Florence B and B s provide diversion from city life
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Randy and Judy Mills of Florence have established two bed and breakfast businesses to go along with Doyle Creek Land and Cattle Co. and Doyle Creek Mercantile.
Judy said she first became interested in the bed and breakfast business after attending an agri-tourism seminar in Great Bend.
She learned that most people in this country never see stars or the countryside, and city dwellers are willing to spend money to experience the solitude, sights, and sounds of the country.
Bunkhouse Bed and Breakfast
Bunkhouse Bed and Breakfast has been open for almost one and one-half years. It is located southeast of Florence at 2704 E. 110th St. on the grounds of the former Strait Ranch headquarters, the place where Frank Strait lived while at the ranch.
Clint and Sarah Cope live in the newly remodeled ranch house. Clint manages Doyle Creek Ranch and Sarah manages the Mills' bed and breakfast enterprises.
The stucco building which houses Bunkhouse B&B originally was built as a home for the ranch hand and his family. As a bed and breakfast, it accommodates 16 people comfortably.
The spruced-up interior features hardwood floors, barn red paneling, wooden window shutters, and kitchen cabinets in "Z" ranch style.
The ground floor includes a fully-furnished kitchen, dining and living area, bathroom, and three bedrooms.
The Auntie Em room is decorated femininely, the Jed room has male decor, and the fun Calamity Jane room has a single bed.
The upstairs is one big room containing three double beds. The barn-style ceiling hangs over walls that are painted barn red. Scatter rugs accent the hardwood floor. An east window gives a beautiful view of the rolling Flint Hills.
Sarah said several families from Wichita and other cities are regular guests at Bunkhouse B&B. They are intrigued by the stars filling the dark night sky and the sound of coyotes in the distance. Deer frequently are spotted in surrounding pastures.
Horses and cattle sometimes can be seen from the front porch, grazing on the rolling hills. No television is provided.
Bunkhouse B&B has no check-in or check-out time. The doors are left open when guests are expected, and they can stay as long as they like the next day.
The Bunkhouse doesn't feature a full breakfast, but Sarah provides homemade cinnamon rolls for the guests.
Sarah said guests sometimes bring coolers full of food to prepare their own meals. A homemade barbecue grill in the yard allows guests to cook outdoors if they so desire.
"We try to leave them alone," she said.
The Copes' sons, Adam, 14, and Jacob, 12, have a responsibility to keep the grass mowed. Daughter Danielle, 18, helps keep the guest house in tiptop shape. She will be a freshman this fall at Cloud County Community College in Concordia.
Hideaway Bed and Breakfast
Hideaway Bed and Breakfast is located above Doyle Creek Mercantile gift shop on Florence's main street.
The building formerly housed a hardware store, and the proprietor and his family lived in the upper apartment.
Redecorated with barn red walls and forest green accents, the apartment has modern furnishings including plush carpeting, overstuffed chairs, television, and a fully-furnished kitchen.
The bedroom and a hide-a-bed couch provide sleep accommodations for four people.
A wide wooden ramp takes guests from ground level to an upper landing at the entrance. The veranda offers an overview of Main Street and is furnished with deck chairs and an umbrella table.
A large, shady first-level porch provides another relaxing place to hang out on warm days or cool evenings.
The adjacent yard is attractively planted with various shrubs and decorated with various accent pieces.
Judy Mills said the bed and breakfasts provided a use for the many "accumulated treasures" that formerly were in storage.
"It (the bed and breakfast business) isn't our survival, but we enjoy it," she said.
For rate information, call Sarah Cope at 620-878-4294.
