Main Street Inn, Parkville

May 2019
mainstreetinn
By Elizabeth Hey

Situated in historic Parkville, just 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Jason and Kathy Ayers, owners of Main Street Inn, were drawn to this river town’s tranquility. Boutiques, galleries and dining line Main Street, all in the shadow of the clocktower on neighboring Park University’s campus. Additionally, the trails of English Landing Park and the Parkville Nature Sanctuary caught their eye.

Extensive smoke damage caused by a fire at the house next door necessitated a total makeover.

MainStreet_entrance
Architects by profession, the Ayers met while working at a Kansas City firm. It’s no surprise that they have turned this 1885 Queen Anne mansion into a showstopper. Voted “Best Bed and Breakfast in the Northland” area of Kansas City for several years running, they have curated an eclectic mix of fresh design mingled with the past. Exposed walls showcase bricks handmade by students who once participated in Park University’s work-study program. Handcrafted art pieces sit side-by-side with vintage and modern furniture. The dining room boasts transitional chartreuse chairs and an aqua chalk-painted sideboard. Platters from Morocco and a leather couch cozy up to carefully selected Queen Anne pieces in the common area.

Upstairs the hallway displays the paintings of local artists, many from the Cathy Kline Art Gallery, which is located in the former train station depot. Each of the three upstairs bedrooms contain thoughtful amenities such as recessed headboard lighting and local, Zum organic toiletries. Outside, the wrap-around veranda invites relaxation. Guests can meet the Ayers’ adopted cat, Mr. Ray, but pets aren’t allowed upstairs.

MainStreet_Dining_Room
“The inn is a natural outlet for us to think about textures, colors and patterns. We’re about editing and what fits here,” says Jason, who taught furniture design at Park University.

In the mornings, homemade bread, made from seasonal ingredients, and French pressed coffee are delivered by tray service to each room. At 8:30 a.m. in the dining room, Kathy serves a fruit course and hot entrée, such as a savory egg dish or red velvet waffles.

“Guests can park their car and not get back into it until they’re heading home,” says Kathy. “They can walk downtown and to the park, dine at Café des Amis or opt for a wine tasting at Wines by Jennifer just down the street. That’s what we love about our town.”