Who among us hasn’t fantasized about opening up our own B&B?
Right now in Guelph there is an absolutely stunning bed and breakfast on the market. The Norfolk Guest House at 102 Eramosa Road is a grand two-and-a-half-storey home with eight bedrooms and eight baths.
Even its location is impressive, perched on a hilltop, overlooking downtown Guelph and the Basilica of Our Lady church. It has instant curb appeal, with a welcoming façade, striking red doors and generous parking tucked off to the side.
If a buyer wanted to buy this home as is, it would make a great investment. In a post-Covid world, Airbnbs and local travel are expected to experience exponential growth. The Norfolk Guest House offers everything you could want to fit the way people want to travel now: smaller spaces, more privacy, and a design that minimizes interactions.
Others would love the opportunity to be able to run a business from home. To do this, they might require a unique property that artfully blends private and public life.
Of course, this stunning residence would also make an ideal luxury family home, in the style of a grand estate or mansion.
The home is in a prime downtown location and has been featured in Decorating Ideas magazine.
It was recently rated the best place to stay in Guelph, scoring 9.4/10 on Hotels.com. It won an Award of Excellence from the City of Guelph in the small accommodations’ category. On Expedia, reviewers say that Guelph is a great city and that the Norfolk Guest House is the place to stay. It is also ranked high on Google and was voted top honeymoon lodgings.
Architecture and design buffs will love the intricate detailing and craftsmanship throughout. The exterior of the red brick home features arched windows, limestone, decorative quoins and gable roundels. The carefully manicured grounds and gardens are lovely and layered; thoughtful landscaping includes several distinct nooks for lounging and conversation—there’s even a koi pond on the property.
The entire home is rich with warmth and character. Inside you’ll find original hardwood floors, high baseboards and an ornate plaster ceiling that looks like the top of a wedding cake. The dream kitchen boasts professional-grade appliances, ambient lighting, a fantastic layout and lots of storage.
Because the Norfolk Guest House has been running as a successful and highly rated B&B, each bedroom is its own sanctuary. Rooms have private terraces, high ceilings, original plaster moulding, jacuzzi hydro massage tubs, heated floors and fireplaces.
With just under 7,000 sq ft of living space, there is ample room to run a business and have a generous family residence at once. The home offers a number of possible live/work scenarios and income opportunities for those who may be interested in running a business from home.
While 102 Eramosa Road could certainly be used for its intended purpose, it would also make an excellent mansion-style dwelling. It’s also a great candidate for multi-generational or multi-family living, lending itself perfectly to gatherings large and small.
The home was built in 1865 and belonged to James T. Brill. Brill was a businessman, a pig farmer and made fine soaps. Today, it’s a gracious home any buyer would be lucky to have.
View the listing for Norfolk Guest House here. For more information, contact listing agent Big John Leacock. The home is also co-listed in California with Guelph-born realtor Scott James.