"From the moment we approached the stately Housley
House, it was like we were escaping to another time. Now I
know an escape is only a phone call away! I highly
recommend The Housley House with its English
Garden and charming hosts."
-Jen & Brad, NW Ohio
National Registry of Historical PlacesHousley, R.A., House (added 1996 - Building #96000932)
Historic Significance: Architecture / Engineering Architectural Style: Italianate Area of Significance: Architecture Period of Significance: 1875-1899 Owner: Private Historic Function: Domestic Historic Sub-Function: Single Dwelling Current Function: Domestic Current Sub-Function: Single Dwelling |
The Gift of Life and Love
Don & Audrey Entenman Style
The Housley House & English Garden was built in 1883 by R.A. Housley, who was the first president of the Grand Rapids Banking Company. He built the home that is now listed on the National Registry for his second wife who was a southern belle from Savannah. It is of Italianate design that was very popular during the Victorian period.
After years of wear and tear with owners such as Fred Boulton and Richard Dyke, Don and Audrey Entenman felt the house had significant architectural value and should be restored and have life put back into it, just as they had with 9 other locations in Grand Rapids. So in 1987 Don and Audrey purchased the home and started restoration. The wallpaper of the 1800 era came from Europe. Special pieces and antiques were purchased by Don and Audrey while they traveled. The marble fireplace and mirror that accents it are the original pieces. After considerable research and a hunt for every piece, every fixture and giving loving a touch, in 1990 the beautiful home was finished and the life and spirit were returned to the structure.
In the backyard a Victorian garden, accented with brick paths and a sitting area, was created by the Entenmans. A collection of cast iron urns overflowing with flowers and vines, cast iron tables and benches and a variety of flowering shrubs and annuals are easy on the eyes. The centerpiece of the Victorian garden is the cast iron three-tiered fountain found while the Entenmans were on vacation. The Entenmans touched many lives in the Grand Rapids area and were truly visionary.
After spending years of love and enjoyment in the Housley House, Don and Audrey decided to simplify. They sold the home to Mr. Larry Dillin, CEO of Dillin Development. It was Mr. Dillin who believed in Teresa Marie and Don's vision of the Housley House becoming a Bed and Breakfast so everyone could see the effort and love that the Entenmans put into it.
Larry Dillin shared the same passion for the house as Don and Teresa Marie. Together they made The Housley House Bed and Breakfast, that overlooks the scenic Maumee River and Front Street of historical Grand Rapids Ohio a reality.
