveable to say the least with minimal upgrades. I should mention here the construction/architecture of the homes do not easily lend themselves to additions (stone and antebellum porches). Additonally, minimal upgrades to either of the two larger homes to get 7 rooms running. (5-7 won't support the place without additional events and 4+ puts me in commercial kitchen land so I am of the mind go big or stay home) Initial number crunching tells me the magic number of rooms will be 12-14 assuming no events. So here is my question to you knowledgable and experienced innkeepers.
Put start-up costs aside (assume funding for construction is not an issue). Some construction/remodeling is necessary for converting a building for event space, and reconfiguring another space for the commercial kitchen.
Would you build additional accommodations (in the form of cottages - near but not attached to the other homes) before opening or after a season of running with the 5 - 7 rooms?
Barring unusual weather conditions substantial construction could be done in the "slower" season.