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Jan/Feb 2015 • 33 J ust outside the city square of Salem sits a three-story Victorian home built in 1898, now home to the town's new B & B, Gladden House Bed and Breakfast. Chris and Jenny Bundy opened the house in June after spending several months redesigning it. "The frst thing we did was the kitch- en remodel. I'd wanted a new kitchen for a long time," Jenny said. "And then we turned the porch into a dining area." Chris said they also repainted the en- tire house and replaced the wood on the front staircase entrance. Other projects in- cluded bathroom remodeling, new foors and additional showers. Chris also said the couple spent a lot of time on the gardens. "They're important to the house. Peo- ple appreciate that as much as anything," he said. "Out on the patio it feels like the country, and it's a great place for lunches." The couple bought the home in 1978 and moved in when "'70s shag carpet and green and orange papers" still occupied the house, according to Chris. "You're supposed to act very cool when walking around with a Realtor, but I knew we had to have this house," Chris said. When Chris was growing up, he knew of the house as "Gladden House," which is how the bed and breakfast re- ceived its name. Chris and Jenny decided to open the B & B after they retired from teaching in 2012. "We had both talked a long time about how our house would be ideal for that," Jenny said. Chris said they love to go to B & Bs. "There are so many people from all over the country, and you get to hear about peo- ple's lives." Jenny fnished her teaching career at Salem Elementary School in special educa- tion. She also previously taught at Springs Valley and Paoli. Chris retired from Floyd Central High School after 15 years as the theater di- rector. He was succeeded by Robbie Stein- er, a former student teacher under Chris. "Robbie's our third son," Jenny said. Chris is also a member of the Wash- ington County Tourism Board and has writen several books on historic land- marks of Indiana, along with an autobiog- raphy, "Worms in the Apple — A Memoir of Life, Love, and Laughter." "We like being involved in the com- munity and sharing with people," Chris said. Although both enjoyed long teaching careers, Jenny said they wanted to be able to move on to other dreams, as well. Lef page: The Gladden House B&B.; This page, from Top: The Living Room at Gladden House B&B; Looking up at the main staircase from the hallway, you can see three fights of stairs; the back pato is a favorite for guests, and is even used for small weddings, luncheons, and other events.