by ELIZABETH HEY
When Missouri’s wine country beckons, the DeBourge Guesthouse offers charming rooms and a central location.

The 1928 Craftsman-style home is a few short blocks from Washington’s downtown. Settled in the 1700s, Washington is nestled along the Missouri River between Hermann and Augusta. Picturesque German architecture, primarily of red brick, have led to the designation of more than 500 buildings on the National Historic Register in this area.

Bridgette and David Kelch bought the bed and breakfast in 2014. Converted from a private residence in 2000, the home’s original occupants worked at the local shoe factory just down the street. The factory was operational from 1907 to 1960.

Born and raised in Washington, Bridgette works as executive director for Downtown Washington Inc., a non-profit promoting economic development of Washington’s historic district. Bridgette helped pilot one of Missouri’s first Main Street programs, aimed at preserving the vitality and beauty of historic downtowns across the state and nation. David works for Drury Hotels. Between the two of them, they offer a wealth of knowledge about hospitality and the town.

“I like to help guests figure out where they’d like to eat and shop,” says Bridgette. “We’re in a great spot for exploring the wineries of Hermann and Augusta, too.”

The home features five bedrooms and four bathrooms, a dining room that seats 10, kitchen and living room. Guests can enjoy the front porch or back patio for outside gatherings. In the mornings, an enhanced continental breakfast is served in the dining room.

The Kelch’s collect the work of well-known local artist Gary Lucy who exhibits in his downtown gallery. Reproductions of Lucy’s oil paintings that feature historic steamboats hang in each room. It’s a nod to the area’s history when numerous steamboats stopped at Washington as they traveled along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Guests can book the entire house, which sleeps up to ten.

“If they do, the group has access to the fifth bedroom and the entire kitchen, right down to the spices,” says Bridgette.

Washington’s many events include the Main Street BBQ & Bluesfest and Vintage Market, featuring 50 competition barbecue teams April 15-17. The 35th Downtown Washington Fine Art Fair & Winefest takes place May 20-22 with live music, wine tastings and pairings.