Jan/Feb 2015 • 34
"The point is opening the house to
share it with people," Chris said. "We
both have a love for other people and
want them to enjoy it, as well."
Some people have stayed to research
family history, while others simply visit
for a weekend away. Chris and Jenny
also hosted the family from whom they
bought the house.
"They grew up in the house as
children. There were fve girls and one
boy and the brother loved it," Chris said.
The brother, who recently died,
had wanted to be buried in Salem, so
three of the sisters joined one who lives
in the area.
"It was a wonderful day and a sad
day, reliving so many great memories,"
Jenny said. "The girls actually said they
wanted to come every year. It was very
much like having family here."
Gladden House provides a full
breakfast and spacious rooms for guests,
along with a place for events such as baby
showers, weddings and teas.
Jenny said business was good in
June and a litle slow in July, but she ex-
pected things to pick up with fall event
season.
Chris said they always have recom-
mendations ready for places to visit while
staying at the B & B, including the John
Hay Center Museum Complex, Beck's
Mill, French Lick, Spring Mill State Park
and Scotsburg's Delaney Park.
Overall, the couple's goals are just to
see more and more events happen at their
home ranging from wedding brunches to
sorority teas.
"We have the most beautiful seting
for small weddings and we do the food,
cake, all details or as much as they want…
fowers, decorations," Chris said. "We
tent the backyard."
Jenny said they could also do birth-
day dinners, luncheons and provide a
meeting space for small groups. Chris
would also like to ofer cooking classes
one day.
"People that usually stay at a B & B
like the home feel and the more person-
alized feel," Chris said. "The best part is
listening to people's stories."•
For more information on Chris and Jenny's
Gladden House Bed and Breakfast, log on to
their website at gladdenhousebandb.com
'The best part is listening
to people's stories.'
Photos (clockwise from top): Chris and Jenny, in front of the Gladden B&B;
Memorabilia from Chris's teaching career and days as Floyd Central theater
director; the library, flled with antque fnds, including at least one item datng
back to the 1600's; the back staircase, formerly a servant's staircase, now home
to photos of Chris's family history on one side and Jenny's on the other.