Location is a defining factor of any well-established hospitality property. While some successful properties can be found in far reaching corners of the world and, thus, function as a destination in and of themselves, other markets allow the natural draw of a diversity of activities and attractions to do the work for them. This special Elsah Illinois bed and breakfast for sale fits the latter model clearly and awaits new owners to capitalize on multiple guest profiles that this market draws in droves.
Highlights of this Midwest Bed and Breakfast within walking distance of Principia College include:
- 5 guestrooms with ensuite baths (former 6th guestroom with private ensuite bath currently used as a gift shop / antique room)
- .9 +/- acre lot (200′ x 200′)
- Spacious and separate 2 bedroom 2.5 bath owner’s home built in 1986 and Main Inn built in 1992
- Exceptional, separate but adjacent owner’s home with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, office, library, kitchen and living room
- Located within the first village in its entirety to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973
First off, its important to note that Elsah is not a typical historic market. This charming village was, in fact, the first to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places in its entirety. While most of the homes in the village are privately owned, annual house tours and other events allow visitors to experience the gems within this village. Standouts include Farley’s Music Hall, a circa 1885 Music Hall that has long been a gathering place within the community, the Village of Elsah Museum located in the circa 1887 Village Hall, the circa 1857 Civic Center a former schoolhouse and cultural center, and beyond.
Green Tree Inn is well situated within the middle of Elsah and enjoys views of the historic properties that define the village. A benefit of ownership of this property is that both the Main Inn and adjacent owner’s home were built within the last 40 years. While these buildings are newer construction, the previous owners were sensitive to the historic context of the property and both properties are well situated within the community.
The Inn sits on three adjacent parcels which include the owner’s home, separate garage (with loft storage space for possible conversion or alternate use), and the Main Inn with its kitchen, gift shop and attached public bath (formerly a first floor, income producing guest room) and the main common space and breakfast area. A second floor screened in porch provides an ideal location for guests in the warmer months. Just beyond the Inn’s parking lot are three parcels with a newly constructed gazebo and small historic utility shed. Current owners envisioned this space for intimate weddings and family gatherings which could easily be packaged given the available facilities within the market. There are several areas outside of the Inn for guests’ enjoyment, including mature gardens and a labyrinth. Elsah is a community with a direct connection to nature which has been enhanced in recent years by the development of walking trails within the village to support the lifestyle of residents and promote tourism.
Very few Inns offer ample space for owner’s personal use making the 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath owner’s residence a particularly attractive feature of this offering. This space includes a large open plan living space and kitchen, a sun porch, and office on the first floor. The second floor includes the two bedrooms with attached baths and a library room.
Elsah is home to Principia College, a liberal arts college founded in 1912 with Christian Science at its core. The college is well endowed and hosts countless distinguished speakers and prominent figures, including Barack Obama, Colin Powell, George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou, Elie Wiesel, Robert Duvall, and countless others. Green Tree Inn is within a mile of the Principia College campus and is the closest lodging option within the market and the only quality choice for accommodation for a great distance.
There are myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the ever-changing landscape on the Mississippi River that connects Alton, Illinois, to the ever expanding seasonal destination of Grafton, Illinois, with its zipline, waterpark, horseback riding, ice skating, golf course, and burgeoning winery scene. Pere Marquette State Park (and its historic lodge and conference center) is located just beyond Grafton and offers 8,050-acres of protected landscape and offers breathtaking views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. Pere Marquette Lodge is another draw.
Already, Elsah and the Green Tree Inn offer a striking combination of features to draw different guest profiles. Add to this market, the proximity to St. Louis, which sits just over the Mississippi River and is within a 35-minute drive of the Inn, and you have all the required elements to support a thriving hospitality business in the short and long term. An added feature is the strong support of a tourism committee and progressive board that is actively promoting and supporting business ventures in this market.
The B&B Team is pleased to offer this Elsah Illinois bed and breakfast and events venue for sale at $675,000.00.
Contact Eben Viens of The B&B Team, Inn Partners LLC for details: 877-957-2360.
Illinois Broker of Record: Jill Bailey / Bailey Real Estate.
