STAYING INN

Need a place to get away for a night, or a weekend?

The Bedford Inn is now open and rooms, floors or even the entire house is available to rent for parties, reunions, weddings or just a quiet night away.

Everyone is invited to attend the grand opening for the Bedford Inn, owned by Don and Cindy Cox –– managed by Cassie Spencer –– from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, at 607 Jefferson Street in Bedford.

Those attending will be treated to house tours, wine tasting, an assortment of cheeses and desserts, chair massages and a number of door prizes, including gift certificates for a free night's stay in the Bedford Inn.

Patty Judge, Lt. Governor of Iowa, along with officials from the Iowa Department of Economic Development/Tourism Division will spend the night at the Bedford in on Thursday, July 16. They are promoting "Iowa Stay-Cay" vacations at the many attractions in Iowa.

The Bedford Inn was built around 1895 by William Crum, an esteemed attorney and president of the Bedford National Bank. At the same time, just across town, Crum's  competitor, Frank Dunning, was building a home as well. Not only was Dunning trying to outdo Crum in building his own massive home, he was also president of the bank that competed with the Bedford National Bank.

Through the years, the Bedford Inn went through a number of changes. It was used as a boarding house for quite some time, after which it was converted into an apartment house.
Don Cox's parents bought the house in 1974 and made renovations to restore it to a one-family home.

In August 2002, Don and Cindy Cox purchased the house and began complete renovations while they lived there. Local contractors and craftsmen were used as much as possible in the renovation process –– even down to the hand painted china in the hutch created by Louise Dukes.

As the construction was completed and it was time to fill the home with furnishings, local antique and furniture shops were visited by Don and Cindy. Even the hanging flower baskets around the front porch were provided by Wild by Nature, a local flower shop. In June 2008, the Cox family moved to a farm on the outskirts of Bedford and put the house on the market. Although people showed interest, the house wasn't selling.

"When the motel in town closed, we decided Bedford needed somewhere for people to stay," Cindy Cox said. "We thought about a bed and breakfast, but decided to open an inn and offer a coupon for breakfast at the Junction Cafe here in town instead."

The Bedford Inn offers a variety of rooms for customers. Jake's Room, The Fireside Room and the Jacuzzi Suite are all on the second floor.

Jake's Room sleeps one or two people. The Fireside Room also sleeps one or two people, but a bit of elegance is added to the room with the warm crackle of a fireplace. The Jacuzzi Suite sleeps two to four people and offers a fireplace, an in-floor jacuzzi and a sun room –– perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.

The third floor offers a Family Suite –– the perfect solution to a family vacation –– with two bedrooms, a living area and a sun room. The Library Room, which sleeps one or two people, is on the first floor of the house. The Bedford Inn offers an eight-man outdoor hot tub, a kitchenette on the second floor and a full kitchen on the first floor.

Cassie Spencer, who is the caretaker of the Bedford Inn, said people can choose from renting a room, an entire floor or the whole house –– whatever will meet their needs.

"Don and Cindy restored the entire house in honor of Don's parents who used to own it," Spencer said. "They redid all the woodwork, the brass fixtures, floors, walls and everything."

Spencer said she is absolutely positive Cox's idea of opening an Inn is a fresh idea and will be welcomed to the community.

"Bedford doesn't have a lot of lodging," she said. "For people who are coming to visit their family, this is a great idea. I am thrilled to be managing the Bedford Inn. Don and Cindy are wonderful to work for."

For more information, pricing and reservations at the Bedford Inn, call Spencer at (712) 523-3551 or (712) 621-4346.