The City of Santa Clara embraced the idea of conversion from a single family home into a Bed and Breakfast Inn, although the process of obtaining permits and approvals was laborious. The Madison Street Inn opened in summer of 1986 and is now a comfortable, well- run, cozy Bed and Breakfast Inn, with charming rooms and a large, lovely garden.

The physical aspect of the restoration of the Inn was toiling and included the addition of 5 bathrooms and a large restaurant coded
kitchen, but the real work of Innkeeping finally allowed Ralph and I to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It has been 26 delightful years of hosting our guests and we hope to continue for many more.

To enhance our entertaining skills, Ralph and I attended cooking classes, sorted through cookbooks and cut recipes from magazines and food articles to evolve our own eclectic style of cooking along the way. Many thanks to favorite chefs – Betty Crocker to Alice Waters to name a few!

Ralph has continued his teaching career and his contributions to education have been enriched by his contact with guests from all over the world. I have been fortunate enough to work in the warm ambiance of the bed and breakfast inn, while raising our only son, Donnan, who is now 21 years old.

Ralph and I both enjoy many hobbies. Ralph likes to go skiing, or take a century bike ride, but he is happiest when redesigning and working in the lush gardens of the Inn.

I love to read and hike when time allows, although receiving guests, baking my famous chocolate chip cookies and redecorating rooms keeps me quite busy.

I’ve developed a passion for creating mosaic furniture, which I showcase in our garden. One of the most satisfying things we have done over the years is to compile a cookbook of favorite recipes called “INNtertaining” (which can be purchased at the Inn).

Over a quarter of a century later (where does the time go?), we have learned that Innkeeping is not about the house, the food, or the perfectly decorated rooms (with the latest big screen TV). It’s all about the wonderful, smart and interesting people who come as guests and leave as friends. We feel blessed to have developed many life friendships with those of you who have stayed with us. We will continue to make your stay special and hope to enrich your life, as our guests have enriched ours over the years.

For the latest news and information about the Inn happenings, visit our blog.