Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast is a lodging establishment located in Cherryvale, Kansas. The bed and breakfast is housed in a restored brick building that dates back to the early 1900s. The interior of the property features individually themed rooms and suites, each with its own bathroom and distinctive decor. Patrons can enjoy a range of amenities, including walk-in showers and mini kitchens in some suites. The bed and breakfast also serves breakfast each morning to guests, accommodating dietary needs and preferences whenever possible. The common areas, such as the lounge and dining room, provide spaces where guests can relax, socialize, and eat their meals. The bed and breakfast welcomes visitors of all ages, from young families to older individuals seeking a peaceful retreat. Nearby attractions include Big Hill Lake and a few horseback riding trails.
Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast is located in Cherryvale, Kansas. The establishment offers a variety of rooms and suites for guests to choose from. Currently, three rooms and three suites are available. Each room and suite is equipped with its own bathroom, with different features such as walk-in showers or a bathtub and shower combo. Some of the suites also include mini kitchens. The rooms and suites are individually themed, adding diverse options for guests to choose from. One of the notable suites is the Front Street Suite, which is "spacious and suitable for families," according to James Hogben, the owner. It features a living room with bunk beds, a kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and microwave, and a main bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a twin bed. Another accommodation, the Santa Fe Suite, pays homage to the Santa Fe Railroad and contains a combination living room and kitchen area as well as satellite television. The other rooms are the Art Deco Suite, the Vivian Vance Room, the Route 66 Room, and the Station Agents Room. Each accommodation has its own distinct theme and features; for example, a clawfoot tub can be found in the Vivian Vance Room, and railroad decor is arranged in the Station Agents Room.
In addition to the rooms, Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast offers common areas for guests to relax and socialize. There is a lounge with amenities, namely a full-size refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot. Visitors can find books, videos, and games to use, including a collection of historical books on topics such as automobiles and railroad history. The establishment also features a large dining room with a tin ceiling from the early 1900s. Outside, guests can relax on the two-sided porch, which offers a view of passing trains on the nearby rail lines.
Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast also has a backyard where children can play and a portable barbecue for guests to use. The property is adorned with flowers, and James notes that specific types of flora that could grow during a variety of seasons were chosen, as a means for the acreage to have flowers year-round. As such, the owner remarks that star flowers have blossomed during the winter.
For guests who prefer to stay on-site, there is a wide range of activities that they may enjoy, such as watching trains, chatting on the porch, and engaging in board games or reading books indoors. The dining hall can also be used for parties and group events. Additionally, the establishment houses the Cherry Valley Model Railroad Club, which is a popular attraction for visitors who are interested in model trains.
Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast offers a full breakfast for guests staying overnight. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, eggs, and a choice of sausage or bacon. The establishment serves gluten-free options, and special dietary requests and preferences are generally accommodated as well, given advanced notice by patrons. Breakfast is typically served between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the lounge area. The breakfast is prepared by James who has a background in cooking. His wife also contributes her culinary skills to the breakfast preparations.
The owner of the Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast strives to create a unique stay reminiscent of “staying at [their] grandparents.” James Hogben, the owner, says that he “wants guests to feel like they're staying in a home rather than a hotel. It's about creating that warm and welcoming atmosphere where they can truly relax and enjoy their time with us." Those who have previously stayed at the bed and breakfast often comment on the hospitality of the staff at the property as well as the cleanliness of the home and the proximity to local attractions. One former guest said, “The owner was very accommodating. Beautiful rooms and a lovely breakfast with sweet little extra touches like water in the room and trains on our coffee cups. Got to hear about the local history as well, which was neat.” James hopes that those who come to the bed and breakfast can learn about the historical nature of the home and that they can enjoy staying in a renovated building. He says, "Preserving the historic nature of our property is a top priority for us. We've put in a lot of effort to restore and upgrade the building, ensuring that guests can experience a unique blend of history and comfort during their stay.”
With the intent to ensure a peaceful experience for all guests, Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast has implemented policies that prohibit smoking, candles, and pets on the premises. These policies were put in place to try and contribute to the preservation of the property's historic nature and provide a comfortable environment for patrons.
In terms of nearby dining options, James recommends several local establishments. Cruisers Cafe, owned by car enthusiasts, offers “big portions of home-cooked meals,” according to James. There are also Mexican and Chinese restaurants within a fairly short distance, providing guests with a variety of culinary choices. Additionally, those staying at the inn can find a number of chain restaurants in the area as well. When it comes to attractions, Big Hill Lake is a popular destination located four miles away. It offers various recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. Another nearby attraction is a zoo and park featuring a miniature train ride, a waterpark, and a bandshell for entertainment. In addition to activities in the vicinity, the property also hosts occasional events and activities, such as Christmas luncheons and women's group gatherings.
The bed and breakfast was originally built in 1911. Bertha Leatherock, a widow, envisioned a business venture that would support her, leading to the construction of the hotel. The current building replaced two previous hotels, the Brown Hotel and the Exchange Hotel, which were wooden structures that existed before the advent of electricity. Unlike its predecessors, the Cherryvale Bed and Breakfast was designed with modern amenities, thanks to Bertha's connection to her late husband's industrial background.
Throughout its history, the property has undergone renovations and upgrades to maintain its structural integrity. James Hogben and his friend purchased the property in 1998 and have since made multiple upgrades and renovations, including electrical and plumbing replacements, window replacements, and the restoration of the dining hall's tin ceilings. They have also repaired crack damage and worked to preserve the original features of the building. As for the future plans, the owners are currently working on finishing additional suites and restoring the walls in the dining hall. The aim is to continue improving the accommodations and preserve the historical aspects of the premises.
420 North Depot Street
Cherryvale, Kansas 67335
United States
Bed and Breakfast
James Hogben
Built by Bertha Leatherock
