![]() | ![]() | Although
they saw the abandoned and neglected house with overgrown weeds, faded
facade and deteriorated sidewalks, they also envisioned the potential for
opening a B&B. The Victorian character drew them to the project and
after a year of renovation, including replacing the foundation of the house,
the Clarks opened Holden House, named for the original owner and Colorado
Springs area pioneer, Isabel Holden. While they started with one building
and three guest rooms, they were eventually able to purchase the original
carriage house and Victorian house next door and converted all rooms into
suites. The result has been the opportunity to welcome guests for over
38 years. While it has not been without challenges including city council
zoning approval, construction loans, business insurance difficulties and
more, the Clarks were determined to make it a success. They can still remember
their first guests, a young Army couple on their honeymoon making their
way to a duty station in Arizona and also recall turning away potential
guests while awaiting B&B insurance approval for a new industry that
was little known at the time. “No one knew what a B&B was in 1986 and
we were forced to secure expensive hotel insurance,” said Welling Clark,
owner-innkeeper.
![]() When asked about the challenges over the years, there have been many. From the terrorist attacks on 9-11 to the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest wildfires, economic ups and downs, the proliferation of vacation rental properties and new hotels, the 2020 pandemic and more, a steady-as-you-go mentality has been the key to consistency. “What sets Holden House apart is our personal service, full gourmet breakfast, quality accommodations with all private baths and attention to detail. We have also been committed to a sustainable business plan and financial stability,” said Sallie. So what makes stay-ability in this time and personally intensive hospitality business still successful today? “It’s the continued involvement in the inn operations and maintenance, as well as recognizing when to hire staff to assist in the day-to-day operations,” says Welling. “We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing assistant innkeepers who work for us, as you can’t continue to work seven days a week on call 24 hours a day without taking the time to renew and refresh yourselves.” The Clarks and Holden House also give back to the community, from donations to local charities, to serving as neighborhood association leaders and on county and city boards, while also engaging in Colorado tourism efforts. In 1986, Sallie and Welling established the state’s first nonprofit bed and breakfast association, Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of Colorado, which markets and represents B&Bs across the state and they are still directly involved in the organization. “It’s been said that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and while it depends on what day you ask us, the love of sharing our home, the history of the area and introducing our guests to the many incredible sights of the Pikes Peak region makes it all worth it,” says Sallie. And, she remarks with a smile, “On to year 39!” About
Holden House
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