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I have been kicking around the idea of owning a Bed and Breakfast for quite some time. I even took a community college course on how to get started. I am from Virginia currently living in Maryland and have always wanted to return to the south. I know NC is where I want to live but not sure where. Thought I would post here and see if I could get feedback on possibly some of the best areas to settle and own a B and B. Off the top of my head I thought about Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte of course, because we hear about those places all the time. I would like to hear from some of you. Thanks
There are several B&B's in the historic downtown Section of Wilmington, NC. My wife and I stayed at one last year. The owners were selling the house at the time to the tune of $990K!
Have you checked out Edenton? It's gorgeous up there. I wouldn't think that a B&B would do well in Charlotte or Raleigh. You would want a certain "quaintness" that you could only find in a small town.
I agree with nc mom b & b do better in mountains than other parts of the state due to the views the quietness and limited amount of hotels.
a b&b has to compete with local house rentals and hotels at the coast and I never would stay at a B&B in the piedmont since most people stay in these cities for buisness purposes
I have been kicking around the idea of owning a Bed and Breakfast for quite some time. I even took a community college course on how to get started. I am from Virginia currently living in Maryland and have always wanted to return to the south. I know NC is where I want to live but not sure where. Thought I would post here and see if I could get feedback on possibly some of the best areas to settle and own a B and B. Off the top of my head I thought about Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte of course, because we hear about those places all the time. I would like to hear from some of you. Thanks
Denise
Last time I was in Beaufort, NC, I noticed Cedars by the Sea, one of my favorite B&Bs was closed and for sale. I don't remember the company or details.
It was really popular because it was on Front Street and walking distance of everything. I heard from someone that the average B&B owner only lasts seven years since it is such a very intense job.
By some strange coincidence our farm in Canada is now a B&B, Tay Ridge Farms, and our home place in Mount Airy is now Sobotta Manor.
The couple running it is from Florida and have been doing it for a few months now.
This is a few blocks away from me & it was featured on our historic homes tour last Christmas. It is across the street from a church, and next door to a fun lunch-time restaurant. Just a thought!
Not sure if I can post a link, but if you google "lucas-barnes historical home" you'll find the selling info.
Also consider the area around Asheville - it's a big tourist area and there may be something nice just outside of Asheville.
The market is actually very saturated around Asheville. (I've been an innkeeper for 10 years and previously had a B&B outside of Atlanta and currently have one in Northern California.)
I would recommend you talk to LOTS of innkeepers. Join the forum on About.com. Join PAII (Professional Association of Innkeepers International). Join the NC Innkeeper's association. Maybe attend a weekend seminar at put on by Lodging Resources or attend an innkeeping conference. Definitely make sure it is something you want to do because it typically takes 2 years to sell a B&B and right now, the market is flooded. Ours has been on the market 18 months.
Here's an article that an innkeeper friend shared with me recently that is great for aspirings to read -
Quote:
'Innkeeper for a day' in Lenox changes beds and changes her mind
By Sacha Pfeiffer, Globe Staff | May 27, 2007
It wasn't the most charitable sentiment but when you've just been yanked from a deep sleep by a shrill wristwatch alarm on a quiet Sunday morning, generosity of spirit is in short supply.
Last edited by Administrator; 12-12-2007 at 01:48 AM..
Reason: [cut - too much of the article reposted]
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Some B&B Info
$170K potential B&B in Wilson
