Jeremy and Heather Cummins have brought new life to what was once known as the “Bud Hull” house, most recently owned by Charlie and Beth McCool. The Cummins purchased the home, made some renovations based upon the history of the home, and have officially reopened the home as The Mason on St. Charles Bed and Breakfast. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, April 14, and many supporters were on hand to tour the new bed and breakfast.
Over the years, the Hull house has changed hands multiple times. Ironically, the Cummins aren’t the first owners to utilize the gorgeous structure located east of town as a bed and breakfast. Byra Hall and Patience Rall operated the home as a bed and breakfast about four decades ago. At one time, the home was utilized as a boarding house; then, it became an apartment building. When the McCools owned the home, it was included on the DAR Tour of Homes.
The Cummins framed their restoration of the home on the rich history of its past owners. Bill and Danze Strong “rescued (the home) from reunous state in the early fifties,” and Jeremy and Heather have dedicated a suite to them. The Strong Suite was originally the room of Mary Ann, the Strong’s daughter. Past owners Billy and Brenda Harrington added a deck to the home; Patience Rall would later refinish this as a studio apartment. Charlie and Beth McCool would add a separate carport and walkway when they purchased the property.
The Cummins have named suites after the McCools, the Harringtons, and the Hulls. The rooms are a mixture of modern comfort with characteristics of the past, too. The rooms offer a flat screen television, free WiFi, and a stay at The Mason on St. Charles includes continental breakfast. Mayor Will Hill stated that the Mason was fully booked for its grand opening weekend.
