Auburn Magazine

PARK VICTORIAN
HOUSE ON THE HILL GETS NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Believed to date from the late
1800s, the house had fallen into
disrepair over the years. Through
decades of sales, resales and property
division, ownership was a tangled
web of parcel maps, easements and
other encumbrances, all of which
made it very difficult to repurpose the
property.
Sam Hales and Kelly Cunningham,
partners in a venture to turn the
old dowager into a boutique bed
and breakfast. As the partners move
toward a “soft opening,” the place is
abuzz with contractors, artisans and
crafts people. Some of the six guest
rooms are almost ready for guests;
in others, work remains. “Every
surface is new,” Hales said. It’s got
the character of an old Victorian, but
when you come inside, everything is
new.”
The partners foresee the Park
Victorian – named for its spot atop
Park Street – as the first phase of
development for the 6-acre parcel,
which also features a carriage house.
Ultimately, they’d like to build
separate cabins on the property.
The idea is to become a high-end
B&B and also a place that a group
could take over for a wedding, family
reunion or some other special event.
“You’ll be able to stay by the room,
or take the whole house,” Hales said.
With an eye toward authenticity and
high quality, Cunningham and Hales
are sweating every detail, large and
small. “Plumbing, electric – all new,”
Cunningham explained.
Left: The parlor with a view. Above: The grounds are in full bloom. Beautiful details like this vintage lion. A picture through vintage handmade window
glass. Photos by Jeremy Burke, Auburn Magazine