Siblings with shared dream are latest innkeepers at Old Town Guesthouse
Kim and Dave Wolinski pose in front of a
bookcase in the library/living room of the Old Town Guesthouse. The brother
and sister have owned and operated the 17-year-old bed and breakfast since last
June.
Westside Pioneer photo
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The two bought the historically styled, 17-year-old bed and breakfast at 115 S. 26th St. in Old Colorado City last June. Listed among the five top-rated Colorado B&Bs on the TripAdvisor travel website, it's available for single- or multiple- night stays year-round, they said.
Former owners Don and Shirley Wick sold the property because of a wish to relocate closer to family. They had bought the Guesthouse from original owners Kaye and David Caster in 2005, who had built it in 1997, mirroring the brick façade of the late-1800s Colorado City jail/city hall on the site that fire destroyed in 1990.
The three-story edifice features eight rooms, kitchen, dining room, living room and a 500-square foot lower level with modern video capabilities that can be leased for conferences, workshops and private gatherings (and there are also games for kids).
In an interview, Dave and Kim explained how it was that the Guesthouse worked out for them. For Dave, the main appeal was the bed and breakfast aspect, which gives him a chance to tap his hospitality industry experience and also to be
A recent shot of the Old Town Guesthouse, at
the northeast corner of 26th and Cucharras streets in Old Colorado City.
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Before they found the Guesthouse, both siblings had been like-minded about wanting an upscale facility for the public that they could call their own, agreeing that it should be in Colorado so they could stay close to their mom. They also knew that whatever place they decided on, running it would take a lot of work, so they'd need each other to share the load.
At one time they were looking at dude ranch possibilities, but Dave's chronically bad back made them think a little smaller. When they found the listing for the Guesthouse they agreed it had “just enough” of all the things they were looking for, as Dave put it. Plus, it didn't hurt that every room in the Guesthouse has a view of Pikes Peak.
The Wolinskis hail from Nebraska, where both graduated from the university at Lincoln, then went in different directions. Kim had lived in Denver and Longmont for the past 30 years. Dave's job had put him on the East Coast, including periods in Boston and Baltimore.
So how's the Guesthouse been working out? Dave and Kim were asked that question in a recent interview with CNTV. They agreed that operating a B&B tends not to be as romantic as people might think. However, Dave commented, “We have found people are very happy with their visits here, and we certainly enjoy doing everything we can to make people comfortable here.”
For more information, call 632-9019.
Westside Pioneer article
(Posted 2/28/15;
Business:
Changes)
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