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Business Beat: Sheridan House Inn not just a tourist destination
Bed and Breakfast new owners encourage Williams 'stay-cation' guests

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br>
Sheridan House Inn owners Nick and Claire Kirby stand in the renovated living room.

Ryan Williams/WGCN<br> Sheridan House Inn owners Nick and Claire Kirby stand in the renovated living room.

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - What makes a couple of Brits from Lincolnshire decide to move across the Atlantic to open a bed and breakfast? The lure of Williams, Ariz., of course.

The first time Nick and Claire Kirby set foot in Williams was just last year. Nick Kirby said he and Claire fell in love with the town. On a previous trip, the two had been to the Grand Canyon as part of a motorcycle trip around the southwest.

The Kirbys hoped to find a way to make a living working together as a team. While on their bike trip, they stayed at a bed and breakfast in California and realized owning an inn might just be the career and lifestyle change they were looking for.

"We thought what a nice thing to do for people," Kirby said.

Upon their return to the UK, they found a listing for the Sheridan House on the Internet. They immediately contacted local realtor Brian James.

"We didn't know he was British until we contacted him," Kirby said. "And then we arranged to come and have a look at it and stay here."

Once the two experienced Williams first hand, the decision to relocate was an easy one.

"We just loved it," Kirby said. "It's such a nice town. And, now that we're here, the people are so nice. Everything about it really. Apart from the snow! It makes it look nice. It's not that bad really."

After arriving towards the end of the summer on a permanent basis, the Kirby's began extensive renovations including re-flooring the main living area, remodeling two bedrooms and bathrooms, updating window treatments, repainting interior walls and removing walls to create a more spacious feel.

The Inn is now officially open for business.

The Kirby's are currently offering a special gift for guests staying at the Inn for two or more nights between now and the end of February. Upon arrival, guests will receive a local dining voucher and a complimentary bottle of champagne.

Those looking for a "stay-cation" are encouraged to call the Sheridan House Inn for a special offer available to Williams residents.

Kirby said he is passionate about traditional English sausages (a.k.a. bangers) and, in particular, his native Lincolnshire variety.

"So, it's not surprising that sausages often feature on our breakfast menus. All are homemade and we make everything from Lincolnshire to Chorizo," Kirby said. "And, if you prefer vegetarian, don't worry, our homemade veggie breakfast sausage patty is a great alternative."

Along with the sausages, breakfasts often include freshly squeezed orange juice or a banana honey smoothie, homemade granola served with yogurt and fresh fruit and three cheese and chive soufflé omelettes. Need more? To finish up, a delicious homemade bakery basket filled with daily goodies such as gingerbread or rocky road muffins is also on offer.

For more information, call (928) 635-8991 or (928) 814.2809. Visit the Sheridan House Inn online at www.grandcanyonbedandbreakfast.com.


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