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Country home away from home opens Friday

Unruhs realize dream of their own 'bed and breakfast' in the countryside

Staff writer

The desire to own and operate a bed and breakfast has been a dream of Lynn Unruh's for a long time.

That dream will become a reality Friday when Lynn and Charlie Unruh open their bed and breakfast facility to their first official guests.

Not a typical bed and breakfast, the Unruhs' new venture will give guests their own house where they can enjoy their stay in private.

Known as NorthShore GuestHouse, the secluded getaway is located at 1473 240th, near the north shore of Marion Reservoir. The guest house is located up the road from the Unruhs' home.

"People can have their privacy, but if they need something we're nearby," Lynn said. "We're like the friendly neighbor next door."

Although the Unruhs purchased the home in 1999 from Fred and Mary Hayes, Lynn and Charlie began working on the project in earnest in January.

Before then, Lynn and her children lived in the home for several years rather than combining their families after the couple married.

"During that time I did a lot of work to the house," Lynn said. "We did a lot of cosmetic remodeling."

Most of the changes involved painting and updating rooms. But there were other more substantial changes, including installing a glass door from the inside dining area which provides direct access to a large deck.

The house has three bedrooms with bed space to accommodate six guests. Two additional individuals can be accommodated on cots with sleeping bags. A laundry area is available and a fully equipped kitchen allows guests the opportunity to make themselves at home, if so desired.

"I can leave a continental breakfast or have supplies so they can make breakfast on their own," Lynn said. "I want to be aware of what my guests want."

Outside, there is space in the backyard to set up three small or two large tents. Space also is available to park an RV in the driveway. RV owners could not dump there, but facilities are available at the reservoir.

With the close proximity to the reservoir, the guest house is a secluded retreat in the heart of nature. Visitors can watch birds, star gaze, take hikes, go bicycling, enjoy the reservoir, and hunt.

"There's a few hundred acres of public hunting within walking distance," Charlie said.

For hunters, a dog house — complete with run — is located in the backyard.

Although they plan to entice hunters, the Unruhs have targeted three specific markets: local people living in town who want to spend a night in the country; people who come to visit Marion County residents or attend events like

Art in the Park; or as a romantic getaway for honeymooners or others looking for a secluded, peaceful getaway.

"We're catering to family reunions. Families with kids. People coming from out of state. People traveling by motorcycle (the Unruhs are motorcyclists). People who want to see the sunset and people who miss the farm," Lynn said.

Within the past few weeks, Lynn has become involved in the grassroots movement to create agritourism in Marion and surrounding areas. She and Charlie are hoping to create partnerships with other rural-based businesses to offer guests more opportunities during their stay.

"We're looking into offering some package deals so people can go somewhere and go horseback riding or maybe tour a ranch," Charlie explained.

The Unruhs have made plans to join the Kansas Bed and Breakfast Association, although they cannot become members until the facility is "up and running," Lynn said.

While the first "official" guests are coming Friday, NorthShore GuestHouse saw its first "unofficial" guests this past Friday. The couple also would like the public to see their new venture and are planning an open house Nov. 21.

For more information, call (620) 947-3581, toll free at (877) 826-8728, or visit the website at northshore-guesthouse.com.

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