About the Chelsea House Victorian Inn

 


Built 1881, Photo 1893
Innkeepers Jim and Kim Myles purchased the house, then a five unit rental property, in 1994. The home was originally built in 1881 for James Gorman, a lawyer and tobacconist who later became a state representative and finally state senator. The restoration process included the removal of many temporary walls, mini kitchens and the stripping of layers of wallpaper, paint, and vinyl flooring. Much of the original woodwork survived all of the transitions the house experienced since 1881 but was abused and therefore it was all stripped and refinished. Much of the restoration was done by owner Jim Myles, formerly a licensed builder and restoration contractor.


Photo 1994

Jim refinished much of the intricate interior and exterior detailing, door casings, fanwork, etching, and scrolling, all characteristics of the Queen Ann Victorian style home of the late 1800's. The two story open banister in the front foyer is of an East Lake Style and be sure you make note of the original door hinges and window locks. There was no detail overlooked in the homes of this era. It has been pointed out to us by our local lumber experts that the clear pine used was not unusual for its time. Sugar Pine forests were vast in Michigan in the 1800's. Now however, those forests have long since been depleted.


Today

Pictures of the restoration process are available for guests to look over. It is the love for these unique homes and their great testament to the artisans of the past that make the Chelsea House Victorian Inn such a special experience. Your Innkeepers feel a great responsibility to maintaining its beauty and place in the historic Chelsea community.

In a time when historical structures and picturesque downtowns are slowly disappearing, your interest and concern for these architectural gems provides the opportunity for future generations to experience them as well.

We are gratified and privileged to share this unique architecture of the past with our guests. Thank you for your interest and support!

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© 2003-2009 Chelsea House Victorian Inn. All rights reserved. For more information contact the innkeeper tollfree at 877-618-4935 or innkeeper@chelseahouseinn.com.