By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Sean Brennan is accustomed to waking up with strangers in his house.
As owner of the first true bed and breakfast in Bowling Green, Brennan shares his home with people needing overnight, or multiple night accommodations.
Those familiar with the house, at 208 Eberly Ave., may notice the irony of that address being transformed into a bed and breakfast where all are welcome. The house is in the center of the neighborhood that is host to the annual Porchfest gathering of local musical talent. And its previous owner was the loudest opponent of the event which drew hundreds of visitors.
Brennan is reversing any of those negative vibes by opening his home to complete strangers.
“I enjoy being around people. I like meeting new people,” said Brennan, who works as project manager for Jim Palmer Excavating, and is a partner in Arlyn’s Good Beer, which he points out is just 900 feet from his home.
The new plaque placed by the front door reads “The Wilson Myers House, Est. 2023,” named after the person he bought the home from, Dave Wilson, and the previous owners, Tim and Cathy Myers.
Though the original part of the house was built approximately a century ago, there have been additions and changes, including four rounded walls being added in the home’s interior.
The house meets the criteria for a bed and breakfast because Brennan lives in the house, he allows only short-term rentals, it has passed all the fire safety standards, and it meets all the zoning requirements.
Brennan hasn’t been overrun by guests, and he envisions his niche market being family members coming home for visits.
Guests have full run of the house, except for Brennan’s bedroom suite area.
There are two guest rooms with full bathrooms. All the doors have electronic locks and guests are given the codes.
The kitchen has local coffee brewing in the mornings, and plenty of snacks for guests. It has all the kitchen cookware and gadgets for guests who want to make meals. And if Brennan happens to be making dinner for himself, the guests are welcome to join in.
The bedrooms have new bedding, luggage stands and fans for those who like ambient noise while they sleep. The bathrooms all have new towels, hair dryers, and bathing products.
“I’ve got all the amenities of hotels,” Brennan said.
When guests first enter the house, they come upon a large Brunswick pool table in the front room, then walk past rounded walls to a sitting room, before coming to the eat-in kitchen, laundry room, and one guest room and bathroom – all on the first floor.
On the second floor is the other guest room and bathroom, plus Brennan’s quarters. On the third floor is a large sitting area for guests.
The lights throughout the house are automatic, and the heating system runs all the time to keep the warmth more even in the house.
The backyard has a grill that guests can use, and Brennan hopes to screen in a portion of the front porch as it wraps around the side of the house.
Guests may help themselves to the full bar in the kitchen, or check out the wine offerings in the basement.
“I try to have every amenity of a hotel – with a homey feel,” Brennan said.
Brennan does like a little notice before guests show up at the door.
“I’m not looking for people to call me at 8 at night to get a room,” he said.
The house is on a quiet street, and has off-street parking. Brennan does not allow guests to bring pets, unless they are federally protected service animals.
The lodging costs range from $70 to $110 per room each night. Rooms can be reserved by emailing Brennan at sean@wilsonmyershouse.com.
