Luxurious lodging
Former
Beall home now open
to public as bed and breakfast
Snyders buy, renovate historic home on Main Street
By
Michella M. Marino
Contributing Writer
(February 2007) – Sam and Lori Snyder, formerly
of Redding, Pa., were on a search for the perfect home to house a bed
and breakfast upon their retirement. They had plans to look at residences
in Asheville, N.C., and in Louisville, Ky., but they never made it that
far.
 |
|
Photos
by Michella Marino Sam
and Lori Snyder pose in their |
A friend of the Snyder’s had visited Madison, Ind.,
on a Delta Queen riverboat trip and recommended that the couple visit
the quaint town. Sam had viewed the for-sale Beall home at 620 W. Main
St. on a real estate website, and once the Snyders visited the town
and the Beall home in person, they never ventured to Asheville or Louisville.
The couple fell in love with the local Madison community and has recently
opened the Hendricks-Beall Home Bed and Breakfast at the aforementioned
address.
Both of the Snyders have worked in the social service field, but Sam
has retired after 27 years in the field. Lori still works full time
at Sandstone Industries and part time at King’s Daughters’
Hospital & Health Services. They pondered opening a bed and breakfast
for about a year before actually establishing one.
The 4,000-square-foot Hendricks-Beall Home was built between 1848-1858
and is credited with having the famous Francis Costigan design on the
rod-iron around the home. The Snyders believe the architect who worked
on the courthouse also worked on their home.
The Hendricks family was the first owner of the home with several other
owners between the Hendricks and the Beall family, who purchased the
house about 40 years ago. The Snyders bought the home on May 15, 2006,
with Lori moving in less than a month later to begin refurbishing it
for their bed and breakfast purposes. Sam arrived in Madison with the
couple’s furniture in September, and the bed and breakfast officially
opened Oct. 12, 2006. Since then, the Snyders have hosted 34 couples
from as far away as Belgium and from states such as Massachusetts, Alabama
and Florida.
The Snyders did not have to make many structural changes to the home
to convert it to a bed and breakfast. “We mostly redecorated because,
structurally, it was in good condition,” Sam said.
“We provide a relaxed Victorian atmosphere with a mixed collection
of furnishings and not just antiques,” Sam said.
 |
 |
The home is a mix of modern and old, which guests describe
as “a warm, inviting, interesting and elegant bed and breakfast”
in their written comments.
The bed and breakfast was recently featured on the Nights Before Christmas
Candlelight Tour of Homes, which the Snyders described as “an extremely
positive experience.” The tour is operated annually by the Madison
Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in late November and early December.
Since the home had been closed to the public for 40 years, the new owners
thought it was a perfect opportunity to let the public become acquainted
with it. “We had an excellent turnout and generated $1,000 of gift
certificate sales for Christmas time,” Lori said.
The Snyders said the tourism bureau was “very supportive,”
and that they were honored to work with the local tour guides. The couple
also met many wonderful people touring the homes, which was important
to them.
The Snyders say they love the atmosphere of Madison, the local businesses
and the fact that they can walk everywhere.
Judy George, owner of The Attic Coffee Mill Café at 631 W. Main
St., and longtime friend of the former owners of the home, said she
is excited that the Beall house has been purchased by the Snyders.
She is glad the local community and tourists will be able to experience
the beautiful historic home. “The Hendricks-Beall Bed and Breakfast
will add more charm to Madison’s downtown area now that the public
can enjoy the gorgeous home along with the Snyders,” George said.
The rates at the Hendricks-Beall Home Bed and Breakfast run in the $100
range, but a Winter Special is currently available for $85 per night,
which includes a full breakfast. Sam also plays the piano nightly for
guests as well as offering complimentary refreshments. Special packages
are available along with reservations for small meetings and other gatherings.
Beginning Feb. 1, the Snyders will hold private Victorian Teas from
11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by reservations only. Cost is $12 per person and
will include tea, finger sandwiches and desserts.
• For more information on rates, availability, and information, call (812) 273-8430 or visit the Internet website: www.hbeallhome.com.