Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt & Audrey Gorski
Matt & Audrey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We began our business, The Guest House Co, in 2012 which began with dinner out at Lewis & Clark restaurant one evening discussing dreams of someday hosting vacationing families and couples as a business when it hit us right then-why not right here in St Charles! We eagerly finished up dinner so we could drive around and look for our dream location before returning home to the kids. Within sight of the table we had just eaten dinner that evening just moments before, we almost immediately found a “For Lease” sign hanging in front of perfect home. Graciously, the previous owner Randy Schilling agreed to sell us the home, supported our idea along with the City of St Charles, and our first guest home, “The Old Town Guest House” began. Quickly we recognized the need, purchased another property to renovate and open two others-The Main Street Guest House and Riverfront Guest House. Over the years we have grown to now offer seven locations all within sight of cobblestone of South Main Street, including our newest and most luxurious property, we call “The Little Hills Guest House.” Though we feel lucky to get to operate this business we love, we owe all the thanks to God and his plan for us, as well as our family and friends that for whatever reason, always seem to be there to help us in our endeavors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have been fortunate with wonderful guests and support throughout our time here honestly and it has been a mostly great experience so far. . There are challenges always such juggling maintenance on old buildings, scheduling and rising costs of everything but as we experience more of life, we have learned not to take ourselves so seriously and know that all things seem to work out as they should. But as far as challenges, we would say the renovation to our Main Street and Riverfront Guest House, immediately following the opening of our first Old Town Guest House was definitely our most challenging time. Matt was still working a full time job and extremely busy at his previous employment. We were still in our first year opening the first house, and then added two major renovations in a downtown Historic District.. And making sure we do not lose sight of our most important thing-focusing on our children, which was four at that time and now five. This may have been a bit of an overload we would not recommend doing again. But honestly, after the literal dust settled from digging twelve foot trenches in the middle of Main Street, we realized that if we kept our focus in our Faith, worked hard and presented nice places to stay that all would work out eventually. And it has! And we love it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Guest House Co?
The Guest House Co is a luxury vacation short term vacation rental company now offering seven total locations in downtown Historic St. Charles Missouri on and around South Main Street. We offer luxurious, Historic guest houses with modern amenities focused on “Upscale but Not Uptight!” We do not use management companies or outsource. When you have questions or need help, you will speak to either of us and not someone that is outsourced or unfamiliar. We are as family owned as it gets!
We feel specialized in that all of our homes have been remodeled and designed 100% for the vacationing guest with hot tubs, fireplaces, soaking tubs, two-person showers, etc. As opposed to some other rentals that attempt to offer homes they are living in while also trying to offer to travelers and make that work. Our homes exist only for the purpose to offer as a short term stay. Our guests get the entire home, not just a room, with privacy always at the forefront.
We are probably most proud of our reviews. There are a lot of great things we love about our remodels, but hearing from our guests that they were able to make memories with their loved ones is the best!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
We have learned many things, mainly just what being a business owner means for us. We have always hated the phrase, “It’s Not Personal, It’s Business” and try to turn that around to say, “It’s always Personal, not just business!” We have been fortunate to host couples getting married, families meeting their Grandbabies for the first time, reunions of old school mates, reflections of memories after a loved one’s loss, and so many experiences that have taught us that whatever work you are doing can be a positive opportunity to make others happy and create wonderful memories.
Pricing:
- Please see our website at www.theguesthouseco.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theguesthouseco.com
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